Tag Archives: Online First Aid Training

First Aid Techniques

C-Diff “Clostridium Difficile” What you need to know.

What is Clostridium difficile infection?

Clostridium difficile “pronounced Klo-Strid-ee-um dif-uh-seel”, also known as “C,diff” “See-dif”, is a germ that can cause diarrhea. Most cases of C.Diff infection occur in people taking antibiotics. The most common symptoms of C.Diff infection includes:

  • Watery Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Belly Pain and Tenderness

Who is most likely to get C.Diff infection?

The elderly, very young and people with certain medical problems have the greatest chance of getting C.Diff. C.Diff spores can live outside the human body for a very long time and may be found on things in the environment such as bed linens, bed rails, bathroom fixtures, and medical equipment. C.Diff infection can spread from person to person on contaminated equipment and on the hands of doctors, nurses, other healthcare providers and visitors.

Can C.Diff be fatal?

Yes, at the moment the CDC has calculated approximately a %6.0 mortality rate. Fatality due to C.Diff has been attributed to organ failure due to dehydration or complications with other current underlying medical conditions such as immune compromised or age.

Can C.Diff infection be treated?

Yes, there are antibiotics that can be used to treat C.Diff. In some severe cases, a person might have to have surgery to remove the infected part of the intestines. This surgery is needed in only 1 or 2 out of every 100 persons with C.Diff.

What are some of the things that Hospitals are doing ot prevent C.Diff infections?

To prevent C.Diff infections, Health Care Providers and General Public can:

  • Clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub before and after caring for someone with C.Diff. This can prevent C.Diff and other germs from being passed from pone person to another on their hands.
  • Carefully clean rooms and equipment that have been used for someone with C.Diff
  • Use “Contact Precautions” to prevent C.Diff from spreading to other people

   “Contact Precautions Mean”

  • Whenever possible, people with C.Diff with have a single room or share a room only with someone else who also has C.Diff
  • Wear gloves and wear a PPE gown over clothing while taking care of someone with C.Diff
  • Visitors may also wear PPE gowns and gloves to prevent spore spread.
  • When leaving the room, visitors must remove their PPE gown and gloves and wash their hands
  • In Hospital, Patience with C.Diff are asked to stay in their hospital rooms as much as possible. They should not go to common areas, such as gift shops, cafeterias, living rooms, common rooms.
  • Hospitals are advised to only give antibiotics when it is “necessary”

“Make sure all Health Care Professionals and those providing care clean their hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub “before” and after caring for you”

Tips

  1. Only take antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor “follow the directions”
  2. Be sure you clean your own hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating
  3. Keep your bathroom clean and close the toilet lid before flushing to reduce the spread of spores given off by fecal matter.

Can my friends and family get C.Diff when they visit me?

Yes – C.Diff infection usually does not occur in people who are not taking antibiotics, however those with compromised immune systems, previous underlying medical conditions or infants are susceptible. Visitors are not likely to get C.Diff but can transport it to someone who may be susceptible. To make it safer for visitors, they should:

  • Clean their hands before they enter your room and as they leave your room.
  • Avoid using the ill persons bathroom and avoid contact with surfaces which may hold fecal matter.
  • Avoid contact with infants or those who could be ill already

If I have C.Diff what do I need to do when I go home from the Hospital?

Once you are back at home, you can return to your normal routine. Often, the diarrhea will be better or completely gone before you go home. This makes giving C.Diff to other people much less likely. However there are a few things you should do to lower the chances of developing C.Diff infection in yourself again or spreading it to others as C.Diff can survive up to 5 months outside of the host.

If you are given a prescription to treat C.Diff, take the medicine “exactly” as prescribed by your doctor and pharmacist. Do not take half-doses or stop before you run out. You may feel better but the bacteria is still in your body.

Was your hands often, especially after going to the bathroom and before preparing food.

People who live with you should wash their hands often as well as sleep in separate rooms “avoid sharing toiletry’s”

If you develop more diarrhea after you get home, tell your doctor immediately!

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” (Clostridium Difficile) Information slip.

“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

#FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #ITLS #Cdiff #ClostridiumDifficile

First Aid Techniques

Concussion “Mild Traumatic Brain Injury” & Your Child

A concussion, also called a mild traumatic brain injury, is a head injury caused by the brain being shaken around inside the skull after a direct blow to the head, or a sudden jerking of the head or neck when the body is hit. Your child does not have to pass out “lose consciousness” to have a concussion. Some children will have symptoms of a concussion, such as passing out or forgetting what happened right before the injury, but others won’t.

Common Causes:

  • Falls
  • Sports injuries “Impact”
  • Physical Assault “Shaken Baby Syndrome”
  • Motor Vehicle Collision

When should my child go to the hospital?

There is more risk of complications such as bleeding and / or swelling in the brain in the first 24 to 48 hours after the injury. However, complications can happen even weeks later.

