What If The Person Is Choking and Is Pregnant?

Hi Rescue Fans!

Got a good question via email today regarding the choking adult scenario.  This rescuer asked if we could explain the following:  “Please talk about how to give a pregnant woman chest compressions if she was choking. How would we hold her? With an infant we make sure the head is below the body. But what to do for a pregnant woman who is choking? -H____pregnantchokingfemale

I thought this was a good question and one that we cover in our CPR certification course.  Feel free to view it below.  At about 44 seconds into the training, I talk about what to do if the person has a distended abdomen that’s too large to reach around, or they are a pregnant person.  I hope this helps!

 

Can I Use Adult AED Pads on a Child or Infant?

Hello Rescue Fans!AEDPadplace

I received a question via email about using an adult AED on a pediatric patient if there were no pediatric AED pads available.  The quick answer?  Yes, you can.  Remember, many newer AED’s are now attenuated and will usually give as much electricity as needed to accomplish de-fibrillation.  If at all possible, use an AED with pediatric pads and place them correctly on the chest and back of the pediatric patient.  If no pediatric pads are available, place the adult size AED pads on the front center of chest and in the middle of the child’s back approximately between the shoulder blades to ensure most effective de-fibrillation even with adult AED.  In the end, when a person is suffering sudden cardiac arrest, the majority of the time, they are in a some form of de-fibrillatable rythm and an AED is of great benefit,  even if the size of the pads don’t match.  Ages for the child ranges between 1-8 or first signs of puberty, after that, treat as an adult and if under 1 year of age, treat as an infant.  There’s some question as to the effectiveness of de-fibrillation in infants under 1 year.  See the above links for more details regarding this subject.

I hope this helps.

Keep On Rescuing!

What Does An Actual Drowning Look Like And How Do We Help?

As in all accidental deaths, the more we know about how to prevent them, the better off we will all be. In this episode, I answer an email that asked if I could combine training with some more realistic visuals about how a person may actually look when they’re drowning vs. the hollywood melodramatic look. The rescue fan was concerned that many people may not even realize that a drowning victim could be very quiet and not really even yell for help.

I hope this training helps us all have a much safer summer of fun!

Why Wouldn’t Someone Bleed Much After A Traumatic Amputation?

Whoa!  I can hardly believe that anyone would dare to question the utter possibility of real people suffering after being affected by an explosion, but they are!  I received a comment from a Rescue Fan and they had seen posts and videos put out by someone who claims that the bombing injuries could actually be “mocked” or “fake”.  Now, regardless of whether they are or are not, I would like to answer this question regarding the claims that minimize this type of event.bloodclotfactor

Regardless, it appears that those who are questioning authenticity of the recent bombings and injuries/amputations related to these bombings are due to pictures that show people right after the bombing with little or no visible blood.

Most professionally trained people understand the properties of blood and how amazing our body is.  We understand that the body was created in such a way that it reacts to emergency situations in ways that help to slow down the process of shock and death in time to get help and try to recover from the injury or illness.  The following is a technical breakdown of how the body reacts to injuries, cuts and amputations and why minimal blood is not a good theory to use when it comes to deciding if a person really suffered an amputation or not.

In short, we must remember that when a vessel is cut and the body sends  the signal that an accident has occurred, the body takes action to lose as little blood as possible and conserve it’s life as efficiently as possible.  The following is a very good breakdown as to how and why it does.  I hope it helps and in the mean time.  Let’s be careful about calling every event a hoax even if it is possible.  Especially when innocent lives are part of the equation.

