Covid -19 Basic Life Support Interim Training

Health Care Provider Level CPR “AKA” Basic Life Support Provider BLS

Over the years of helping students get the training they need for the employment they require, we have had countless questions on whether or not someone needs the Health Care Provider level CPR also known as Basic Life Support Provider or the general public version of CPR. We understand the confusion as many societies offer their own version of the HCP Health Care Provider CPR course. The final decision on what course a student needs is what their governing society accepts.

But what about Covid – 19?

• How do we do our CPR class with social distancing?
• How can we still keep up to date on life saving techniques but not infect patients?
• What options do I have to keep certified or even recertify during the “Covid-19 Pandemic”?

We have had many students contact us as the Covid-19 Pandemic was breaking out across the world with their concerns. Fear, sadness, and uncertainty are common in this new world where “Self Isolation, Distancing, Disease and Death” loom at every turn.

We want to help our students and those around the world. Saving Grace Medical is a Family based business that has been in operation sense 2011, helping Health Care Professionals and General Public get the life saving training they need to both match Occupational Health & Safety Regulations for their workplace. We know the fear and anxiety that you may be faced with by going back to work, the fear that has been perpetuated by social media and some of the false news that may have sparked panic.

To help, we wanted to offer the newly accredited “Covid – 19 Pandemic Basic Life Support Interim Class” which will help you get through this tough time and still get the certification you need for employment within the Health Care System.

Basic Life Support Provider Interim Training

This 2 part course helps health care professionals in a simple way, by splitting the Basic Life Support Provider CPR&AED course into two pieces “Online Cognitive Learning” & “In Class Skill Assessments” we can avoid the risk of Covid-19 spreading by having our students attend a fully “Online Learning Lecture + Conference”. Then once the Pandemic is concluded the “In Class Skill Assessments” will be scheduled with the new regulations on hygiene, hand washing and social distancing to maximize safety for our students and staff alike.

For more information please feel free to contact us at www.savinggracemedical.com

Our Basic Life Support Interim Program is run through our Edmonton Location with many time slots to chose from. As Alberta Health Services also recommends that due to liability, if your BLS CPR or Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider certificate expires you should not be allowed to work until it is reactivated. For this reason Saving Grace Medical has extended our BLS program course dates as of this year to “Monday Through Saturday” and even on Sundays upon request for groups. There will be more Basic Life Support Provider CPR/AED Level C courses available for our students.

Getting you the course you need, when you need it! We hope this has helped clear some information on standards set forward by Alberta Health Services.

We look forward to seeing you!

We never know what can happen, its always good to be prepared and have the knowledge we need to help those who need it.

“This material is for information purposes only and is taken from The Canadian Red Cross / Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation & Alberta Health Services. This information should not be used in place of medical, Technical advice, instructor, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your local Physician or Safety Training Facility.”

Just Remember:

Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today & Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd.

Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome”

What is SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome?

– SIDS “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” is defined as a sudden unexplained death before 1 year of age. The death usually occurs in a previously healthy infant, and the cause of death remains unexplained despite a thorough investigation , including a complete autopsy, death scene investigation, and review of the clinical history.

What causes SIDS?

Unfortunately “Doctors do not know what causes SIDS”. It seems to happen more often in premature and low-birth-weight babies however. It also is seen more often in babies who’s mothers didn’t get medical care during the pregnancy and in babies who’s mothers smoke. SIDS may also be more likely in babies who were part of a multiple pregnancy “twins for example” or who’s mothers are younger than 20.

SIDS has also been associated with a sleep period but is unpredictable. It is often referred to as a “diagnosis of exclusion” because it is determined only after ruling out other causes of death, including suffocation, infection, or other illnesses.

SIDS is also “not” the cause of every sudden infant death. Each year in North America thousands of infants tragically die suddenly of no immediate or obvious cause. These deaths are classified as SUID.

SUID “Sudden Unexplained Infant Death” includes all unexpected deaths. These deaths without a clear cause, such as SIDS, and those from a known cause, such as accidental suffocation. Many unexpected infant deaths are accidents, but a disease or another external factor, such as poisoning or neglect, can also cause an infant to die unexpectedly. One-half of SUID cases are SIDS.

