What Would You Do?

What would you do if you were home alone and began to choke on your dinner. What would you do if an elderly relative has a bad fall. What if a friend you are with has a severe allergic reaction, diabetic emergency or heart attack. What if you were the first to arrive on the scene of a motor vehicle collision. What would you do to help until the ambulance arrived? 

If you are home alone and choking, follow these 3 steps:

1) Dial 911 & leave it off the hook (the dispatcher will send help). This 1st step is so important. Get help quick. Without oxygen, brain damage is possible in only 5 minutes. 

2) Move to a place where you will get noticed. Unlock your door & stay near the open doorway. 

3) Drop your abdomen onto a safe object like the back of a chair (try to dislodge the object with improvised abdominal thrusts). 

You never know when you may have to utilize your first aid training to help yourself or others. Years ago, I was managing a fitness centre when a member alerted us to a gentleman slumped over the wheel of his car, in our parking lot. We found him unconscious & not breathing. We immediately called 911, performed two-man CPR. We also used the AED (automatic external difibrulator) when it arrived.

You never know how you will react in a real-life situation when someone’s life is on the line. Fortunately, we stayed calm & remembered our first aid training. I was proud of our efforts. Unfortunately we couldn’t save this gentleman (a blood vessel had burst in his brain).

While I have always done my best to stay safe & injury free, it is amazing how many people I have come across that needed my help. Now I always carry a cell phone & first aid kit (I have one at home, in my car & a smaller version for hiking). Are you prepared? What would you do if a loved-one, friend, co-worker or stranger needed your help?

Take first aid training, it isn’t difficult. You will learn how to prevent injuries & will gain confidence in your ability to react to real life & work medical emergencies. You could save a life.

Our next course is July 24 & 25^th. Register today! Check this link for other dates: http://go-getters.squarespace.com/first-aid-course-da/.