Call 911 or Go to the Hospital immediately if:

  • Becomes less alert, won’t wake up, or is hard to wake up
  • Doesn’t want to eat or nurse
  • Loses a learned skill “for example: Toilet Training”
  • Cry becomes high-pitched or the cry changes
  • Is acting differently
  • Is cranky or fussy
  • Blood or fluid coming from the nose or ears, or bruising around the eyes or ears
  • Has or acts like he or she has a headache
  • Speech is slurred or has trouble speaking
  • Loss of vision, blurry vision, or double vision
  • Sudden weakness on one side of the body
  • More than 2 episodes of uncontrollable or forceful vomiting that won’t stop
  • Seizure activity “such as abnormal movements, loss of consciousness, convulsions or gazing distantly off without being able to be stimulated or respond”

What to Expect After the Injury:

– The First 48 Hours –

Make sure someone stays with your child for the first 24 hours after the concussion.

Rest & Sleep

Try to get your child to rest for the first 24 hours, it’s one of the best ways to help the brain heal. “It’s OK to let your child sleep”

You “Do Not” have to wake up your child every 2 to 3 hours in the first 24 hours. If the doctor has asked that you “Do wake them” your child should wake up easily and not show any of the warning sings previously listed.

Limit “visual stimulus”, reading, television, video games, etc within the first 48 hours. The brain “needs to rest” so that it can heal, extra stimulus may make the symptoms worse. It may also be advisable for your child to take time off from school.

Keep your child away from bright lights, loud noises or crowds for the first 48 hours, as these can make symptoms worse as well.

Diet:

After a concussion, start your child on clear fluids such as “water, apple juice, ginger ale” and slowly go back to a normal diet. The fluids will help replenish needed sugar levels and help stimulate brain function, as vomiting is common in the first 24 hours fluids help keep your child hydrated and make vomiting easier.

Managing Pain:

To manage the pain “Headache”, you can help your child take “acetaminophen “such as Tylenol” for pain, use the proper dosage for the age / size of your child ‘Directions will be on the back of the bottle” Talk to your doctor about using products with ASA or NSAID’s in them “such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil or Motrin” these medications can increase the risk of bleeding.

– The First 4 Weeks – The symptoms below are common after a mild brain injury. They usually get better on their own within a few weeks and should not last longer than a month.

  • Feeling tired “abnormal to the casualty”
  • Problems falling or staying asleep
  • Feeling confused, poor concentration, or slow to answer questions
  • Feeling dizzy, poor balance, or poor coordination
  • Being sensitive to light
  • Being sensitive to sounds
  • Ringing in the ears
  • A mild headache, sometimes with nausea and/or vomiting
  • Being irritable, having mood swings, or feeling somewhat sad or “down”

While your Child’s Brain is Healing

Most children recover from the concussion. The symptoms can take days to weeks to go away. Your child should start to feel better within a few days and be back to normal within about 4 weeks.

If your child isn’t feeling better within a few days after the injury “See your Doctor”

Expect your child to feel tired as he or she becomes more active. Make sure your child rests as needed.

If you find your child’s cranky or has mood swings, “see your Doctor if your worried”

Some children may find it hard to concentrate while their brain is healing, so make sure your child goes back to their normal activities slowly. Go back to school for half days at first, and increase as tolerated.

Ask your doctor when its okay for your child to play sports again. “The brain needs time to heal”

If your child plays sports, make sure the coach/instructor/team-mates know about your child’s concussion. “Avoid further head injuries”

“Use medicine as prescribed” See your doctor if your child still needs pain medicine for a headache longer than 2 weeks after the injury.

If your child’s Symptoms get worse at any time or you notice new symptoms from the list above, or from the first segment, call your doctor or Health Link “811 in Alberta”. You can also call the “Health Link Alberta 24/7 if you have questions about concussion/mild traumatic brain injury or any of the information in this handout.

This information was taken From Alberta Health Services “Concussion (Mild Traumatic Brain Injury) Information slip.

“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

#FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #ITLS #Concussion #HeadInjury #ChildhoodHeadTrauma

First Aid Techniques

H2S Alive Course “ENFORM” – Energy Safety Canada

What sort of Toxic Gas can you find in the Work place? Farm yard? Oil and Gas Industry? Trucking? Ditches? Coal Mines? Its “H2S” or “Hydrogen 2 Sulphide” a naturally occurring toxic gas that can be lethal if inhaled and may have long lasting side effects which could alter your way of life.

Saving Grace Medical Academy is proud to offer under the guidance and accreditation of Enform Canada / Energy Safety Canada “H2S” or Hydrogen 2 Sulphide Training Course. Saving Grace offers this program to help individuals working in any industry see the danger of “H2S” Hydrogen 2 Sulphide” gas and how to protect yourself from these dangers.

