Urban Survival - Minimum First Aid Requirements Following a Disaster

Disaster preparation should be a family affair and must include some first aid training. The person best suited for the job, should be the designated caregiver. A second person should be trained as backup in case the primary caregiver is among the injured.

The dangers inherent to the more violent natural disasters, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes are obvious, but floods, winter emergencies and heat related energy outages also have risks associated with them.

The bare minimum the caregiver should know is the following;

• how to clean and dress wounds,
• how to suture wounds and when not to suture wounds,
• how to reset, splint, or immobilize fractures,
• how to perform cpr,
• how to reduce a high fever,
• how to deal with shock, or post-traumatic stress syndrome,
• how to deal with heat exhaustion, or heat stroke,
• how to deal with frostbite and hypothermia,
• how to recognize and treat food poisoning,
• how to clean and treat burns,
• how to treat symptoms of electrical shock,
• how to recognize symptoms of various diseases,
• the importance of hygiene and sanitation following a disaster.

The American Red Cross offers courses that cover most, if not all, of these subjects. People who have never worked in the medical field often shy away from these courses, thinking that they are not qualified, or capable of learning life saving techniques. This is not so. The courses are set up to train people with no prior knowledge of medicine. They are taught in layman's terms and are interesting, informative and usually fun.

In North America, first responders should be on the scene within 72 hours, but this is not always the case. Survivors should be prepared to care for themselves for at least a week, maybe longer. Following a disaster of any magnitude the survivors will be facing the same problems that people living in third world countries face, daily. Under these conditions a person with any first aid or medical training will be invaluable.

Some people hesitate giving first aid help in fear of law suits. The Good Samaritan law protects caregivers in an emergency situation.

Preparing in advance by maintaining a well stocked first aid kit will greatly improve the chance of survival for you and your family, but additional training in field expedient medicine is invaluable. You can make a splint, or a neck brace using a rolled up newspaper. Bandages can be made from cotton cloth, or paper towels and duct tape. Remedies for upset stomachs, dehydration, burn treatment and other common problems can be made from ingredients found in any kitchen.

The more you know, the safer you will be, but nothing takes the place of advance preparation. Disaster preparedness is the best and least expensive insurance policy you can get for your family.

David_Hardin

The author is currently certified by the Emergency management Institute under the auspices of FEMA and The Department of Homeland Security. He has been actively involved in disaster preparedness and survival techniques for more than half a century. You can get free up-to-date downloads and information about all areas of Urban Survival at: http://www.davehardinonline.com/the1st72hours.html

Why is it Necessary to Have First Aid Trained Staff at the Workplace?

Accidents happen at the workplace. There is really nothing that anyone can do about it because if there were, then accidents wouldn't exist. Everyone would be perfect. But people get cut, they fall down, they strain different parts of their body, and they break bones. That is just a short list of the various injuries that can happen on the job. It also depends on the occupation. A job in the heavy labor industry is one in which there may be the most injuries. However, the retail industry has its fair share as well because there are customers moving in and out and there are usually a lot of employees in one location.

And because all of these injuries can happen in the workplace, it is important that there are members of the staff trained in first aid.

The benefits

There are various benefits to having staff trained in first aid. First of all, those staff members can tend to the wounds of someone injured on the property. This can include bandaging a wound in a sanitary way, tending to a sprain or a break until emergency care is acquired, and administering CPR if it is needed. There have been instances in which lives have been saved because there are members of the staff who have been trained in first aid.

What else is great is the fact that a person can be tended to until an ambulance arrives or until they are able to seek medical help.

In the retail environment, it is especially beneficial to have first aid trained employees. Both employees and customers are injured from time-to-time. Employees may cut themselves with a box cutter or they may fall off of a ladder. The customers may slip and fall on spilled substances or from rainwater that has been tracked in on the floor. There are also times in which a customer may have a health condition and they pass out or they have a weak moment while shopping. Without a first aid trained staff, these situations can be even more challenging for the staff.

Training in first aid

If you're wondering how you can become trained in first aid, look for programs within your community. There are some employers now who bring in trainers to train their staff in first aid, otherwise you are left to your own devices.

But why should you be the one to train in first aid when there are going to be people within your company who don't?

Well, the answer to this question is simple - You increase your value to the company. If you ever decide to switch jobs, this is something that you can add to your job application. When you have that you are trained in first aid on your job application, you increase your chances of getting the job. You may even increase the amount of pay that you get. This makes taking first aid training in your community very much worth the time and the money that it requires. You may find that it's one of the best moves that you have made for your career.

