First Aid Techniques

Wound Care – Part 2 “Cuts & Scrapes”

Wound Care – Part 2 “Cuts & Scrapes”

For our second part of Wound Care lets focus on one of the most common injuries we sustain on a daily basis, whether it be from a paper cut, road rash or even snipping with a bread knife wounds happen almost every day. Lets look at how we can help someone with a cut “a wound where the skin has been split open or torn away with either jagged or smooth edges“, or a scrape “a wound where the skin has been rubbed or scraped away”.

Common Causes:

  • -Dull knives or improper safety technique during cutting
  • -Falling or impacting on an abrasive surface
  • -Contact with dull, abrasive or sharp object with force enough to rub or scrape the skin away.

What to Look for:

  • -Skin pealed away
  • -Bleeding
  • -Pain & Tenderness
  • -Raised or swollen area with potentially broken skin

How to Help:

1) Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation”

2) Call 911 if you suspect the injuries could be severe.

3) Care for the scrape or cut by:

  • -*REMEMBER* Put your gloves on if there is bodily fluids.
  • -Wash the wound with soap & clean cool water.
  • -If possible rinse the wound with cool clean running water for up to five minutes to help reduce infection & bleeding. Once the wound is clean and if bleeding persists apply “Direct Pressure” on the wound until the bleeding stops, if the blood soaks through the dressing -ADD more dressings on top- Do not remove blood soaked bandages as they are already assisting in clotting the wound. If bleeding persists seek further medical attention.
  • -Antibiotic ointments or creams may be applied once the bleeding has stopped. Follow the directions recommended by a pharmacists and check the “5 Rights of Medications” **Always ask the person if they have allergies or sensitivity to antibiotics such as penicillin, if so “Do NOT apply the ointment**
  • -Cover the wound with a non-stick sterile dressing if available or bandage.
  • -Continue to monitor for signs of infection

If there is substantial amount of dirt or contaminant’s within the wound, the injured person should seek further medical attention to avoid the risk of infection.

Stitches:

Any wound that needs “Stitches” should be assessed and stitched by a trained medical professional as soon as possible “Golden Hour Rule” wounds should be assessed and stitched within an hour if possible to avoid complications, stitches help speed healing, reduce chance of infection and leave a less noticeable scar. A wound may need to be stitched if:

  • -The wound is more than 2 1/2 cm or 1 inch long
  • -Edges of the wound do not fall together
  • -The wound is near a joint or on the hands or feet
  • -The wound is on the face

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.

First Aid Techniques

Eczema – What it is and how to treat it

Eczema

What is a Eczema? Eczema, also known as “Atopic Dermatitis” is an extremely common chronic inflammatory condition of the skin that affects people of all ages and walks of life. Eczema may be termed as a “Disease” however you can “Not” catch it, or give it to someone else and there is no risk of passing it on. Eczema “as it is not fully understood” has been found with new research to be linked to the immune system and more closely resembles an “Allergy” than anything else, this of course leads to mild to severe inflammation and irritation of the skin as the immune system “over reacts” to stimulus.

There are many types of eczema, with the most common one being “atopic dermatitis”. Atopy refers to a hereditary tendency towards eczema, asthma, and allergic rhinitis “hay fever”, people with eczema may also suffer with one of the other conditions as well, these conditions are linked by an increased activity of the allergy component of the immune system. Atopic Dermatitis is most likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Genetic causes include differences in the proteins that form the skin barrier. When this barrier is broken down, the skin loses moisture more easily, becoming more dry, easily irritated, and hypersensitive. The skin is also more prone to infection “with bacteria, viruses, or fungi”.

Types of Eczema:

  • Allergic contact eczema – The skin gets red, itchy, and weepy because it touches something that the immune system knows is foreign, like poison ivy.
  • Contact eczema – The skin has redness, itching, and burning in one spot because it has touched something allergy-causing, like an acid, cleaner, or other chemical.
  • Dyshidrotic Eczema – the skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet is irritated and has clear, deep blisters that itch and burn.
  • Neurodermatitis – Scaly patches on the head, lower legs, wrists, or forearms are caused by localized itch “such as an insect bite”
  • Seborrheic Eczema – This skin has yellowish, oily, scaly patches on the scalp, face, and sometimes other parts of the body.
  • Stasis Dermatitis – The skin is irritated on the lower legs, most often from a blood flow problem.