Enform Canada now known as Energy Safety Canada our Governing Body for “H2S” Hydrogen 2 Sulphide training in Canada has helped with training and education for many years and has dedicated this program specifically to “H2S” Hydrogen 2 Sulphid gas safety. Enform, the safety association for Canada’s upstream oil and gas industry, is the advocate and leading resource for the continuous improvement of industry’s safety performance.

“Established by industry FOR Industry”

The “H2S Alive” or Hydrogen 2 Sulphide Alive training course goes through 5 main chapters that help those that have the potential to be exposed to “H2S” Hydrogen 2 Sulphide gas and its deadly effects.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course you should be able to

  • Describe the properties of H2S gas, identify hazards and testing technique, practice in use of the safety equipment associated with a toxic gas and perform rescue techniques.

Subjects Covered:

  • Properties of H2S
  • Health Hazards associated with H2S
  • Locations where H2S can be found
  • Hazard Assessment & Controlling those Hazards
  • Respiratory Protective Equipment such as SCBA’s or SABA’s
  • SCBA “Self Contained Breathing Apparatus” use
  • SABA “Supplied Air Breathing Apparatus” use
  • H2S Detection Equipment “Electronic Monitors & Detector Tube”
  • Emergency Response Strategies

These are just some of the in depth training portions that are covered in your “H2S” Hydrogen 2 Sulphide training program to help you meet and exceed your local standards and requirements for your job.

To register for this program please visit our website at www.savinggracemedical.com

or even contact the registrar in your local area to attend the program. We look forward to seeing you and helping you get the course you need when you need it.

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

Learn First Aid in Edmonton Today, Save a Life tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

#FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton #OnlineFirstAidCourse #BlendedLearningOnlineFirstAidCourse #OnlineStandardFirstAidLevelC #ITLS #EnergySafetyCanada

First Aid Techniques

Whooping Cough “Pertussis”

Whooping cough can be a life threatening infection that affects Babies, toddlers and young children adversely. In babies whooping cough can lead to a life threatening symptom known as “Apnea” causing pauses in normal breathing, pneumonia, feeding problems, weight loss, seizures, brain damage and in some cases “Death“. Older children and adults can catch Whooping Cough and pass it on to babies and young children as carriers, continuing the spread.

Who is at risk? Anyone can get whooping cough unfortunately, people living in the same household with someone who has contracted whooping cough are especially at risk. Immunization “does” reduce the risk of infection, but immunity does fade over time and boosters should be utilized to hep prevent the spread.

Symptoms:

  • Much like a cold Whooping Cough usually begins with a blocked or runny nose, tiredness, mild fever and a cough.
  • As symptoms progress the cough worsens and leads to severe bouts of uncontrollable coughing. These coughing bouts may be followed by vomiting, choking or taking big gasping breaths which causes a “whooping” sound. This cough can last for many weeks and can be worse at night.
  • Some Newborns may not cough at all but they can stop breathing and turn blue. Some babies may even have difficulties feeding and can choke or gag easily.
  • Older children and adults may just have a cough that lasts for many weeks. They may also not have the “whoop” sound when they cough but are still able to pass on Whooping Cough.

How is it Spread?

Whooping cough is spread when an infectious person coughs bacteria / virus into the air, that same air or particulates are inhaled by people nearby. If they are not treated early, people who are infected with whooping cough are “very” infectious in the “first three weeks” of their illness. Whooping cough also spreads easily through families, childcare centers, schools and shopping centers.

Prevention:

Whooping cough vaccines are “proven” to provide a good protection from infection, however immune responses from a vaccine do fade with time, which means that boosters are needed.

  • Wash your hands
  • If your ill, prevent the spread by staying at home and avoiding group gatherings where you can spread the disease by accident.

Vaccines:

  • Vaccines “DO NOT” cause Autism. Autism is not a disease.
  • Vaccines “DO NOT” have mercury in them. Mercury is not a preservative.

Diagnosis & Treatments

“Always consult a medical professional before treating illness on your own, home made remedies may not have the desired effect and may make the illness-symptoms worse”

  • If you have been in contact with someone with whooping cough early in their illness “first 3 weeks” they are infectious and you may have been exposed. Watch for symptoms and see your doctor if a new cough begins. Some babies and some pregnant women need antibiotics to prevent whooping cough infection if they have had significant contact “family member” with an infectious person.

“In Alberta Canada you can contact “811” to contact the Alberta Health Link, a Registered Nurse or Paramedic will help you with treatments and options, they may also refer to you to bring the child into a Hospital for treatment.”

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

#Apnea #WhoopingCough

#FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #ThroatInfection #ITLS

First Aid Techniques

ACLS “AKA” Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for HCP’s

One of the new programs now being offered at Saving Grace Medical Academy is the ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support course taught through the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation. One of the highest level’s of resuscitation available, ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support focuses on the systematic approach on high quality advanced emergency medical techniques. This program has been selected by Alberta Health Services as the standard for all “Advanced” medical professionals entering the emergency medical field.