“Sleep-Related causes of infant death” – These deaths are not SIDS – These causes are linked to how or where a baby sleeps or slept, accidental suffocation, entrapment “trapped between two objects ie: Mattress / Wall” , strangulation or when something presses on or wraps around the baby’s neck blocking the baby’s airway.

Risk Factors:

Age: “Birth 0 – 6 Months”

SIDS has “NO” symptoms or warning signs, babies who die from SIDS seem healthy before being put to bed, they will show “NO” signs of struggle and are often found in the same position as when they were placed in bed.

While the cause of SIDS is unknown, many physicians and researchers believe that SIDS is associated with problems in the ability of the Baby to arouse from sleep, to detect low levels of Oxygen or a build-up of carbon dioxide in the blood. When babies sleep face down, they may re-breathe exhaled carbon dioxide. Normally, rising carbon dioxide levels activates nerve cells in the brainstem, which stimulate the brain’s respiratory and arousal centers “Provoking a movement response to clear the airway”, a Baby will “wake up” turn its head and breath faster to get more oxygen. SIDS may cause the baby to fail to wake.

• Babies who sleep on their stomach or their sides rather than their back.
• Overheating while sleeping “Febrile Seizures, Coma, Death”
• Too soft a sleeping surface, with fluffy blankets or toys.
• Smoking During Pregnancy “Smoking During pregnancy increases the likelihood of SIDS by three times” This also includes “Tobacco , Marijuana or Illicit Drugs”
• Exposure to passive smoke “Second Hand Smoke” This also doubles the chances for SIDS
• Young mothers under 20
• Babies born to mothers who had little, late or no prenatal care
• Premature or low birth weight babies
• Hereditary factors like siblings who have died of SIDS
• Co-Sleeping or Sharing the same sleeping surface “such as a bed” with an individual other than a parent or sharing the same sleeping bed with an individual who is overly tired, under the influence of alcohol / drugs or overweight.
• The infant has underlying birth defects “ie: brainstem” that make the baby unable to respond to low oxygen or high carbon dioxide blood levels.

Diagnosis

A physician will name SIDS as the cause of death “only” when no other cause is found. To find out why a baby died, medical experts will review the baby’s and parents medical histories, study the area where the baby died and combine an in depth medical exam “autopsy” to find the true cause. If no cause can be determined it will be declared as SIDS / SUDS.

Prevention

Medical professionals have linked many preventative techniques in reducing the risk of SIDS / SUDS. For more information or details on how you can reduce the risk for your baby please consult your local Paediatrician.

The most important thing you can do is to “Always place your baby to sleep on his or her back” rather than on the stomach or side.

• Don’t smoke while you are pregnant, and don’t expose your baby to second hand smoke after your baby is born.
• For the first 6 months have your baby sleep in a crop, cradle, or bassinet in the same room where you sleep. It is a safer sleeping arrangement than sharing a bed. Many families choose to “Co-Sleep or Bed-hare” or find that they end up bed-haring even if they do not plan to do so. Bed-shaing should be discussed with your paediatrician.
• Reduce your use of alcohol or recreational medications such as drugs. If you smoke or have used alcohol, drugs, or medications that can alter your sleep pattern “Sedatives” bed-sharing is especially risky and should be avoided.
• Never sleep with a baby on a couch or armchair, and it is “not safe” to place your baby on a couch to sleep. The safest place for a baby is in a crib, cradle, or bassinet that meets safety standards and has a firm mattress.
• – Car Seats – Some babies fall asleep while travelling in a car seat. Keep an eye on a baby sleep in in a car and take your baby out of the car seat frequently during long trips and when you reach your destination. Babies should “not” be left to sleep in a car seat, stroller, baby swing, sling or bouncer seat because their airway may become restricted.
• “Toys / Accessories” Keep soft items and loose bedding out of the crib. Items such as blankets, stuffed animals, toys or pillows could suffocate or trap your baby. Dress your baby in sleepers instead of using blankets or provide a small enough blanket that can easily be kicked off.
• “Crib” Make sure the crib mattress is “Firm not soft” with a fitted sheet. Do “not” use bumper pads or other products that attach to crib slats or sides. They could suffocate your baby.
• Keep the room temperature comfortable so that your baby can sleep in lightweight clothing without a blanket if need be. To gage this, the temperature is about right if an adult can wear a long sleeved T-shirt and pants without feeling cold. Your baby is likely too hot if they sweat or toss and turn a lot.
• Breastfeed your baby if possible – Breastfed babies have a lower chance of SIDS / SUDS.
• Consider giving your baby a pacifier at nap time and bedtime. Experts do not know why, though babies who bottle feed to sleep or use a pacifier are at lower risk for SIDS.