Things to know about Eczema:

  • Typically begins in early childhood
  • Can occur in infants as early as a few weeks old
  • Can continue through adolescence and into adulthood
  • May occur for the first time well into adulthood
  • May be outgrown, however-skin may continue to be dry, irritable, and sensitive

What does Eczema look like?

Atopic eczema can affect any part of the skin, including the face, but the areas that are most commonly affected are the joints at the elbows and knees, hands, the groin, buttocks, back as well as the wrists and neck. Other common appearances of atopic eczema include coin-sized areas of inflammation on the limbs, back, and numerous small bumps that coincide with hair follicles.

The affected skin is usually red and dry, and scratch marks “accompanied by bleeding” are common. When the eczema is very active, it may become moist and weepy “during a flare-up” and small water blisters may develop especially on the hands and feet. In areas that are repeatedly scratched, the skin may thicken, and this may cause the skin to itch more. Sometimes affected areas of the skin may become darker or lighter in colour.

Scratching the affected area can cause:

  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Cracking
  • Weeping “clear fluids”
  • Crusting
  • Thick Skin
  • Scaling

Things that make Eczema worse:

Many factors in a person’s environment can make eczema worse, these include heat, dust, wool, pets and irritants such as soap and detergents. Being unwell, for example or having a common cold can make eczema flare up, this also includes infections with bacteria or viruses. Bacterial infections “usually with a bug called staphylococcus” makes the affected skin yellow, crusty and inflamed “this may need specific medical treatment”. An infection with the cold sore virus “herpes simplex” can cause a sudden painful widespread “on rare occasions dangerous” flare of eczema. “Consult a physician if you believe these factors apply to your recent flair up”.

How is Eczema Treated?

Treatment works best when the patient, family members, and the doctors work together. Treatment plans are based on:

  1. Age
  2. Symptoms and severity
  3. General Health of the patient

Carefully follow the treatment plans that have been laid out to minimize flair ups. Try to notice what is or isn’t helpful as each person is different and how their skin is developed. Symptoms usually improve with the right skin care and lifestyle changes. Eczema treatment goals are to “heal the skin” and “prevent flair ups”. You and your family members should watch for changes in the skin to find out what treatments help the most.

Your doctor will help you:

  1. Develop a good skin care routine
  2. Avoid things that lead to flares
  3. Treat symptoms when they occur

Medications for Eczema “Atopic Dermatitis” include:

  • Skin creams or ointments that control swelling and lower allergic reactions
  • Corticosteroids
  • Antibiotics to treat infections caused by bacteria
  • Antihistamines
  • Immune system suppressant medications

Gentle skin care to prevent dryness includes:

Bathe daily or every-other-day in order to wash off dirt and other potential irritants. Water should be warm “not hot” and bath time should be limited to 5-10 minutes. Pat dry the skin and immediately apply moisturizer while the skin is still slightly damp. The moisturizer provides a seal to hold the water in the skin.

Finding a cream or ointment that the child likes or can tolerate is important, as resistance from the child may make the daily regimen difficult to keep up. The thicker the moisturizer, the better the barrier it generally provides. Ointments are more effective than creams, and creams more so than lotions. Creams are a reasonable options during the summer when thick greasy ointments are uncomfortable.

  • Light Therapy “Exposure to UV or specific spectrum lights”
  • Skin care that helps heal the skin and keep it healthy
  • Protection from Allergens

Do I have a disease if I have Eczema?

Answer – “No”

Eczema is a random event that does have factors too its appearance. Typically Eczema does not have an associated disease or cause, it is a random occurrence that anyone could have.

Can Eczema be cured?

