Medical Emergency - What would you do?

[AttilaTheHun 356]

So I know MOD wanted to induce a positive thread on this subject and not dwell on stereotyping and I agree.

 

I think the question was just asked the wrong way. How about....

 

The SP or Client your with is having a medical emergency, ie not breathing, choking, loss of heartbeat, having an allergic reaction?

 

What would you do until the help arrives?

 

Can you handle a medical emergency situation?

 

Helpful tips from cerb members might just save someones life. I'm certainly not trained in handling this type of emergency and think its important to be ready, just in case.

 

ATH

[Seymour 3970]

If faced with this I will definitely call in the experts for guidance (911) and will certainly stick around until they arrived. By having 911 on the phone one isn't alone as it were. The last thing on my mind would be how do I explain my presence there....

 

I would certainly hope my friends would do the same for me if I suddenly collapsed or passed out. In my travels I do favors for people all the time, saving a life is not a favor - it is the right thing to do. How could one possibly turn one's back on someone in a life or death situation?

[etasman2000 15994]

Folks please consider taking First Aid training. In many cases you could have your place of employment pay for it under the guise of the Health and Safety Act.

 

Personally I would prefer seeing this thread close and another open with ATH's question as the main focus.

 

The SP or Client your with is having a medical emergency, ie not breathing, choking, loss of heartbeat, having an allergic reaction?

 

The connotations associated with OD detract from the larger question of a medical emergency.

[etasman2000 15994]

In my travels I do favors for people all the time, saving a life is not a favor - it is the right thing to do. How could one possibly turn one's back on someone in a life or death situation?

 

In Quebec and most of Europe there is a duty of rescue. It is a criminal offense if you fail to take all reasonable steps to seek medical care for the injured party.

[dexterS3 134]

althought this part never happened with an sp but one time I promised my ex would quit gambling and I didn't, and on my way back from casino i found someone lying on the grass so obvious i called 911.

The person was beaten up bad so glad i stop but my ex wondered why police called had to explain the 4am being out. so i guess some good deeds go punished as i got a lot of s%$# from her but would stop in a heartbeat if it happened again.

[Jazzitup 5652]

Dexter you are a standup kinda guy.

We should all look after each other.

[NotchJohnson 214123]

Folks please consider taking First Aid training. In many cases you could have your place of employment pay for it under the guise of the Health and Safety Act.

 

Personally I would prefer seeing this thread close and another open with ATH's question as the main focus.

 

 

 

The connotations associated with OD detract from the larger question of a medical emergency.

 

As an ex firefighter I was trained for first aid and CPR and thank god I never had to fully use my knowledge even though some times it was a close call and another one took charge. I'm a very sensitive person and I'm not sure if I could go through with it.

 

What scares me the most is seeing someone unconscious with no breathing, I don't mind broken legs or arms or bleeding.

[AttilaTheHun 356]

So besides taking a first aid course, are there any members that can contribute with some quick pointers besides the obvious 911 call.

 

like choking on a foreign object

No pulse

convulsions

 

Its interesting to note that my parents who were schooled in Europe in the 1950's were taught CPR and basic lifesaving techniques as a mandatory course. I never understood why our school curriculum never adopted teaching first aid here.

 

ATH

[teched 418]

So besides taking a first aid course, are there any members that can contribute with some quick pointers besides the obvious 911 call.

 

like choking on a foreign object

No pulse

convulsions

 

Its interesting to note that my parents who were schooled in Europe in the 1950's were taught CPR and basic lifesaving techniques as a mandatory course. I never understood why our school curriculum never adopted teaching first aid here.

 

ATH

 

ATH, I think the two items mentioned really covers it.

1. Take a First Aid course

2. Call 911

 

In any emergency situation where I was the first on scene, even with training, I would appreciate the assitance that the folks who answer 911 calls would provide. They will offer all the advise needed and walk you through the steps. Having the 1st aid course would be a great help.

 

I guess the other suggestion would be to ensure the SP or person you are with are aware of any of your medical history that could cause you to pass out or collapse on them.

 

I remember seeing an SP who had a medical condition and she was very open about it. I felt more comfortable knowing about her condition, just in case. Of course it was not a problem and I very much enjoyed my time with her.

[etasman2000 15994]

ATH, I think the two items mentioned really covers it.