Utilizing your skills

Once you're trained in first aid, you will find that there is a time in which you must utilize those skills. Many hope that they don't have to, but know that you are doing something great for someone when you do. You could possibly save someone's life and, when you do that, they will always be grateful for what you've done for them. You'll be glad that you were there to help them out when they needed help.

Amy_Nutt

You will find first aid training in your community and you require customized programs to meet the specific needs of diverse groups for CPR Courses or CPR Training.

First Aid Childcare Training - How to Protect Your Childcare Center

Kids can get a little messy sometimes so they end up with injuries and wounds or start having difficulty breathing. In times like this, you need to be prepared if you don't want your childcare center to be sued by angry parents.

Being ready for the worst like choking, diabetes or asthma attacks, and seizures will increase the chances of the kid to be all right. In cases like these, knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation may aid and alleviate suffering until more advanced medical treatment arrives.

The goal of any first aid treatment is not only to educate people of the skills needed in order to save a life but it is also focused on the preventive measures that will highly lessen chances of accidents. This training is a must for childcare providers and to almost any one who is qualified to take the course.

Basically, first aid training involves simple instructions, knowledge of theories, and hands-on interaction that could be done in the comfort of your own home or office space, and it can be scheduled anytime that you are available.

You should consider undergoing first aid childcare training so you can prevent any untoward events from happening. Since you can respond to emergencies using the needed skills that will surely save lives, you will be more confident in caring for children.

Additionally, knowing basic life support techniques can separate you from any other childcare centers in your neighborhood and clients will be rushing to your door. Ensure though that the training you are doing is based on the guidelines set by American Heart Association and American Red Cross.

Stephanie_Hofstetler

Get hundreds more free childcare training tips and learn how to run a smooth daycare center. You can even learn how to start your own home childcare center and watch your own kids while you make some extra money watching others.

Taking First Aid CPR Training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of lifesaving techniques meant to resume normal body function. When a person stops breathing or their heart stops beating, consistent administering of CPR can actually restart their heart and return breathing patterns to normal.

Everyone should know CPR; there simply is no excuse. With the availability of first aid CPR training in every area hospital, Red Cross, or community center, the ability to learn this important lifesaving technique is open to everyone.

CPR consists of a combination of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and – when necessary – chest compressions. In essence, the person administering CPR is breathing for the victim and manually pumping the victim’s heart until normal function resumes. Clearly, in addition to performing CPR when faced with a life threatening situation, call emergency services right way.

First aid CPR training is absolutely mandatory for those who work in specific jobs – in schools, nursing home facilities, etc. – but that doesn’t meant that everyone, regardless of their career, shouldn’t have a basic understanding of CPR. A first aid CPR training course will give you confidence and preparedness that will be priceless in the event of an emergency.

Most importantly, those who have children should absolutely take a first aid CPR training course. The knowledge you get in first aid CPR training can save the life of your child or someone else’s. And if you have a swimming pool then first aid CPR training is absolutely essential.

First aid CPR training is normally completed within the course of one day. Licensed instructors will guide you through the steps of CPR and you’ll even have the opportunity to practice these steps on a dummy. At the end of the course, you’ll normally leave with a CPR certification card. Even if you’ve taken a first aid CPR course in the past, it’s always wise to update your certification on a yearly basis. Advances in first aid techniques continue to evolve; be sure you’re on the cutting edge of information.

To find a first aid CPR training course, call your local hospitals, community centers, and Red Cross. There is almost always a first aid CPR training course scheduled for any given weekend.

No matter where you find it, taking a first aid CPR training course should be a top priority. Knowing how to perform this relatively simple technique can arm you with power and prepare you for anything. And most importantly, it can save the life of a stranger – or someone you love.

Michelle_Bery

For easy to understand, in depth information about First Aid CPR Training visit our ezGuide 2 First Aid.

The Importance of Offering First Aid Training to Soccer Players

Soccer is a very physical game involving lots of running with sudden stops; a ball traveling long distances at incredible velocities and plenty of chances for violent collisions. Though, as a whole, soccer is a very safe sport to participate in, any activity with similar game play can lead to a multitude of minor injuries and potentially even some more severe ones.

There are many factors that can increase the chances of injury - like players not having warmed up properly, wet or slippery field conditions, players not paying attention or players and coaches simply ignoring the rules of safety.

Any time that there is an increased chance for a participant in any activity to become injured it's important that someone on staff be properly trained in administering first aid, in a sport that's as active and competitive as soccer, it's important that everyone be trained in first aid in a case where multiple injuries may occur and coaches or staff need assistance in caring for the injured players.

Here are some of the common injuries associated with the sport of soccer, many of which can be tended to with basic first aid principals and training.