Answer – “No”

Eczema cannot be cured, but there are many ways of controlling it and it can go into remission for extended periods of time. Most children with eczema improve as they get older “60% clear by their teens”. However, many continue to have dry skin and need to continue to avoid irritants such as soaps, bubble baths, detergents or harsh chemicals.

Information for this article was taken from – Australian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy – Eczema Society of Canada – British Association of Dermatologists – The Society of Paediatric dermatology Indianapolis – National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

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.

First Aid Techniques

Wound Care – Part 1 “Bruises”:

Wound Care – Part 1 “Bruises”:

Cuts, nicks, gashes, bashes, bruises and burns are very common injuries and there are many ways that they can happen. For this post lets focus on the basics of how to treat both minor and major wounds, we’ll provide simple steps to help guide you through treating most wounds that can happen in every day life. To begin lets go through some basic terms that you can run into like dressings or bandages and some some strait forward prevention ideas to help avoid injuries.

Dressings or Bandages

Dressings are pads or any material you can place on an open wound to help absorb blood and other bodily fluids to help prevent infection as well as build clots. Bandages are materials you can use to secure, wrap or cover a dressing. Combined they are used to control bleeding, apply pressure, provide support and to protect a wound from dirt or infection. Never remove a blood soaked bandage, always add more to boost the bloods ability to create clots, dressings in contact with the would should remain in place until further medical care arrives or is needed.

How Tight should a Bandage be?

Bandages put on too tightly have the potential to “Stop Blood Flow” this is a negative outcome and should be avoided as the limb below the bandage may become cold, numb or begin to turn blur or paler than normal “If this happens loosen the bandage”. “Apply Even Moderate Pressure” that does not prevent circulation. “Never apply a tourniquet without proper knowledge, training and guidance”

Prevention of Injuries Include:

  • -Developing safe play habits with both adults and children to prevent injuries “ie: running with sharp objects”
  • -PPE or Personal Protective Equipment such as helmets, knee pads, elbow pads and eye protection should be used when called for during sports activities such as skateboarding, biking, skating etc..
  • :-Follow safety procedures at work or play.

Bruises & How to help:

Bruises are a discolored area of the skin that is created when blood and other fluids seep into nearby tissues. Most commonly caused by sudden impacts, blows or force against the tissue.

What bruises looks like:

  • -Discolored tissue “purple, black, brown / yellow, red, or blue areas”
  • -Swelling
  • -Pain or tenderness

What to do:

  1. 1) Check the area, once the area is safe, Check the person and ensure the persons ABC’s are present “Airway / Breathing / Circulation”
  2. 2) Call 911 if you suspect the injuries could be severe.
  3. 3) Care for the Bruise by:
  • – Place a piece of cloth or fabric over the bruise
  • – Cool the area to reduce pain, inflammation & swelling by placing an ice pack or cooling pad over the fabric covered bruise.
  • – Continue to cool the wound for 20 of each hour for as long as needed to reduce pain. “Always keep the cloth between the ice and skin”

4) If the person experiences severe pain, cannot move the body part without pain, if you suspect internal bleeding or if the force causing the injury was enough to cause severe damage or bleeding “Call 911, get an AED, have the person rest & wait for medical aid”

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.

First Aid Techniques

Things to Keep in Mind During CPR

Things to Keep in Mind During CPR

In our previous posts “CPR & how to perform Parts 1 too 3” we described how to perform CPR “Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation” on all age groups, but what if the victim was “Pregnant? You had a broken arm? they begin to Vomit? Have a broken Jaw? or have a Stoma? We can’t prepare you for every outcome that you might encounter so we’ll do our best to help you with the big ones that we run into. Lets look at them one by one and give you options to help improve our chances of survival.

Vomiting:

Vomiting can occur from just about anything, but most commonly during CPR its a build up of too much Air in the stomach, when the unconscious person vomits there is a risk that the vomit may enter the lungs, this is called “Aspiration”. To avoid Aspiration give breaths only until the chest starts to rise, once the chest rises stop.