1. Take a First Aid course

2. Call 911

 

Carry a basic first aid kit. I always have one in my carry bag with me.

[v*****m*n 220]

being in a small community, I have both CPR and First Aid, I have had to use First Aid once when we came accross a fatal car accident, we knew one had passed and we were able to help the survivor in the end and it turns out that we knew the person and I know for a fact they would have done the same. 911 was also a big help in keeping us calm until the real help arrived

[ford1976 1074]

many moons ago my grade 9 health class had a first aid component where we were tested at the end by first aid examining staff. The things about first aid is there is always updates so you have to keep up to date. An important skill now is to familiarize yourself with defibrillator machines, they are available all over the place now.

 

So besides taking a first aid course, are there any members that can contribute with some quick pointers besides the obvious 911 call.

 

like choking on a foreign object

No pulse

convulsions

 

Its interesting to note that my parents who were schooled in Europe in the 1950's were taught CPR and basic lifesaving techniques as a mandatory course. I never understood why our school curriculum never adopted teaching first aid here.

 

ATH

[E.D. man 691]

:!:I am trained in First Aid and CPr and also now trained on a difibulator Level One.

I would perform everything I could do to keep her alive that I am trained in.

If she has her epi pen I could guide her to use if she was still concious, if not it is illegal to perform an epipen procedure.

If Unconscious I would perform CPR and have my cell on speaker phone on after I called 911.:smile:

[E.D. man 691]

In Quebec and most of Europe there is a duty of rescue. It is a criminal offense if you fail to take all reasonable steps to seek medical care for the injured party.

You are only required to perform fist aid quebec aslong as your life isn't threatened in saving the person.

Otherwise you are required to.:cool:

[geo007 203]

I think it is everyones' responsibility to learn the basics of first aid. Lots of books and internet sites on it. I've also been trained by ST John's ambulance including CPR. If you have a family or friends , you should know what to do if someone chokes for instance which happens often. Note that often when someone is choking on food, they will tend to leave the group to try to clear their throat in private. You have to follow them as they may pass out and die. If you come across someone who seems unconscious, first thing to do is to check for a pulse. If none, CPR immediately and call or ask someone to call 911. Then continue CPR until help arrives. I also try to have a basics first aid kit in my car. Having been a boy scout leader for 6 years gave me lots of experience in treating minor injuries.

[Emma Alexandra 123368]

I have first aid and CPR training and also whmis just in case someone uses the wrongs lubes..hehe. I 'm also trained in putting out small fires and things like how to talk to a terrorist and plane crashes...although i don't think I'll be needed the last 2...fingers crossed

[AttilaTheHun 356]

Wow, a sexual goddess and can save me in a plane crash? Wow I have to find a way to marry this girl.....lol (like that's gonna happen) Emma you are just so talented, you never cease to amaze me.

 

ATH

 

 

I have first aid and CPR training and also whmis just in case someone uses the wrongs lubes..hehe. I 'm also trained in putting out small fires and things like how to talk to a terrorist and plane crashes...although i don't think I'll be needed the last 2...fingers crossed

[APower20 400]

I had taken CPR and First Aid courses, but haven't got around to renewing them after they expired last year.

 

Does anyone know if it's illegal to provide CPR/First Aid to someone that is unconscious/in distress (convulsions, choking, etc.) if you don't have valid/current CPR/First Aid training?

 

Not that that would stop me in a life/death situation, but just wondering. I know this isn't the US, so I shouldn't expect to be sued for breaking someone's ribs giving them CPR but saving their life.

 

Also, if you're staying in a hotel, does anyone know if 911 will contact the front desk and alert them to the situation? Employees in the hotel usually have CPR/First Aid training, definitely a first aid kit, and maybe a defib. unit.

[E.D. man 691]

Difibulators are expensive at about $2000 a unit but they are lowering as most gov't buildings are now required to have one.

So most major places will have one soon including hotels and restaurants, as the price lowers and the demand increases.:D:cool:

[AttilaTheHun 356]

Thanks to all that offered some tips here. I picked a first aid booklet and plan to take a CPR course.

 

ATH

[shaft 100]

Do the right thing and if there is a chance to get dressed be ready to vanish when the paramedics get there and all the excitement starts.