Sprains
Ankle sprains are one of the most common injuries associated with the sport of soccer. High speed running with quick and frequent stops and angular cuts is almost a recipe for a sprained ankle.

Muscle strains and Pulls
These can come from players who haven't warmed up properly, from attempting an uncommon or unusually high kick or from losing ones footing on a slippery playing field. Strains and pulls, depending upon severity can be excruciatingly painful.

Concussions
In addition to the feet, soccer players are allowed to play the ball with their heads. A ball traveling at a high rate of speed and covering forty or so yards of playing field and impacting a players head can do a bit more than just have the player seeing stars momentarily. Also when two players go up for a ball in the air, the chances increase for an accidental head but, which is also a good chance for a concussion.

Cramps
Muscle cramps are common in any sport where a good deal of running takes place, and although they aren't very serious the pain associated can be reasonably high from the onset through the time the cramp has run its course.

The aforementioned list comprises the most common injuries that occur on the soccer field, few of which are very serious and even less of which are life threatening. The most serious injuries listed above are the concussion and the ankle sprain, both of which will most likely require the player who suffers them to miss a few games, but unless either is unusually severe the player would likely be back on the field in a week to ten days. Proper first aid training will help to identify the signs of each of the injuries listed above and let the proper course of treatment begin to be followed - whether it be ice, massage, elevation or stabilization.

Just like in any sport where there is potential for impact, there is a chance that some more serious injuries will occur on the soccer field. Any time two players collide at high speed or a misplaced kick from one player makes contact with another there is a chance for things like broken bones or deep lacerations to occur.

In the event a situation like this should occur, the players who are properly trained in first aid can begin to administer immediate care while waiting for emergency personnel to respond. If immediate action isn't taken in one of these more serious injury situations, a more permanent injury could potentially occur. First aid training will teach players how to properly stop bleeding, how to administer CPR and how to tend to individuals who may be in shock from the severe pain of suffering broken bones.

A team may play twenty games in a season without a single injury occurring, but if even one injury occurs on the field, the proper first aid training can make a world of difference in a positive outcome to the situation.

Amy_Nutt

You will find First Aid Training Toronto community and you require customized programs to meet the specific needs of diverse groups for CPR Courses or CPR Training visit us.

The Abcs? the 3bs? a Window Into First Aid Training Classes

The ABCs? The 3Bs? A Window Into First Aid Training Classes

It is important for everyone to look into taking first aid training classes. There are many places that offer them – the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are two highly respected organizations that hold first aid training classes on an continuous basis.

First aid training classes are not very expensive, if you consider the benefit to taking them. Cost vary by company, but should be under $100 anywhere. The time commitment is minimal – usually just a few hours of investment will give you a certification that is good for most employers and other situations in which you might need one. The certificate is considered valid for Also, if you just want the knowledge itself, and don't require a certificate, there are several first aid training classes companies online that offer free first aid training classes – though they usually require a payment of twenty or thirty dollars for a hard copy certificate if you want one sent.

Now I Know My ABCs

One mnemonic device that most emergency personnel use when addressing a victim is the ABC method. First, they consider A. “A” represents Airway. In other words, is the pathway clear for the air to get into the victim's lungs? Perhaps you will need to lift the victim's chin or tilt her head back in order to clear the airway, or administer abdominal thrusts or back slaps to clear an obstruction if she's been choking.

Next is B. “B” stands for Breathing. Is the victim breathing? Can you hear their breaths or see their chest rising and falling? If not, it might require rescue breathing, a part of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR.

This also ties in with “C”, which stands for Circulation. Is the victim's heart beating? CPR will also facilitate moving their blood around in their body – though in a limited way – until relief by professionals is available to take over.

Those are the three most popular steps that emergency personnel follow when determining what's next with a victim. They are generally done in order, but can be done at the same time if the situation calls for it. They are part of what is taught in first aid training classes.

Learning The Buzz About The 3 B's

Some organizations talk about the “3 Bs” instead. These three, which are also supposed to usually be done sequentially (but can be simultaneous if the situation requires it) are Breathing, Bleeding, and Bones. While also addressing the priorities when dealing with a medical victim, you can see they are a bit different.

Whichever method your first aid training class uses, you can know that they will guide you in treating a victim with the priorities in place.

The ABCs? The 3Bs? A Window Into First Aid Training Classes

It is important for everyone to look into taking first aid training classes. There are many places that offer them – the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association are two highly respected organizations that hold first aid training classes on an continuous basis.