What to Do:

1) Turn the persons head & body together as one “H.A.IN.E.S Technique” onto the persons side.”Let the vomit drain out”

2) Quickly wipe the persons mouth clean

3) Roll the person onto their back once again and continue CPR

Mouth to Nose / Stoma Breathing:

There are many reasons why you may not be able to seal your mouth well over the other persons mouth to give rescue breaths. Injured mouth or jaw, mouth shut too tight, your mouth is to small, or blood coming from their mouth, in any case there is a simple step to remedy the situation.

What to Do:

1) Block the mouth to stop air from escaping & seal your mouth around the persons nose, give a breath to make the chest rise.

2) If the victim has a “Stoma” it is the same technique but this time block “Both the Nose & Mouth” and give a breath through the Stoma

One Handed Compression’s

Some rescuers might be injured themselves “Broken arm / Wrist” or may have other medical conditions that prevent them from doing a proper two handed compression technique “Arthritis, lack of upper body strength” for these reasons you can still do CPR by using One hand.

What to Do:

1) Place the heel of one hand in the middle of the persons chest

2) Grasp the wrist of the hand on the chest or place your free hand behind your back

3) Begin compression’s pushing Hard & Fast

4) Keep your compression arm as strait as possible to keep position.

CPR for a Pregnant Woman

CPR for a pregnant woman is identical to any form of CPR with placing one or two hands in the center of the chest pushing hard & fast giving 30 compression’s & 2 breaths. If you have a soft object that you can place under the woman’s “Right Hip” Raise the hip about 3-4 inches or 7-10 cm’s, “Do Not interrupt CPR to find an object” just continue CPR as you normally would.

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.

First Aid Techniques

A.E.D’s “Automatic, External, Defibrillators” & What to do.

A.E.D’s “Automatic, External, Defibrillators” & What to do.

As technology in the medical industry increases we begin to see more and more devices, apps, services and tools used to help save lives during emergencies. The AED has been an invaluable tool in today’s emergency scene’s as it has the unique ability to “Reset” a heart with an abnormal rhythm. There are also a few Hollywood myths about AED’s that we should clear up so that using them becomes a little less scary, just remember “Its not like you see in TV, most of what you see on TV during an Emergency is dramatized to the highest form”.

To clear up a couple questions we get from our students, lets focus on what the AED is supposed to do. AED’s are designed to “Reset” a heart rhythm that is beating abnormally in 2 ways, 1 the heart is quivering like a bowl of jello “Fibrillation” and 2 beating wildly out of control “Tachycardia”. These are the 2 main problematic abnormal rhythms that the AED is designed to look for. Once it finds them it will deliver a “Small” amount of “Amperage” through the chest & Heart causing the heart muscle to contract suddenly. The electrical charge that passes through the heart muscle is designed to work with the heart muscle and “Reset” the rhythm. This may work the first time the victim is shocked or it may take several shocks, the key is to listen to the AED as it will “Talk to you” and guide you through what it wants.

-The amount of electricity that passes through the heart will be “Small” so will it blow you across the room if your accidentally touching the victim? “NO” The electricity does have the ability to reset a heart so….. “try not to touch them & STAY CLEAR!”

-Will the victim spasm wildly? “NO” the amount of electricity is small so you may only see a pectoral flex or slight quiver of their muscles. If they don’t spasm that is normal as many people don’t.

-Is there a recording device monitoring what I say hidden on the inside? “NO” the Public AED device is designed specifically to analyze the heart rhythm, there is no known recording device hidden on the public models. The “Medical AED’s” have a memory card to keep track of what the heart was doing during the emergency for Cardiologists to look over later for irregularities in the heart muscle.

HOW TO USE AN A.E.D “Automatic External Defibrillator”:

1) Open the Case

2) Turn on the AED

3) Listen & Do what it tells you to do “Follow the Diagrams”

***When the AED Prompts you to give a shock, Stand Clear and say LOUDLY “I’m Clear, Your Clear, Everybody’s Clear!” Make sure no one is touching the victim and press the SHOCK button to deliver the shock***

4) Continue CPR if the AED tells you too:

Things to consider:

-DON’T STOP CPR while the AED is being put on, you want to continue to pump blood and oxygen to the body, the AED will tell you when to stop.