This course offers a video-based and instructor led advanced course that expands on the Basic Life Support or “BLS” cpr skills for health care providers. Stressing the importance of continuous, high quality CPR, ACLS takes the Basic Life Support Training to the next level and brings out the importance of medical intervention during cardiopulmonary arrest along with immediate post cardiac arrest, dysrhythmia, coronary syndromes as well as stroke’s.

Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation’s ACLS course presents:

  • Improved resuscitation science leading to a better patient outcome
  • Simulations and scenarios based on realism
  • Instructor’s with experience that can help adapt the program to local protocol’s.

Who can take this class?

  • ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support is designed for advanced health care professionals who either direct or participate in management of cardiopulmonary arrest and other cardiovascular emergencies.
  • EMS Emergency Medical Service Professionals, EMT’s “PCP” / Paramedics.
  • Emergency Medicine Professionals – Nurses / RN’s / LPN’s / Respiratory Therapists RT’s
  • Intensive Care specialists – Doctor’s
  • Critical Care Units
  • Any employment that requires an “Advanced Medical Directives” such as physicians, nurses or paramedics.

“The Heart & Stroke Foundation recommends that only those who will use the skills of ACLS within their scope of practice take the ACLS course. All students who meet the prerequisites and successfully pass the ACLS course will receive a course completion card attached to your “HSF ID number“.

Course Content:

Recent scientific evidence has pointed a direction towards better content, while educational research has been led to improve design of the ACLS Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider course. The ACLS course emphasizes 3 major concepts.

  1. Crucial importance of High Quality CPR cardiopulmonary Resucitation
  2. Integration of BLS Basic Life Support with ACLS interventions
  3. Team Interaction and communication during resuscitation.

Students will practice the application of many skills in simulated cases and will practice both Team Leader and team member roles while practicing:

  • High Quality BLS Basic Life Support CPR for HCP’s
  • Airway management
  • Systematic approach to scenario management
  • Rhythm recognition “ECG”
  • Defibrillation “AED Manual & Automatic“
  • IV intravenous / IO intraosseous techniques
  • Medication assist or admin
  • Cardioversion
  • Team Dynamics
  • Trans cutaneous Pacing

Course Duration:

  • New Students – 12 Hours (+-) 20 Minutes broken up into a 2 day 6 hour each program.
  • Renewing Students – 6 Hours (+-) 35 minutes – Completed in a 1 day program.

“To qualify for a renewal you must complete the renewal program BEFORE your certificate expires” ACLS certification lasts for 2 years.

Here at Saving Grace Medical we hope that all this information helps you achieve a higher level of education and get the course you need when you need it. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you achieve the career you desire.

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

Learn First Aid in Edmonton Today, Save a Life tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

#FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton

First Aid Techniques

“Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED” and Online First Aid Training at your Fingertips.

We are proud to have the opportunity to offer the new fully accredited “Online First Aid Training / Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED“. This program is also known as “Blended Learning Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED“. Here at Saving Grace we take great pride at keeping up to date on the newest teaching techniques that help save lives and also help save our students time.

The Canadian Red Cross has created this program to help improve the ease of access to students who are short on time, we do understand its difficult for many individuals to take “2 days” away from work.

We recommend that any student seeking an “Online First Aid Course” select a program that is fully Accredited through both your regional governing body for First Aid as well as Occupational Health & Safety. This will allow your certification to remain up to date and provide you with the most recent, and accredited form of First Aid training available.

Online First Aid Training offers a unique advantage by removing a large portion of “theory” from the in class portion and providing it on an “Online First Aid Training Video Class” that you can take part in offered through the Canadian Red Cross Campus. By removing the theory portion of the program from the instructors and placing it on an “Online First Aid Training Video Class” the student can gain the “exact” same information / training and crucial updates to keep your knowledge on track.

  • This class is broken down into 2 parts that can be completed by attending a 1 day 8 hour skill training / assessment and a 3-4 hour online training seminar through the Online First Aid Training Video Class at the Red Cross E-Learning Campus.

By having all Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED students trained in the exact same manner and theory, we have seen an amazing improvement in course speed, knowledge and performance as students can work together on the same knowledge base without conflict of information.

Skills Gained in your Online Standard First Aid Level C Course:

  • What First Aid Is and what we can do to help!
  • EMS “Emergency Medical Services”
  • The Role of First Aid attendant
  • Liability “Laws within your local district”
  • OHS Act’s and what that means to First Aid Providers
  • Disease Transmission and Vaccinations
  • PPE “Personal Protective Equipment” Gloves / Masks
  • Check Call Care “The 3 Rules of First Aid“
  • CPR on an ADULT / CHILD / INFANT
  • AED’s “Automatic External Defibrillators”
  • 2 Person Rescue “Benefits of Teamwork“
  • H.A.IN.E.S Recovery Position
  • Choking Adult / Child / Infant
  • Med Assist “Should I give medications in First Aid?“
  • CVD “Cardiovascular Disease /Heart attack & angina
  • Stroke TIA “Trans ischemic Attack”
  • Shock
  • Secondary Survey “What to do while you wait for an ambulance“
  • Wound Care
  • Burns Hot vs Cold
  • Environmental Emergencies “Hypothermia vs Heat Stroke“
  • Bone Muscle & Joint Injuries
  • Head / Neck & Spine Injuries
  • Poisons “Using your Material Safety Data Sheet“
  • Childhood Illness
  • Keeping Children Safe
  • Substance Misuse
  • Insect Stings or Bites
  • Animal Bites
  • Diabetics
  • Seizures
  • Asthma
  • Emergency Child Birth
  • Miscarriage
  • First Aid Kits “stocking your own“

