First-Aid Part 2

         Hope for the best and expect the worst. In this three part blog series for first-aid, I will teach you the importance of acting quickly in critical situations. On this blog, I stress to be prepared, and first-aid is all about being prepared. Like I said, hope you never have to use it, but know exactly what to do just in case. Dealing with internal situations like: choking, shock, CPR, and heat stroke require fast action. Noticing important signs from outside the body will hopefully tell you what's happening inside the body.

1 Heat Stroke

         The easiest way to avoid shock and heat stroke is by drinking plenty of water and not overworking. Quick signs of heat stroke are: headache with a racing heartbeat and rapid breathing. The skin might start to discolor and become pale or flushed. People going into a heat stroke might start acting differently with an altered mental state of behavior. The victim might also experience hot or cold flashes with nausea or vomiting. However, the main sign of a heat stroke is a body temperature over 104 F or 40 C.A heatstroke is sever, and in extreme cases victims could pass out and hit their head. If some of these symptoms are present lay the victim in a cool area and lay a blanket over their body. Have them elevate their legs (at least above their heart) to ensure proper blood circulation. Finally, have them slowly consume room temperature water; warmer water absorbs faster into the body. Fanning might also help the victim cool down faster, but do not immerse them in cold water. If you do Heat stroke will turn into shock.

2 Shock

         If you have ever jumped into a cold lake you have experienced the early stages of shock. Shock can be caused by a rapid change in temperature, or wearing yourself out by overworking. Early symptoms of shock are: lightheartedness followed by confusion. An unsteady heart rate with decrease blood pressure. Shallow and rapid breathing causing cool, clammy skin or chills. In extreme cases, numbing in the left side of your body with cloudy vision, this could also be the warnings of a stroke (If a stroke were to happen call 911 and treat for shock). To treat for shock, lay the victim down on a coat or blanket, if accessible. Elevate their feet (again, at least above their heart). Loosen his/her clothing, and take their pulse. The victim might also hallucinate or act irrationally, so try to calmly talk them down and relax them. Then, when stable, cover the victim with a coat or blanket. Regularly check their're pulse, If he/she falls unconscious be prepared to use CPR if their heart stops.

3  CPR

         CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies or if the heart has stopped beating. Note: if you come across an unconscious person immediately call for help. An easy way to us CPR is by using the ABC’s of resuscitation. A- airway, B- breathing, C- circulation. First check the unconscious victim, place two fingers under his/her chin and a hand on the forehead. Tilt the head back to open the airway (A). Look in the mouth and look for any obstructions. To remove obstructions, use two fingers and scoop the debris out, don’t pinch or jab. Then listen and feel for the victims breathing (B). If they start/are breathing lay them on their side to allow them to recover and breath on their own. If they start breathing stop here. If he/she is not breathing, it is time to prepare for compression's. Prepare the victim by checking their circulation (C). Feel for a pulse at the side of their windpipe. No pulse, begin CPR immediately.
Quickly place the heel of your left hand over the sternum (middle of chest) followed by your right hand on top of your left hand, interlocking the fingers together. Make sure the fingers don't rest on the chest. Know, with your elbows locked, press down firmly, then release (this is one compression). Do 30 consecutive and equal compression's. Popping and clicking noises should be coming from the victim's chest, for a while. These noises are the ribs shifting and possibly fracturing, which is a good thing; because the point of compression's is to expand and contract the lungs. To do this, however, you might break some ribs, which is a small price to pay if you save someone's life. Check the victim's pulse after each set of 30 compression's, if their still not breathing do 30 more compression's and repeat. The only time you should stop applying CPR is either when 911 (help) comes, victim starts breathing, or you physically cannot do any more competitions.

4 Choking

       If you feel like you're choking, place your hand around your neck and stand up. This is called the universal sign of choking. If you see someone clearly giving this signal, then it’s time for action. To dislodge and object from someone's esophagus stand behind the victim, interlock your hands beneath their rib cage, and pull in then up sharply. The building pressure of air leaving the lungs should clear the throat. If a small child is choking bend the child over your knee, hit the child between the shoulder blades with the heel of the hand. Do not use the first method on babies or young children. If the obstruction is removed from the victim and they fall unconscious, follow the steps for CPR.

          These are four extremely important, and common health situations. To prevent you from getting into these situations drinking plenty of water, eat slowly and take small bits, don’t over work, and stay well rested and in shape. If you happen to come across one of these situations don’t hesitate, take action and be confident. It might sound silly, but this could be the difference between life and death. Stay tuned for part three and remember to always be prepared.

Thank you, and please leave a comment, suggestion, or question down below.