-Use the Age appropriate pads for the person you are using the AED on. Adults have larger pads and children have smaller pads. There are normally “NO” infant pads in public AED kits. For infants use the Child pads and place the pads according to the Diagram. **If you don’t have the appropriate age group pad use what you have “Keep the heart /Center of the chest in between the pads” and deliver the shock as advised** “Any shock is better than no shock!!”

-Remove any clothing, hair or objects in the way of the pads like jewellery or medical patches. AED kits are normally stocked with a single disposable razor for chest hair if needed.Things like Pacemakers and Piercings you “Can Not” remove so put at least 1 inch distance between the object and the pad.

-Ensure that the chest is dry, wipe any beads of water or sweat of the chest and place the pads according to the design on them. The victim can be in a small puddle or snow bank, the electricity will not be redirected. If the puddle is big enough that you can make a “splash”, pull the victim to a dryer area and repeat the steps.

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.”

First Aid Techniques

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation “Infant / Baby”

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation “Infant / Baby”

How to Perform CPR “Part 3 of 3”

“CPR on an Infant is Perfectly Safe! You will NOT hurt your infant, Not doing CPR may lead to the death of the Infant”

In our last post we focused on the basic information you would need to know about CPR and how its performed. For this Post we will focus giving you the “Step by Step CPR Guide”. This guideline is for the “General Public” for the Health Care Provider we will have a post later on dedicated to the new standards set by ILCOR, The Heart & Stroke Foundation, and the Basic Life Support CPR-C for HCP’s Health Care Providers guidelines.

Common Questions

  • – Can CPR hurt my baby? – Answer = NO, CPR is perfectly safe, you will not hurt your child, Not doing CPR may lead to the death of the infant however.
  • – Can I break ribs by doing CPR? – Answer = In an Infant it is “Rare” that you would break ribs, remember they are still developing and their bones are still somewhat pliable, be sure to push Hard and Fast to a depth of 1/3rd the depth of the chest and don’t stop until help arrives!
  • – How much air should I give them? – Answer = While giving a breath by either “Mouth to Mouth or by using a pocket mask” remember to Head tilt Chin lift to a neutral position of the head that makes the infant look like they are “sniffing“, seal up your lips over both the nose and mouth and give a breath “just enough” to see a baby size chest rise. Stop when you feel resistance as the volume needed for an infants lungs is about the volume within your own mouth, also if you feel resistance check the mouth to see if there are obstructions, you may discover “why” your infant has stopped breathing, if you can see the object “Carefully remove it” NEVER perform a blind finger sweep, you may push the object deeper and make the situation worse.

Emergency Procedures

In any Emergency remember to:

  1. 1) Protect yourself “Make sure its safe before helping“
  2. 2) Call 911 “Get your Paramedic Partners going“
  3. 3) Don’t Waste Time “Each second without oxygen can cause brain damage, don’t waste it wondering what to do, just help“

If the Baby / Infant is “Not breathing” and has gone unconscious for any reason “START CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation”

CPR “Infant / Baby”

  1. 1) Start CPR by:
  • – Place one hand on the forehead to maintain an open airway with a slight head tilt chin lift “like the baby is sniffing”
  • -Place 2 fingers on the middle of the chest just below the nipples.
  • – Push Hard / Push Fast “DO 30 Compression’s in a row at a rough depth of 4cm’s or 1 1/2 inch allowing the chest to recoil or raise up to the top after each compression.

2) Give two Breaths by:

  • – If you have a pocket mask “Use it now” or:
  • – Open the airway by using the “Head-tilt / Chin lift technique
  • – Seal your lips tightly over the baby’s “Mouth & Nose“
  • – Give two “baby size” breaths, taking about 1 second per breath with just enough volume to make the chest rise up.