– NOTE –

There is no sure way to prevent SIDS, and no test can predict weather a baby is likely to die of SIDS. “Do not” rely on breathing “apnea” monitors, special mattresses, or other devices marketed as a way to reduce your baby’s risk for SIDS. “NONE” of these items have been proved to lower the risk of SIDS and the Public Health Agency of Canada and other experts “do not” advise their use.

Remember SIDS is rare. Be as safe as you can, but don’t let fear keep you from enjoying your baby.

If you have a caregiver or baby sitter, ensure they know all the steps to protecting the child from sudden events that could harm them.

– Above all else – If your Baby tragically is lost to SIDS “You are NOT to blame”

• Do not hesitate to seek emotional support or grief counseling, join a support group or even rely on family to help support you through this tragic loss. For a list of local Emotional and Mental Health links contact “211” in Alberta for a free access to the Mental Health Link.

If your have worries or wish to speak with a medical practitioner about concerns call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about SIDS or any of the information in this handout.

This information was taken From Health Link British Columbia SIDS Information slip, American Paediatric Society, US Department of Health & Human Services, Infant Death Investigation Foundation, Stollery Children’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital.

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace

COPD “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease”

What is COPD “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

– Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease “COPD” is a common, “lung” disease that is characterized by persistent airway and/or alveolar abnormalities leading to a limitation of airflow caused by a significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. The “Chronic” airflow limitation is caused by a mixture of respiratory diseases “e.g: Obstructive Bronchiolitis, emphysema…”

What causes COPD?

Around the world, the most common risk factor that increases your chance of contracting COPD is “Tobacco Smoking”. Other risk factors that are now clinically proven to be linked to COPD are associated with exposure to airborne particulates such as “pipe smoking, cigar, water pipe / bong, marijuana smoking, airborne exposure to smoke…etc” Non smokers may also develop COPD due to a continual long-term exposure to noxious gases & particles, combined with a variety of factors like genetics, airway hyper-responsiveness and poor lung growth during childhood.

Risk Factors also include:

Etiology “the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation”

• Smoking
• Inhaling Pollutants “Indoor / Outdoor”
• Occupational Exposures “Biomass Fuel / Natural Gas / Particulate Dust”
• Genetic factors “Hereditary deficiency of alpha-1 antitypic AATD”

Pathobiology “The branch of biology that deals with pathology”

• Impaired Lung Grown “Growth Disorder / Disease”
• Accelerated Decline in lung tissue “Disease”
• Lung Injury
• Lung & Systemic Inflammation “Disease”
• Chronic Bronchitis
• Asthma & Airway Hyper-Reactivity

Infections

Pathology “the science of the causes and effects of diseases”

• Small Airway disorders or abnormalities “Disease / Disorder”

Diagnosis

COPD should be considered by all medical practitioners for a patient who is expressing dyspnea “difficult or labored breathing”, chronic cough or sputum production, and/or history of exposure to risk factors as mentioned above. Other factors to consider include recurrent lower respiratory tract infections, family members with diagnosed COPD and a history of risk factors as mentioned. A detailed medical history must be gone through with the patient and “Spirometry” should be tested to ensure a proper diagnosis. “Please consult your local physician for more information”

Differential Diagnosis “differentiating between two or more conditions”

Asthma verses COPD, a major differential diagnosis is Asthma, and in many patience with chronic asthma, a clear distinction from COPD is not possible using current medical imaging and physiological testing techniques. In patience with chronic Asthma, current medical management of COPD verses Asthma is similar and grants relief for the sufferer from symptoms. However there are some key points that can help separate Asthma from COPD like “Onset in Mid-Life vs. Onset early in life often childhood” or “Symptoms slowly progress and worsen where Asthma would have symptoms that vary widely from day to day” Some other common illness with the same symptoms also fall into Differential Diagnoses with more clear seperations like “Congestive Heart Failure, Bronchiectasis, Tuberculosis, Obliterative Bronchialitis & Diffuse Panbronchiolitis”.