To register for your easy access First Aid Course in Edmonton or Online First Aid Course known as “Blended Learning” Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED feel free to visit our website and register. Saving Grace Medical Academy Ltd

Taught Through:

  • Canadian Red Cross

– Online First Aid Course “Blended Learning”

– Online Standard First Aid Level C CPR & AED

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

Learn First Aid Today, Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medial Academy Ltd

Above all else remember to Protect Yourself!!! Call 911!!! Don’t Wast Time!!!

#FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton #OnlineFirstAidCourse #BlendedLearningOnlineFirstAidCourse #OnlineStandardFirstAidLevelC #ITLS

First Aid Techniques

Croup

Croup is a very common illness that affects children and has the potential to be mild in symptoms or even dangerous to life threatening if it goes untreated. Children from the ages of 6 months to 3 years have a chance of contracting “Croup” on average once or twice and can be linked to other “respiratory illness“. It is always a good measure for Parents and Guardians to take “all” respiratory illness” as serious and seek further medical advice, “We need to breath to live”

Croup is an infection that causes swelling of the voice box “larynx” and windpipe “trachea“, making the airway just below the vocal cords inflamed, swollen and narrow. This makes breathing both noisy and difficult. There are two main types of Croup and as such must be seen as “Infectious”

Different Types of Croup

  • Viral Croup – This is the most common type of Croup and is the result of viral infection in the voice box or airway, Temperatures range from low fever to 39C/104F. Often Viral Croup will start with a cold that slowly turns into a “Barking Cough“. The child’s voice will become hoarse with noisy breathing “Stridor“.

“Stridor” is the coarse musical sound that comes with breathing through an inflamed-swollen airway. The danger of “Croup with Stridor sounds” is that the airway is continuing to swell. If this happens it may reach a point when your child cannot breath at all. “Stridor” should always be assessed by a physician to prevent the danger of a closed airway. Stridor is common with mild Croup and increases with activity or crying, however if Stridor persists while the child is resting, it can be a sign of severe Croup and you must seek medical aid. Stridor may also be a sign of a serous breathing problem such as Epiglottitis.

  • Spasmodic Croup – This form of Croup is caused by a mild upper respiratory infection or even an “Allergy” normally no fever is present. This is the scariest form of Croup as it has a “sudden” onset and often presents in the middle of the night. The child will go to bed with mild “Cold” like symptoms then wake up gasping for breath with hoarse beathing, a barking cough and “stridor“. As the child’s effort to breath increases their energy levels will decrease, they may even stop eating or drinking and eventually become “too tired to cough“, if this is the case “seek medical attention immediately“

Treatments

“Always consult a medical professional before treating illness on your own, home made remedies may not have the desired effect and may make the illness-symptoms worse”

  • If your child wakes up in the middle of the night with Croup, take them into the bathroom, close the door, then turn on the shower on the hottest setting “Do not put them in the shower“. The “Steam” from the shower over 15-20 minutes will help ease the symptoms as you sit in the bathroom with the child. “The child will still have the barking cough though“,
  • For the rest of the night “and 2 to 3 nights after“, try to use a “cold” water vaporizer or humidifier in your child’s room. Your child may have another attack of Croup even within the same night, if they do repeat the shower steam treatment. Steam almost always works, if it does not, try fresh night air and open up the window of their room “wide“. If the child still persists with coarse hoarse breaths and Strider contact your local Medical Professional.

“In Alberta Canada you can contact “811” to contact the Alberta Health Link, a Registered Nurse or Paramedic will help you with treatments and options, they may also refer to you to bring the child into a Hospital for treatment.”

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

#ViralCroup #SpasmodicCroup

#Croup #Stridor #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #ThroatInfection

First Aid Techniques

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.

The general public version of CPR-C helps anyone wishing to learn the benefit of life saving skills on all age groups and helps to prepare to help in life threatening emergencies while you wait for Emergency Professionals to arrive.

Some different characteristics of Basic Life Support Provider CPR or Health Care Provider level CPR, the Program is broken down into different sections that show: Compression’s, Breaths, Bag Valve Mask Techniques, teamwork and the difference between Adult, Child and Infant in dealing with Airway obstructions.