3) If your breaths go in:

  • – Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compression’s and 2 breaths
  • – If your breaths do NOT go in: Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compression’s and before giving the next 2 breaths look into the mouth for obstructions. “Choking in infants is very common” remove the object if you see it then continue with 30 compression’s & 2 Breaths.

4) Continue CPR until:

  • – The scene is no longer safe to be in
  • – More advanced care arrives.
  • – An A.E.D arrives and has told you to stop.
  • – You have become physically unable to continue.
  • – The victim starts to breath normally on their own.

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.

Uncategorized

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” Adult & Child

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” Adult & Child

How to Perform CPR “Part 2 of 3”

In our last post we focused on the basic information you would need to know about CPR and how its performed. For this Post we will focus giving you the “Step by Step CPR Guide”. This guideline is for the “General Public” for the Health Care Provider we will have a post later on dedicated to the new standards set by ILCOR, The Heart & Stroke Foundation, and the Basic Life Support CPR-C for HCP’s Health Care Providers guidelines.

In any Emergency remember to:

1) Protect yourself “Make sure its safe before helping”

2) Call 911 “Get your Paramedic Partners going”

3) Don’t Waste Time “Each second without oxygen can cause brain damage, don’t waste it wondering what to do, just help”

If the person is “Not breathing” and has gone unconscious for any reason “START CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation”

CPR “Adult & Child”

1) Start CPR by:

– Place the hell of one hand on the middle of the person’s chest, place the other hand on top “Palm above Palm in the Center of the Chest”

– Push Hard / Push Fast “DO 30 Compression’s in a row” Allowing the chest to recoil or raise up to the top after each compression.

2) Give two Breaths by:

– If you have a pocket mask “Use it now” or:

– Open the airway by using the “Head-tilt / Chin lift technique

– Pinch the person’s nostrils closed.

– Take a normal breath

– Cover the person’s mouth with your mouth

– Give two breaths, taking about 1 second per breath with just enough volume to make the chest rise up.

3) If your breaths go in:

– Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compression’s and 2 breaths

– If your breaths do NOT go in: Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compression’s and 2 breaths.

4) Continue CPR until:

– The scene is no longer safe to be in

– More advanced care arrives.

– An A.E.D arrives and has told you to stop.

– You have become physically unable to continue.

– The victim starts to breath normally on their own.

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.

First Aid Techniques

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” Adult & Child

CPR “Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation” Adult & Child

What to know about CPR “Part 1 of 3”

Over the past 4 years our school has provided training in the basics of CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation techniques, we have learned that once you get the hang of it, its a skill that can stick with you for a lifetime giving you the ability to save a loved one when tragedy strikes. Many people are also unaware of the fact that some day, somewhere, “Someone is going to do CPR ON YOU“!! Once we tell our students this many questions start to pop up like “What are my chances of surviving CPR without brain damage? What if I have a DNR “Do Not Resuscitate“, Can I kill someone by doing CPR? Will I hurt them? Can I get sued by doing CPR incorrectly? Is it performed differently for different age groups?

Lets go through those questions one by one before we get the basics of CPR put into your mind, just remember that “Anyone Can do it” The first question of “What are my chances of surviving CPR?” is always the first one put forward, but to keep your stats up to date the chances have gone “UP”, 5 years ago we normally heard the average chance of about 4%-7% chance of survival “Without Brain Damage, however after only 5 years of study and practicing of new techniques the resuscitation rate is now actually 22%-26%. We are teaching it the best way possible and its working!

Those with DNR’s will also have CPR performed on them weather they wanted it or not, its simply said like this “Will a Paramedic look through your Freezer for your DNR? Will they go through your wallet to find it?” The answer being NO means that if a Paramedic or even someone in the general public finds “You” and “You are NOT” breathing and have no pulse… “We will Start CPR on you” DNR’s are for Doctors, Lawyers and Hospice Facilities.

