Tag: Heimlich Maneuver

AED

On By scottpetersenIn AED, CPR, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

I just learned that a good friend of mine — a lawyer — had a heart attack.  He almost died.   He was standing at the elevator with a bunch of other lawyers.  And he collapsed.  None of the lawyers knew how to use the AED unit parked on the wall — since none had attended their firm-sponsored AED course.  Fortunately a staff person who had taken the firm’s AED course — came out and helped save his life.  

How many of you have taken AED training?  Heimlich training?  CPR?  First aid?  I have discussed this topic in the past but I believe it’s always time for a renewed kick in your caboose. . . . . 

In my post of October 21, 2011, I recounted that the best course I ever took in college was a year-long program on advanced/Civil Defense first aid training.  It has come in very handy over the years.  Thus, a few years ago when I looked at the AED sign on the train heading to my office, something clicked.  I oughta figure out what this “AED” thingee is.  So while having lunch at my desk – I logged onto a YouTube video which told the story of the AED (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfvu5FCQs6o ).  I now have a better idea now of what an AED does.  And how it works.  I would urge those reading this post to spend 4 minutes to learn about the AED.

And while you’re at it, why not learn the Heimlich Maneuver? I’ve done it twice – successfully. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgtIgSyAiU&feature=kp

A baby choking? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSnEpheYkY

How about CPR (“Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation”)? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEFskCrdhQ&feature=kp

Heavy bleeding? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwV39oxGwZU

Rescue breathing?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu9WTPOCxwU  

If you watch all of these videos (if they don’t “link” just paste them in your browser), you will spend about 40 minutes. But it may be the most valuable 40 minutes you ever spend.  Someone – maybe you – will be eternally grateful.

AED

On By scottpetersenIn AED, First aid, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

(A repeat from 6/12/2014)

It’s quite possible that some of you reading this post will one day save a person’s life.   Maybe save the life of a child.   By prompt action and a knowing response.

I get on the train every day and pass by a panel which announces the location of an “AED” unit (“Automated External Defibrillator“). I’ve seen this notice time and time again. My eyes glaze over and I move to my seat. And pull out my newspaper.  

In my post of October 21, 2011, I recounted that the best course I ever took in college was a year-long tutorial on advanced first aid (it has come in very handy over the years). Thus, a few weeks ago when I looked at the AED sign, something clicked.  I oughta figure out what this “AED” thingee is.  So while having lunch at my desk – I logged onto a YouTube video which told the story of the AED (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfvu5FCQs6o ).  I’ve got a better idea now of what an AED does.  And how it works.  I would urge those reading this post to spend 4 minutes and learn about the AED.

And while you’re at it, why not learn the Heimlich Maneuver? I’ve done it twice – successfully. See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgtIgSyAiU&feature=kp

A baby choking? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSnEpheYkY

How about CPR (“Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation”)? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEFskCrdhQ&feature=kp

Heavy bleeding? See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwV39oxGwZU

Rescue breathing?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xu9WTPOCxwU  

If you watch all of these videos (if they don’t “link” just paste them in your browser), you will spend maybe 35 minutes. It may be the most valuable 35 minutes you ever spend. And someone – maybe you – will be eternally grateful.

Lucretius

On By scottpetersenIn AED, CPR, First aid, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

I was walking to the train station with a friend. He mentioned that he is taking a course on Lucretius – the Roman poet and philosopher (99 B.C.-55 B.C.).   His previous course was on Cicero and the one before that on some unpronounceable Roman chap.  My friend went on talking about Lucretius and his publications on the nature of the universe and Epicureanism.  Sounded pretty neat.  I asked what he was taking next semester and he was not sure.  Maybe something on analytics or Euripides.  It was then I stuck my chin out. . . . .

I asked my friend if he had ever had a course on first aid.  He looked at me – “no.”  I asked if he’d ever taken a Heimlich Maneuver, CPR or AED course.  I got the same answer.  He asked me if I had done so and I recounted briefly my year-long course work on emergency medical response at Augustana College (see October 21, 2011) and my AED review (see June 12, 2014).   I said that over the years, this knowledge has come in handy.  On a few occasions very handy.

It’s great taking courses on Lucretius and Cicero though my personal bent might involve guitar lessons, bird study or a tutorial on card magic.  But lemme say this — acquiring knowledge on the subject of first aid (including AED, Heimlich, CPR) may someday prove to be more valuable than reading De Rerum Natura or Iphigenia at Aulis.  You never know when some southbound emergency will raise its ugly head. 

AED

On By scottpetersenIn AED, CPR, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

The chances are good that some of you will  one day save someone’s life by quick action and thoughtful response.  Or it may be your life that is saved . . . .

I get on the train each day and am confronted by a panel which announces the location of the “AED” unit (“Automated External Defibrillator”). I’ve seen this notice time and time again.  My eyes glaze over and I move to my seat.  In my post of October 21, 2011, I recounted that the best course I ever took in college was a year-long tutorial on advanced first aid (it has come in so handy over the years).  Thus, a few weeks ago, something clicked.  I should figure out what this “AED” thingee is.  So while having lunch at my desk – I logged onto a YouTube video which told the story of the AED (see  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfvu5FCQs6o ).  I may not – yet – be ready to use it but I’ve got a better idea now of what an AED does.  And how it works.  Hopefully, I will never need it.  I would suggest to those reading this post to spend 4 minutes and learn about the AED. 

And while you’re doing that, why not learn the Heimlich Maneuver?  I’ve done it twice – successfully.  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CgtIgSyAiU&feature=kp 

A baby choking?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUSnEpheYkY

How about CPR (“Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation”)?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPEFskCrdhQ&feature=kp

Heavy bleeding?  See http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwV39oxGwZU

If you watch all of these videos (if they don’t “link” just paste them in your browser), you will spend maybe 30 minutes.   It may be the most valuable 30 minutes you ever spend.  And someone – maybe you – will be eternally grateful.    

 

 

First Aid

On By scottpetersenIn Eagle Scout, First aid, Heimlich ManeuverLeave a comment

One of the best courses I ever took in college was a year-long (two semester) course in first aid.*  We started with the American Red Cross beginning course, moved on to the intermediate course, then moved into advanced.  We concluded the second semester with the Civil Defense Emergency Responder course which included clear instruction on a wide variety of serious emergency medical situations. 

When I signed up for the course I thought “I’m an Eagle Scout.  This will be a snap.”  Truth be told – it wasn’t as easy as I thought.  My point is that it is of great value — and could save a life — knowing how to deal with medical emergencies.  You will learn that the first response to any emergency is to call “911” or call your medical professional.   But when that’s not possible or help is delayed, know CPR.  Know the Heimlich Maneuver.  Know how to quickly respond to bleeding, pain, fever, and trauma.  Know the basics.  And perhaps know a little more.  All it takes is that one day – that one moment – when everyone stands around.  And you answer the call.      

*My best high school course was typing.