Monthly Archives: May 2015

CPR Steps to Perform on a Pregnant Victim

What is CPR?

CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a live-saving procedure performed during emergencies. The technique is especially designed to keep the blood circulation flowing when a victim is in cardiac arrest. CPR is an effective procedure that can be implemented until professional medical assistance is available.

CPR procedure consists of two components including chest compressions and breathing. The procedure usually starts with 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths of air. CPR can be given to any victim (infant, adult, elderly, pregnant or other) who encounters an emergency situation.

What is CPR for a pregnant victim?

CPR procedure for a pregnant victim is same as CPR for an adult victim. It requires rescue breaths and chest compressions, which help to circulate blood throughout the mother and her baby. However, CPR for a pregnant woman should be performed carefully since in such cases the life of the fetus is also at risk.

Why a different CPR technique is adopted for a pregnant victim?

In pregnant victims, the enlarged womb makes it challenging to perform the normal chest compressions. Therefore, two people with good CPR training are required to carry out the rescue procedure, with one of the rescuer assisting to shift the uterus to the left in order to alleviate the pressure accumulated on the thoracic side.

CPR Steps to Perform on a Pregnant Victim
CPR Steps to Perform on a Pregnant Victim

What are the CPR steps to perform on a pregnant victim?

• Like with any casualty of cardiac arrest, it is advisable to immediately call the emergency number ensuring that medical assistance approaches as quick as possible.

• When you make an emergency call, it is better to inform the hospital that the casualty is pregnant.

• Prior to performing chest compressions, it is wise to manually move the uterus to the left. While doing this, place the victim in a comfortable position- usually lying on a flat surface.

• Start with the compressions, without alternating the procedure with rescue breathing.

• Try to perform only hands compressions to ensure that the major veins have enough blood flow.

• Continue to make 30 compressions followed by two breaths until exhaustion.

Warnings

In order to perform these skills on a pregnant victim, getting certified in CPR course is advisable alleviating the risk of responsibility. Be confident while performing CPR and remember, your little effort can save two lives at once.

Burn Injuries: Levels, Types and First Aid Treatment

Burn injuries are the most common household injuries, though it also occurs in work sites due to accidents. “Burn” is a type injury to the skin caused by heat, electrical sources, chemicals, radiation and very cold water. The victim feels more than burning sensation with burn injuries. This Infographic details the various types and levels of burns along with the first aid treatments recommended by various organizations for burn injuries.

Burn injuries are characterized by skin damage in which the affected skin cells die. Burns can cause blistering, scarring and even death depending upon the severity of injury. There are also chances of infections as burns damage the skin’s protective barrier. All types of burns need immediate first aid care, and in severe cases, admission to hospital. Before giving first aid, it is important to determine the type of burn. First responders in this case should have proper first aid training to prevent further complications and death. See the below infographic to learn more about first aid procedures for burn injuries recommended by health and safety training providers.

 

Burn Injuries: Levels, Types and First Aid Treatment

First Aid Skills Everybody Should Know

You never know when an emergency situation could strike, and you might have to deliver first aid care to someone in need. So, it’s very essential to be prepared all the time as this could make a difference between life and death for a victim or an injured person. Here are few first aid skills that everyone should know.

• Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using AED
Sudden cardiac arrest is the condition in which the heart is no longer pumping blood. Heart stops beating due to choking, heart attack or due to some other factors. Whatever the cause, the best way to increase the survival chance of such victims is to perform CPR, and in some situations use automated external defibrillator (AED).

• Stopping heavy bleeding
When someone is bleeding heavily, put pressure on the wounded part and raise it over the heart to slow down heavy bleeding. For stopping nosebleeds, close the nostrils for ten minutes, which will allow the broken vein in the nose to close.

First Aid Skills Everybody Should Know
First Aid Skills Everybody Should Know

• Treating shock
Shock may occur after loss of blood, loss of fluids, or due to allergic reactions. In this situation, make sure the person is warm and comfortable and then call for an ambulance.

• Choking
Choking happens when the passage through the windpipe is blocked. Encourage a person to cough when chocking occurs, or proceed to the Heimlich manoeuvre technique to expel the foreign object causing choking.

Keep in mind that CPR/First Aid/AED training can help you gain knowledge on how to use these skills. So, stay safe and save other’s life in case of emergency.

First aid myths debunked – Infographic

The Infographic presents some first aid myths and facts to help people understand the difference between a treatment myth and a medically sound first aid treatment. It also portrays vital first aid statistics in the U.S.

During emergencies, people tend to follow first aid treatment methods that have been handed down to them from generations. However, these types of first aid practices only harm the victim instead of helping him/her. By knowing what to do in an emergency situation, first responders can save a life or prevent a situation from worsening. But doing it in a wrong way can make the problem worse. For example, there is a common myth that an injured person should be moved away from car accident scene. The fact is that moving the victim during such condition can lead to paralysis or even death. Take a look in the below infographic to find out some more first aid misconceptions and the facts behind these myths.

First Aid Tips for Caregivers

Seniors, children, or disabled adults always need some kind of assistance from a caregiver. Caregivers may be family members, friends or trained individuals, who give a safe, caring home to a child, disabled or senior person and help him/her for his/her food, shelter and clothing needs. A caregiver can benefit from first aid information in case of emergency situations. Below are some first aid tips for anyone who is planning for caring another individual:

  • Remain calm and call for help immediately

It’s important to prepare yourself mentally for various emergency situations such as falls, cut, heart attack, and others. If an emergency occurs, try to remain calm and call an emergency healthcare provider immediately. This is to ensure that trained emergency personnel will be in route while you take care of the patient and provide first aid.

  • Keep First Aid kit handy

A first-aid kit is much faster and easier in an emergency then looking for supplies and medicines that are scattered in different locations throughout a home. Give first aid treatment to senior or disabled person or to a child in case of falls and cuts.

  • Learn CPR and AED

You could become certified in CPR or learn how to operate AED. This will help you perform CPR until emergency services arrive to attend the patient. It could save the life of the person in your care.

First Aid Tips for Caregivers
First Aid Tips for Caregivers

It’s important to be aware of the types of dangers a person you are caring for is particularly susceptible to. With the helps of these first aid tips you can keep them safe and stable in case of an accident.