Can you kill someone by performing CPR on them? Well if you think about how the skill is designed the answer should be quite easy. CPR is designed to help push or supply blood and oxygen to the organs that need it if the heart has failed. The CPR technique of compression’s “Building Blood Pressure to force blood through the body” & Breaths providing the main fuel the body uses to support life. CPR is designed to save your life, not stop it, the chance of you doing more harm than good once someone has stopped breathing is “Minimal” CPR SAVES LIVES, don’t worry “Anyone Can Do It”.

Can you hurt someone by doing CPR? Simply put its life over limb, which means don’t worry about breaking a rib “the ribs will NOT” puncture the lungs. Paramedics have had a slogan for many years “If the ribs POP, Don’t Stop!! But if you hit the Spine, that’s NOT fine!! Depth is something to consider as you need to push Hard & Fast on ALL age groups, if you break a rib DON’T STOP, just DON’T Bottom out, you want to use hard pressure just not enough to crush them.

Can you get sued by performing CPR? Depending on where you live the answer is almost always NO. When someone’s life is in danger and you attempt to save their life you are doing what you thought was necessary to save a life. Alberta. Canada has what is known as the Emergency Medical Aid Act also known as the Good Samaritan Act which helps protect First Aid providers from Liability issues and allows them to act in the victims best interest to preserve their life. Don’t hesitate just do what you can!

To avoid any liability issues just remember to:

a) Get Consent / Permission /Cooperation

b) Stick within your level of training “Do what you KNOW”

c) Don’t make it worse “Help them don’t hurt them”

Last and final question, about the difference between the age groups and how we perform CPR. As previously stated in other posts age groups are separated like this:

Infants – Age 0-1 “Or toddlers”

Children – Age 1-Puberty “normally found from age 8 and up”

Adult – Any sign of puberty

For the General public we will always refer to the “Skill” of CPR as being performed “The Same” on all age groups, its the technique we modify for the smaller size of the victim we are rescuing. For our general public CPR is performed by providing 30 Chest Compression’s and Giving 2 Breaths, this skill is the same for “All Age Groups”.

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.

First Aid Techniques

How to Roll A Person Over “H.A.IN.E.S Technique”

How to Roll A Person Over “H.A.IN.E.S Technique”

There are many different ways to help a victim during an emergency, but what can we do if we find someone unconscious and laying face down? If the victim is “Unconscious without Spine Injuries but laying face down” rolling the victim over using the “H.A.IN.E.S technique” is designed to help keep the victims airway open as well as keeping the Head, Neck & Spine in a relatively strait line so that we can avoid possible “Head, Neck or Spine injuries. If you’ve ever wondered “How do I roll a person over? What risks are there to rolling a person over? is there any technique in rolling a person over? what does the H.A.IN.E.S Technique stand for?” this is a tutorial for the best known way to roll a person over from face down and prevent further injuries.

H.A.IN.E.S – Stands For

High – Arm – In – Endangered – Spine

The H.A.IN.E.S technique is designed to keep the head, neck and spine in a relatively strait line as you roll the person over avoiding further damage or spinal injuries. As we may not know what caused the person’s injuries or emergency once the person is face down remember its often difficult to breath face down on the ground, rolling them over secures the airway and makes it possible to perform CPR or other life saving techniques.

To Roll a Person Over using the “H.A.IN.E.S Technique” :

  1. 1) Kneel Beside the victim and place the victims furthest arm from you above their head.”High – Arm” In Endangered Spine.
  2. 2) Place the arm closest to you against the victims side.
  3. 3) Cross the legs using the leg that is closest to you to overlap hooking the ankles.
  4. 4) Place a hand under the victim’s jaw using your thumb and index finger to grip the jaw firmly letting your last three fingers rest against the side of the neck. Slip your forearm under the victims shoulder to act as a lever.
  5. 5) Grip the victims belt by the hip with your remaining hand, if the victim is not wearing a belt grip the pant material firmly
  6. 6) In unison with both arms “Roll the victim slowly away from you keeping the Head, neck and spine in line. As you roll the victim notice that the head should be resting on the “High-Arm“. Once the victim is on their hip their own body weight should carry them over onto their back “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast” Make sure to guide the head neck and spine down gently to the ground keeping them in line to avoid potential spinal injuries.
  • -Check the Airway to make sure the person is still breathing. If they are not breathing “Start CPR” 30 Compression’s, 2 breaths for all age groups.