The goal of a COPD assessment are to determine the severity of airflow restrictions, its impact on the patients health and the risk of future events that could lead to serious complications leading to hospitalization or even death.

Please consult your physician if you believe you have COPD and request full “Spirometry / breathing test / lung function test” testing.

Symptoms of COPD

• Feeling short of breath while resting or when doing physical activity
• Cough “Chronic”
• Wheezing
• Fatigue
• Mucus production that does not go away

In some patients, COPD can also cause the oxygen levels within the blood to become low. If this occurs, a person can be given supplemental oxygen to counter the symptoms. Breathlessness should not be confused with low oxygen levels. People with COPD can experience shortness of breath or have a hard time breathing even if they have good oxygen levels. Therefore, breathlessness is not always a good guide for weather you need to use oxygen.

Treatments

To formulate a proper treatment plan, please consult your physician after diagnosis. Some main points your physician will go over with you are, “For Smokers, this includes Tobacco, Cannabis, Vaping, Cigars, all inhaled vapors or particles”, the first step is to “Stop Smoking”. To aid in the cessation of smoking, programs, medications and therapy have been made available to all forms of smoking addictions being from either tobacco or cannabis, “Please consult your physician for more details on what works for you”.

Medications

Medications may also be prescribed “by your physician” to relieve symptoms of COPD and prevent symptom flare ups that can lead to further loss of lung function.

Lifestyle

Proper Nutrition & staying in good physical shape are also important not just for symptom relief, but also for your quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs offer supervised exercise and education for those with breathing problems and should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for anyone with COPD.

Support Groups

Many communities also offer support groups that can provide education and opportunities for COPD patience and their caregivers to share their experience with other people with COPD and families.

Surgery

In some cases, surgical procedures such as a lung volume reduction surgery or lung transplantation may be an option to consider. Please refer to your physician for this advanced treatment.

Q&A

What is Emphysema?

“Answer” – Emphysema is a condition in which the air sacs of the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness.

Can COPD be fatal?

“Answer” – Yes / No, Normally COPD is not Fatal, however left untreated and without proper attention it can worsted to the point of potentially fatal lung damage that can leave very few options. Please consult your Physician before symptoms worsen.

Can COPD be treated?

“Answer” – Yes, Please consult your physician for testing, treatments and plants to put in place to help increase your chance of success

Is Smoking Cannabis as bad as Tobacco for COPD?

“Answer” – Yes, all inhaled smokes, vapors, particulates that can affect the airflow to your lungs / heart / brain can have an adverse effect on lung function and eventually after exposure will lead to long lasting damage or side effects.

Will COPD ever go away?

“Answer” – NO, COPD is a lifelong condition, the lungs have been damaged and can never fully return to normal. Therefore the breathlessness and fatigue may never go away entirely, but people can learn to manage their condition and continue to lead a fulfilling life with steps to be proactive like, stop all forms of smoking, take medication regularly and attend pulmonary rehabilitation.

If your symptoms get worse at any time or you notice new symptoms from the list above, call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about C.Diff or any of the information in this handout.

This information was taken From Center of Disease Control “CDC” (COPD Guide) Information slip, American Thoracic Society, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease “GOLD GUIDE”, National Institute of Health COPD Action Plan Guide, University of Michigan COPD Assessment Guide for Medical Professionals.

“This material is for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction, and/or treatment. If you have questions, speak to your doctor or appropriate healthcare provider.”

In any emergency just remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Waste Time!!!

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow, let first aid training in Edmonton be your Saving Grace