Thank you. This is an excellent vignette, AND an excellent summary of what the public should all learn to save a life. You may never be called upon to to do any of this, but if you are, it's too late to learn the basics. Today, we're emphasizing hands-only CPR and AED use, Stop the Bleed training, and how to deal with choking as key elements on lifesaving processes. You've highlighted all here, and the examples (your pool experience and Damar Hamlin) are excellent reminders for everyone.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was an EMT and subsequently a paramedic. I've learned all these, and keep up with them. And the next generation is also doing this work (a freshly minted paramedic in Texas), and he's as passionate as I am about spreading the word.
For the record, my compact first aid kit includes 2 tourniquets and combat gauze to pack a wound, among other things. In today's environment of rampant mass shooting events, it seems no one is likely to escape without seeing, being involved, or knowing someone who's been involved in one of those. If, by chance, I'm around one, yes, I've got the tools to Stop the Bleed on the seen.
Great advice. I still remember the very first child I pulled out of a pool as a lifeguard in high school. I can still see the look of panic on his face as he realized he was in trouble. He couldn't have been more than 6 yo. It happened so quickly and he never said a word. He sank, I was in, yanked him out, asked if he was okay. He sat in the bleachers for a long time, but was back the next week.
I didn't need any of the skills I'd been taught, other than paying attention. And admittedly I learned more in that 10-second incident than I ever would have expected.
Thanks so much for these! I don't read all that many posts whose outcome may save numerous lives! I still remember the training the Army gave us infantrymen fifty years ago, so the lessons once learned tend to stay in memory. Invaluable knowledge. 🙂
Thank you. This is an excellent vignette, AND an excellent summary of what the public should all learn to save a life. You may never be called upon to to do any of this, but if you are, it's too late to learn the basics. Today, we're emphasizing hands-only CPR and AED use, Stop the Bleed training, and how to deal with choking as key elements on lifesaving processes. You've highlighted all here, and the examples (your pool experience and Damar Hamlin) are excellent reminders for everyone.
Once upon a time, a long time ago, I was an EMT and subsequently a paramedic. I've learned all these, and keep up with them. And the next generation is also doing this work (a freshly minted paramedic in Texas), and he's as passionate as I am about spreading the word.
For the record, my compact first aid kit includes 2 tourniquets and combat gauze to pack a wound, among other things. In today's environment of rampant mass shooting events, it seems no one is likely to escape without seeing, being involved, or knowing someone who's been involved in one of those. If, by chance, I'm around one, yes, I've got the tools to Stop the Bleed on the seen.
Great advice. I still remember the very first child I pulled out of a pool as a lifeguard in high school. I can still see the look of panic on his face as he realized he was in trouble. He couldn't have been more than 6 yo. It happened so quickly and he never said a word. He sank, I was in, yanked him out, asked if he was okay. He sat in the bleachers for a long time, but was back the next week.
I didn't need any of the skills I'd been taught, other than paying attention. And admittedly I learned more in that 10-second incident than I ever would have expected.
Thanks so much for these! I don't read all that many posts whose outcome may save numerous lives! I still remember the training the Army gave us infantrymen fifty years ago, so the lessons once learned tend to stay in memory. Invaluable knowledge. 🙂