As a comprehensive Video Based Program that sets the standards on all CPR skills for Health Care Providers. Basic Life Support Provider previously known as BLS for HCP CPR & AED and before that BCLS for HCP’s CPR & AED challenges medical professional students on their knowledge and skills on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. As of November 2015 new standards and skills have been available for all Health Care Professionals to with the most up to date techniques and training information.

This year the life saving medication assistance of Naloxone has been added, also known as Narcan (an anti opiate medication used to help those in danger of overdose). The benefit of high quality team work in performing CPR and in the use of AEDs “automatic external defibrillators.” The 2015 version of Basic Life Support Provider focuses on honing the art of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation on all age groups.

In Alberta, Canada the governing body Alberta Health Services has set the standard and requested that all Medical Professionals have the Exact Same Training. This means they prefer all students and employees to have the same high quality standard of training and skills to achieve the highest quality of resuscitation during a life threatening event.

Alberta Health Services Recommends, Prefers and Requests that all Medical Personnel have their Health Care Provider Level CPR known as Basic Life Support Provider training through the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation.

Alberta Health Services is setting a standard for all Health Care Professionals, doctors, nurses, paramedics, massage therapists, dentists, pharmacists, nurses aids, nurses attendants, and all personnel working in medical facilities to have Basic Life Support Provider CPR or BLS CPR, previously known as Basic Life Support BLS for Health Care Provider HCP CPR. This will ensure that no matter your job title you have the skills to help during an emergency.

This excellent program is set on a Video Format and takes roughly 4 hours to complete. This new BLS Basic LIfe Support Provider program through The Heart & Stroke Foundation has attempted to set the standard that every school and every student gets the exact same high quality training.

Basic Life Support Provider or BLS previously known as Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers HCP CPR has been shown to provide exactly what Alberta Health Services and many other Health Service Canada centers require and now demand their staff have as training.

Our Basic Life Support 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 October 1st 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!

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

“Learn First Aid in Edmonton Today, Save a Life Tomorrow with Saving Grace Medical Academy’s BLS & Safety Courses.”

#FirstAid #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #BLS #BCLS #BLSforHCP #BLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #H2SAlive #H2SAliveEdmonton #ITLS

First Aid Techniques

Behavioral & Mental Emergencies

As a First Aid Responded or Family member you may be faced with someone going through a psychological or behavioral crisis. This is a very traumatic event for not only the patient but the rescuer as well. This crisis may be due to a medical condition, mental illness, mind-altering substances, stress, genetic disorders and so many other causes. For this post we will discuss various kinds of behavioral emergencies. “Overdoses, Suicide attempts, violent outbursts, depression, anxiety, inability to cope or understand the actions of others” are all forms of a Behavioral Emergencies. Lets go over what First Aid measures you may be able to implement during this emergency and what care may be required in these situations.

“Never attempt to help a casualty of substance misuse & abuse with your “bare hands“, always ensure your Personal Protection Equipment is on before you help. Avoid secondary exposure as you may suffer adverse effects if you come into contact with the substance”

Myth Bust:

Everyone experiences an emotional crisis at some point in their life, some more severe than others. Perfectly healthy people may have some of the symptoms and signs of mental illness from time to time. Therefore, “you should not assume that you have a mental illness when you behave in certain ways“, for this reason “Please avoid” assumptions about a patient in any given situation. Emotional crisis’s in healthy individuals is normally short lived and can be coped with by following simple steps to overcome the situation that may seem overwhelming. Its “when an individual has repeated instances of the same pattern that leads to repeated emotional crisis situations, there may be a need to consult a medical professional“.

“The most common misconception about mental illness is that if you are feeling “bad” or “depressed” or “blue” you must be sick!” This is simply untrue, there are many perfectly justifiable reasons for feeling depressed, one part of our “Five Coping Stages” is actually “Depression”, – Denial – Anger – Bargaining – Depression – Acceptance are all natural forms of coping with emotional emergencies, each person is unique and will go through these five stages at their own pace and order.

What is a Behavioral or Mental Crisis?

The definition of a behavioral crisis or mental emergency is “any” prolonged or repeated reactions to events that interfere with “Normal Daily Living” or has behavior that is unacceptable to the patient, family, or community. For example, when someone has an interruption of their daily routine, such as washing, dressing, eating, sleeping. Conversely a “Psychiatric Emergency” includes outbursts of rage, disconnection from feelings or reality, feeling numb or anxiety and panicked over small matters that others would see as a daily chore. Behavioral emergencies that recur on a regular basis may be considered a “Mental Health crisis“, consult a medical professional for more details.

“Having a Mental Disorder does not make you “Broken”, “Defective”, “Unfit”, “Useless”, “Dangerous” or any less of a person than others around you.” Thoughts or feelings that lead you to believe you are, or if you believe that your “Overwhelmed and unable to cope” with the stresses around you “There is no point“, “ I’m all alone“ or that “nobody would care if I just disappeared” consult a professional. They may be able to help in ways that you have not considered before. Not all emotional emergencies require medications. Medications “Assist” the healing process, if you believe that the medication you are using is not working “Consult your Physician” before you stop taking your medication or adjust your dosage. You may feel good right now, but without the continued assistance of certain medical aids you may find your emotional state revert back to its previously undesirable state.