First aid training classes are not very expensive, if you consider the benefit to taking them. Cost vary by company, but should be under $100 anywhere. The time commitment is minimal – usually just a few hours of investment will give you a certification that is good for most employers and other situations in which you might need one. The certificate is considered valid for Also, if you just want the knowledge itself, and don't require a certificate, there are several first aid training classes companies online that offer free first aid training classes – though they usually require a payment of twenty or thirty dollars for a hard copy certificate if you want one sent.

Now I Know My ABCs

One mnemonic device that most emergency personnel use when addressing a victim is the ABC method. First, they consider A. “A” represents Airway. In other words, is the pathway clear for the air to get into the victim's lungs? Perhaps you will need to lift the victim's chin or tilt her head back in order to clear the airway, or administer abdominal thrusts or back slaps to clear an obstruction if she's been choking.

Next is B. “B” stands for Breathing. Is the victim breathing? Can you hear their breaths or see their chest rising and falling? If not, it might require rescue breathing, a part of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR.

This also ties in with “C”, which stands for Circulation. Is the victim's heart beating? CPR will also facilitate moving their blood around in their body – though in a limited way – until relief by professionals is available to take over.

Those are the three most popular steps that emergency personnel follow when determining what's next with a victim. They are generally done in order, but can be done at the same time if the situation calls for it. They are part of what is taught in first aid training classes.

Learning The Buzz About The 3 B's

Some organizations talk about the “3 Bs” instead. These three, which are also supposed to usually be done sequentially (but can be simultaneous if the situation requires it) are Breathing, Bleeding, and Bones. While also addressing the priorities when dealing with a medical victim, you can see they are a bit different.

Whichever method your first aid training class uses, you can know that they will guide you in treating a victim with the priorities in place.

phoenix06007

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Four Reasons Why Every Business Should Provide Employees With First Aid Training

In today's society, it is vital for business owners to provide their employees with first aid training for a variety of reasons. Regardless of industry, implementing a first aid training program for employees ensures that they are ready to respond to any medical crisis when needed. This is important for the safety of customers as well as the employees themselves.

When a person suffers a medical crisis such as a heart attack, it is often the first aid or CPR administered at the scene that ultimately saves their life. The American Heart Association reports that effective CPR, started immediately after cardiac arrest, can double a victim's chance of survival.

Here are four important reasons why a business can benefit from first aid training its staff members:

It's The Law

Based on the industry in which a business operates, first aid training may be required by law. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) oversees the first aid and CPR training requirements for the workplace. OSHA requirements typically concern industries that put their employees in harms way such as electrical power, health care, and construction. However, even general industry businesses such as manufacturing, wholesale and retail have OSHA first aid training requirements to follow.

Knowing where a business falls within the OSHA requirements is a first step in determining the type of first aid and CPR training to give employees. Even businesses that are not required to administer training through OSHA can benefit from having employees on staff that can provide a broad range of first aid at any given moment.

Employee Safety

Thousands of employees are hurt on the job every year in this country. This results in loss of work and less productivity. Some industries such as construction and manufacturing have higher instances of injury than other less dangerous businesses. Still, first aid training for all employees ensures that if anyone is injured on the job immediate action can be taken.

It typically takes several minutes for paramedics to respond to a call. If employees are trained in general first aid and CPR, treatment can be administered in those crucial first few minutes before medical help arrives. This can have a huge impact on the overall outcome or survival of the victim.

Customer Safety

People get hurt or suffer cardiac arrest in the most inopportune places. If injury happens at a place of business, they expect employees to be trained to help them. Businesses typically want to do everything in their power to ensure customers have a good experience. Providing them with a safe environment is the ultimate way to show you care!

On a secondary note, the publicity a business receives as a result of a medical emergency handled properly is excellent marketing. The general public knows that a business that takes the time and money to properly train their employees in first aid and CPR techniques really cares about people. The public will want to reward that company by doing business with them! It is a win-win situation. The victim suffers less with proper first aid care and the business wins accolades in the media.

Insurance Premiums

Every insurance company is different, but many offer premium discounts for businesses that have offered first aid and CPR training to their staff. Liability insurance is sometimes one of the largest expenses a business faces. The ability to lower this cost while providing a community service to employees and customers is a huge advantage.

There are many reasons to provide first aid training to employees, but one of the most important is simply the fact that they can be good stewards in the community and use their training to help others no matter where they are. If more citizens were knowledgeable about proper first aid and CPR training, thousands of lives could be saved each year. The American Heart Association reports that 75 to 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. A person who received on-the-job first aid training could very well wind up saving the life of a loved one!


Christine O'Kelly

Christine O'Kelly is an author for Annuvia, a company that provides businesses and other organizations with customized safety, emergency response, CPR training, and health/wellness solutions designed by healthcare and emergency response professionals.