Imagine you are at a picnic with your family, the laughter is filling the air and then suddenly, someone falls. Panic takes over. What would you do? You can become a hero by knowing Para CPR and First Aid.
Let’s start by breaking down Para CPR. You don’t just pump someone’s chest to try and start a lawnmower. It’s more complex than that. It’s important to keep the blood flowing until professional help arrives. By buying the victim time, you are essentially buying them some time.
Imagine this: your friend Joe chokes on a steak while at a barbeque. The Heimlich maneuver is all you need. You can do this by standing behind Joe and wrapping your arms around him. Make a fist in one hand, then place it above Joe’s navel. Grab your fist with your other hand and quickly thrust upwards until the meat chunk flies like a cork out of a champagne bottle.
What if Joe doesn’t breathe? It’s time to get mouth-to-mouth! You can tilt his head back to help open his airway. Then, you can pinch his nose and breathe in his mouth until his chest starts rising. If he still doesn’t breathe after two breaths then switch back to chest pressures.
We shouldn’t forget wounds, either. Those nasty cuts can occur when someone thinks they are Gordon Ramsay with a knife but ends up looking more like Mr. Bean. Use water to clean the wound (no soap), then apply pressure using a bandage or a cloth to stop the bleeding. If possible, elevate the area.
Another common social mishap is burns. Think of campfires and grilling accidents. Cool water should be applied to the burn for a few minutes. No ice. Cover the area with a clean, sterile cloth or gauze bandage. Blisters are there to protect you. Do not pop them.
Let’s now talk about fainting episodes. Who hasn’t witnessed Aunt Mildred swoon during Thanksgiving dinner at least once? When someone faints, they should lie flat on their backs and raise their legs in order to increase blood flow to the brain. If they fall, loosen any clothing that is tight around their neck.
What about heart attacks? The first step is to recognize one. You can experience chest pain, discomfort, shortness in breath, nausea or lightheadedness. Contact emergency services right away! Keep the person calm while waiting for assistance.
Knowing how to deal with seizures can make all the difference. Restraining someone who is having a fit can be dangerous. Clear away any objects that may cause injury, and place a soft object under the person’s head if you can.
Let’s add some humor to this: remember that episode of “The Office”, where Michael Scott performed CPR while singing “Stayin Alive”? It’s not as silly as it may sound, but keeping the rhythm of that song works!
Do not forget about allergic reactions, especially those annoying bee stings and food allergies that lurk around every corner ready to strike. EpiPens can save your life. Inject them into the outer thigh muscles as soon as possible to prevent further complications.
Why should you be concerned about this? Emergency situations don’t invite you to a party. They just show up! Preparedness means you’re ready to act when the seconds count.