What to watch for:

People going through a “Behavioral Crisis” or even a “Psychiatric Emergency” may present in many different ways, each person is unique and will experience the emergency differently,:

  • Some may seem distant “in a different world”
  • Disconnected
  • Numb to the world and those around them
  • Depressed with no end in sight
  • Have extreme bouts of sadness with the inability to be consoled
  • Agitated or violent with or without provocation
  • Threaten harm to themselves or others
  • Extreme habit changes to their daily routine, eating, sleeping, hygiene, dressing
  • Altered level of consciousness

How to help with a Behavioral or Mental Crisis:

  1. Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation“ REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids or powdered chemical on their clothing / skin.
  2. Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone, you suspect a Head / Neck or Spine injury, there is a motor vehicle collision, the person is allergic or the injured persons life could be at risk. “911 will also try to help with specific questions and techniques that may help you, help the patient in this difficult situation.“
  3. Care for the Behavioral or Mental Crisis by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself or the victim, you may “not” need to move or roll the injured person“

  • If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.

While you wait for an Ambulance:

a) Be prepared to spend extra time, it may take longer to assess, listen to, and prepare the patient going through the Behavioral or Mental Crisis that they may need further medical help than you can provide.

b) Have a definitive plan of action, “Never” endanger yourself, if the patient looks like they could become agitated or hostile, just stand back, give them space, and have others help you if possible “Never do this alone” if possible. You may find yourself confronted by a hostile individual that may not be able to control their actions, or they may use the time spent alone with you to “alter“ the events that took place when medical professionals arrive. “They may try to blame you, or make you the one experiencing the Behavioral or Mental Crisis” This is a defense mechanism as they do not wish to be judged or harmed.

c) Identify yourself calmly and speak in a low, calm tone. “Avoid shouting, cornering or blame for previous incidence”

d) Be Direct “State your intentions” calmly

e) Stay with them – If you fear that they may hurt themselves, politely stay close to them and let them know that you are going to be there for them should they need you.

f) Encourage purposeful movement, help the patient gather appropriate belongings to take to the hospital.

g) Express interest in their story, If they are comfortable enough to confide in you about the crisis “Just listen” Avoid judgement or offering advice from your own personal opinion “Just listen”.

h) Keep a safe distance “Everyone needs personal space” know the cues, if they pull away, act indifferent, or get agitated with your presence. Keep your distance, you might inadvertently cause more anxiety by being to close.

I) Avoid fighting with them, If you know the patient, respond with understanding to the feelings they are expressing, whether this is anger, fear, or desperation “Just listen”

j) Be honest and reassuring, if they ask whether they should go to the hospital, simply answer “yes”, its better to err on the side of caution and get help rather than let things take a turn for the worse. Your medical professionals will help you with this once they arrive.

k) Do not judge. You may see behavior that you dislike, set those feelings aside, and concentrate on providing emergency care.

Provide continual care and “Never” endanger yourself, some victims of a Behavioral or Mental crisis may also be subjected to a substance misuse & abuse emergency and may become combative and will be unaware of who you are even if they know you well.

While you wait for an Ambulance: “Ask them if they wish to sit or lay in a position of comfort”

RECOVERY Position:

  1. Kneel Beside the victim and place the victims furthest arm from you above their head.
  2. Place the arm closest to you across the victims chest as a protector arm.
  3. The Key is in their Knee, bend the nearest leg up at the knee.
  4. Carefully slip your hand under the hollow of the victims neck to support the Head Neck & Spine, at the same time use your forearm by slipping it carefully under the shoulder for leverage.
  5. Place your free hand on the Key Knee and gently roll the victim away from you by applying steady pressure against the knee and shoulder at the same time. The victims head should rest on their raised arm.
  6. To secure the position pull the key knee further up and bring their protector arm out to use the elbow to stabilize the position.
  7. Check the Airway to make sure their still breathing.

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

#Depression #SubstanceMisuseAbuse #Anxiety #BoarderlinePersonalityDissorder #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #Stimulants #Hallucinogens #BehavioralCrisis #MentalEmergencies #Suicide #MentalIllness #ITLS

First Aid Techniques

Substance Misuse & Abuse

Many substances, such as alcohol, drugs and even medications can be used improperly. When these substances are misused or abused, they poison the body. Some people may unfortunately be exposed to these chemicals while attempting to help, as many illicit substances can be absorbed through your skin. As medical technology advances so does our ability to counteract these situations, consult your local medical centers for information on “Rehabilitation, Addiction and local protocols on medications that can help counteract drugs.”