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.

First Aid Techniques

Deadly Bleeding & How to Stop it

Deadly Bleeding & How to Stop it

Deadly Bleeding or Severe bleeding that ends with large amounts of Blood being lost has the potential to end a victims life very quickly. Either “Internal” or “External” bleeding depending on the volume of Blood being lost can become life threatening and must be controlled as soon as possible. Many of our students have asked great questions including, how much blood can you lose before its too much? How much Blood do we have? Whats the difference between internal and external bleeding? How can I tell if its an Arterial bleed or venous? Are there any tricks I can do to help stop the bleeding? Should I use a tourniquet?

On “average” many people have about 5 to 6 liters of blood within their body, of course size, gender, age and athleticism play factors on this volume as we are all unique. The “average” blood loss that many people can sustain is about 2 cups / 500 ml or 1/2 liter, this volume is much less than many people are aware of and indeed has the potential to become life threatening. So whats the best way to stop the bleeding? As we are not able to do very much for Internal bleeding “Bleeding trapped under the skin” other than seeking medical attention right away, lets focus on external bleeding.

EXTERNAL BLEEDING “Blood is coming out of their body“

There are 2 types of external bleeding, Arterial & Venous, the best way to describe them is not to focus on the Blood itself but the volume that is being lost. Arterial bleeds or “From the Artery” will have a “HIGH” volume and may spray, Venous or “From the Vein” will have a “LOW” volume and will steadily bleed out.

The 3 P’s to STOP External Bleeding

1) Pressure… 2) Pressure….. 3) Pressure………

Of course each of these moderate pressures are different and have a different skill that we as rescuers can use to help “Slow the Blood-flow” so that it can stop itself. “Never use a tourniquet” or hard pressure as tourniquet’s STOP blood-flow and any body part deprived of blood & oxygen will eventually die. This can lead to severe complications when the victim arrives at the hospital to receive further medical care. As first response rescuers lets focus on how to “Slow the Blood-flow” so your own body can stop the bleeding itself, this skill will be invaluable for anyone who has external bleeding from either an artery or vein.

The 3 P’s to STOP External Bleeding Stand For

  1. 1) Direct Pressure
  2. 2) Pressure Bandages
  3. 3) Pressure Points

What to Do:

  1. 1) Make sure its safe for you to help the victim before you approach them. If safe to do so check the victim.
  2. 2) If the bleeding looks high in volume or you are not comfortable with care call 911 for further medical aid.
  3. 3) With the wound in view, expose the wound “rinse with cool clean water if needed”
  4. 4) Apply direct pressure with a bandage to the wound “Slow the Blood-Flow” If bleeding persists always add more bandages never take away blood soaked bandages as your wound is beginning to clot.
  5. 5) Apply a Pressure Bandage, to secure a direct pressure bandage use either roller gauze or a triangular bandages to secure your direct pressure bandages in place with a “Moderate pressure” always make sure that circulation is maintained distally or “after the wound”, to do this try pressing on the skin past the wound, if the blood flow is normal the skin will blanch then return to its original color quickly.
  6. 6) For persistent bleeding and Arterial bleeds add the use of pressure points, to do this use an object like a roll of gauze or bandages and place them in the Joint “Arm Pit, Groin, elbow” above the wound then have the victim bend the joint pressing the object in. This will create a pressure on the veins and arteries above to the wound thus slowing the blood flow even more. The addition of Cool packs and elevation may further increase your ability to slow the blood-flow and achiever our goal of having the bleeding stopped.
  7. 7) Combined the 3 Pressures, Direct Pressure, Pressure Bandage & Pressure Points have been shown to greatly increase survival rate of victims experiencing blood loss. Just remember to continue care and seek medical aid for any bleeding that has the potential to be severe.

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.

A Tid Bit About Emergencies