“Never attempt to help a casualty of substance misuse & abuse with your “bare hands“, always ensure your Personal Protection Equipment is on before you help. Avoid secondary exposure as you may suffer adverse effects if you come into contact with the substance”

Common illicit Substances:

  1. Stimulants
  2. Hallucinogens
  3. Depressants
  4. Designer Drugs
  • STIMULANTS – Stimulants affect your brain and nervous system to speed up physical and mental activity “Speed” Many stimulants are taken as pills, but some can be absorbed or inhaled.
  • HALLUCINOGENS – Hallucinogens cause changes in mood, sensation, thought, emotion, and self-awareness “Shrooms, Fentanyl” They can cause intense fear, panic, paranoid delusions, vivid hallucinations, deep depression, tension and anxiety.
  • DEPRESSANTS – Depressants send signals to your brain and nerves that slow down physical and mental activity. “Alcohol, THC” They make you drowsy and impair your coordination and judgment, alcohol is the most widely used and abused depressant in Canada.
  • DESIGNER DRUGS – Designer drugs do not fit into any of the categories mentioned above, they are chemically altered versions of medical drugs, such as “narcotics” and “amphetamines“. The effects can be unpredictable and dangerous. One of the more commonly used designer drugs is “Ectasy“.
  • ALCOHOL POISONING & THC GREENOUT– Alcohol & THC impairs your judgment, slows down your reflexes, and makes driving unsafe. Just two alcohol drinks in less than an hour can create unsafe levels of alcohol in the blood of an average 72.5 kilo / 160 lb person. “Don’t Drink & Drive“. THC also has an adverse affect on judgement and motor control leaving you with the same impairment as Alcohol “Don’t Toke & Drive“. Even if you are a high functioning user please be safe and “Don’t use any impairment substance and get behind the wheel“

What to watch for:

Like other poisons, the general signs and symptoms of substance misuse and abuse are similar to those of other medical emergencies.

  • Moist or flushed skin, Sweating, chills or fever, nausea or vomiting, changes in breathing, seizures, changes in level of consciousness, altered mental status, hallucinations, low body temperature

Prevention:

Many people trapped within the world of substance misuse and abuse are seeking shelter within the sensation they achieve after they use. The temporary relief they get from their current situations is what drives them to continue to use, they see it often as a way to alleviate the symptoms of their “pain, anxiety, depression, past trauma” or even to blend in with the crowd “Peer pressure” is also a common reason why some may be trapped within the use of illicit substances.

Drug prevention programs are readily available in all country’s around the world and offer a wide range of help for those who may be affected. The Naloxone Project is a project sponsored by Health Canada to help stem the flow of overdoses associated with “Fentanyl“, for more information on how to help visit your local medical center or drugs and addictions counseling center.

How to help with Substance Misuse & Abuse:

  1. Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation” REMEMBER – Wear gloves if available to avoid bodily fluids or powdered chemical on their clothing / skin.
  2. Call 911 and get an AED if you are alone, you suspect a Head / Neck or Spine injury, there is a motor vehicle collision, the person is allergic or the injured persons life could be at risk. “911 will link you to the Poison Control Center if you do not have the number.“
  3. Care for the Substance Misuse & Abuse by:

Always follow recommendations by your Emergency Response professionals and 911 Dispatch personnel. “Never endanger yourself or the victim, you may “not” need to move or roll the injured person”

  • If there are other life threatening injuries, treat those first as quickly as possible with as little movement to the injured person.
  • While you wait for an Ambulance:

a) You do not need to know exactly what substance the person has taken, just keep an eye on “Breathing / Skin Color / Temperature / Sweating / Behavior.”

b) Provide continual care and “Never” endanger yourself, some victims of substance misuse & abuse may become combative and will be unaware of who you are even if they know you well.

While you wait for an Ambulance:

RECOVERY Position:

  1. Kneel Beside the victim and place the victims furthest arm from you above their head.
  2. Place the arm closest to you across the victims chest as a protector arm.
  3. The Key is in their Knee, bend the nearest leg up at the knee.
  4. Carefully slip your hand under the hollow of the victims neck to support the Head Neck & Spine, at the same time use your forearm by slipping it carefully under the shoulder for leverage.
  5. Place your free hand on the Key Knee and gently roll the victim away from you by applying steady pressure against the knee and shoulder at the same time. The victims head should rest on their raised arm.
  6. To secure the position pull the key knee further up and bring their protector arm out to use the elbow to stabilize the position.
  7. Check the Airway to make sure their still breathing.

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

#Poisons #SubstanceMisuseAbuse #AlcoholPoisoning #FirstAidCourse #FirstAidCourseEdmonton #H2SAlive #BasicLifeSupport #BLS #BLSforHCP #H2sAliveEdmonton #EnformH2S #BCLS #BCLSCourseEdmonton #ACLS #AdvancedCardiovascularLifeSupport #EMR #EmergencyMedicalResponder #Stimulants #Hallucinogens #Depressants #DesignerDrugs #Drugs #Overdose #Fentanyl #Naloxone #ITLS