The 3 main functions of platelets are:
1. The release of chemicals important to the clotting process.
2. The formation of a temporary patch in the walls of damaged blood vessels.
3. Active tissue contraction after clot formation has occurred.
 Hemostasis
(the cessation of bleeding) consists of 3 phases:
1.the vascular phase
2. the platelet phase
3.the coagulation phase
The Vascular Phase
*Cutting the wall of a blood vessel triggers a vascular spasm which contracts the diameter of the blood vessel at the site of the injury for about 30 minutes (the vascular phase).
 During the vascular phase:
1. The endothelial cells contract and expose the underlying basal lamina to the bloodstream.
2. The endothelial cells begin releasing chemical factors (ADP, tissue factor and prostacyclin) and
local hormones (endothelins) that stimulate smooth muscle contraction and cell division.
3. The endothelial cell membranes become “sticky,” sealing off blood flow.
The Platelet Phase:
In the platelet phase (within 15 seconds after injury) platelets attach to sticky endothelial surfaces, basal laminae and exposed collagen fibers (platelet adhesion). Many platelets stick together (platelet aggregation) to form a platelet plug that closes small breaks.
Platelets arriving at an injury site become activated, releasing several compounds including:
-ADP
 which stimulates platelet aggregation
-thromboxane A2 and serotonin which stimulate vascular spasms
-clotting factors
-platelet
-derived growth factor (PDGF) which promotes vessel repair
-calcium ions required for clotting
The size of a platelet plug is limited to the immediate site of the injury by:
1. prostacyclin, which inhibits platelet aggregation
2. inhibitory compounds released by other white blood cells in the area
3.circulating enzymes that break down ADP
4. negative (inhibitory) feedback from high concentrations of serotonin
5. development of a blood clot which isolates the area
The Coagulation Phase
The coagulation phase does not begin until 30 seconds or more after the injury. Blood clotting(coagulation) involves a series of steps leading to the conversion of circulating fibrinogen into the insoluble protein fibrin. The fibrin network covers the platelet plug and traps blood cells, forming a blood clot that seals off the area.
Normal blood clotting depends on the presence of clotting factors(procoagulants) in the plasma. During the coagulation phase, enzymes and proenzymes react in chains or
cascades that form 3 pathways:
1. the extrinsic pathway, which begins in the vessel wall, outside the blood stream
2. the intrinsic pathway, which begins with a circulating proenzyme within the bloodstream
3. the common pathway, where intrinsic and extrinsic pathways converge
The extrinsic pathway begins with the release of Factor III or Tissue Factor(TF) by damaged cells. TF combines with a series of other compounds which activate Factor X, the first
 step in the common pathway. The intrinsic pathway begins with the activation of enzymes exposed to collagen at the injury site. All factors leading to the activation of Factor X are found within the blood.
The common pathway begins with the activation of Factor X, forming the enzyme prothrombinase which converts the protein
prothrombin to the enzyme thrombin. Thrombin converts soluble fibrinogen to insoluble fibrin.
 Thrombin stimulates blood clotting by:
(1)stimulating the formation of tissue factor, and
(2)stimulating
the release of PF.
(3) which forms a positive feedback loop with the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways,
accelerating clotting.

Why Is Smog So Dangerous In Los Angeles In the Summer?

A rescue fan wrote in and asked, “Why is smog worse in the summer in Los Angeles?”Smog in Los Angeles

I did a little research and found the following.  I hope it helps.

SMOG, nicknamed in the 19th century for the “smoke” and “Fog” found in London due to coal burning fireplaces and furnaces and low hanging fog can be a real problem with increased pollution.  One of the reasons smog is so dangerous is due to the fact that many times higher than the safe level of pollution particles hangs in the air like a nebulizer mist.  when inhaled, this polution can get into our blood stream and effect our whole body and vital organs.  There has been a lot of concern about this especially in China.  Over 8000 deaths have been attributed to SMOG in China and I’m sure that long term affects are even worse.
In an article by the “The Daily Green”, it stated that, “ozone needs heat and sunlight to form from its precursor chemicals. That’s why you hear warnings about air pollution most often on hot sunny summer days. But be aware: Ozone persists for hours after forming, so unhealthy conditions often last well into the evening, after the sun has gone down. Also be aware that ozone isn’t the only pollutant out there. Another major cause for concern are fine particulates — dust and soot, but also tiny chemical droplets. Particulates can cause air pollution problems year round, especially since furnaces and wood-burning stoves can produce unhealthy levels in the winter.”(http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706)china smog

China too has hit an all time high in air pollution and a complication with Smog.(http://www.cnbc.com/id/100456949)  It is said that High levels of air pollution in China’s cities leads to 350,000-400,000 premature deaths.(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6265098.stm)

So what can be done if you find yourself “socked in” by a cloud of toxic particulate?  Well, depending on the chemicals in the air, we could walk around with particulate filtering masks designed with the appropriate micron filter.  But this is not sustainable.  It is helpful however, if you find yourself in such a slichenituation.  It would be wise to view it like any hazardous environment and try to escape as soon as possible.  One should be aware that some of these chemicals can enter our bodies via  eyes, nose, mouth, food, water and in some cases the skin or breaks in the skin.  So, the next time you go outside and can take a deep breath of fresh air and view the nice minty green lichen growing on the north side of your trees, be sure to thank God that you don’t have to deal with terrible conditions of these very polluted locations.  Oh, but remember, air moves smogmaskeverywhere and it eventually affects us all.  So, don’t forget to call your government reps and let them know you’re thinking about them and the anti pollution policies their voting on.  Here, and everywhere else too!

Here’s a News Video About The China Smog.

Tourniquet Use Deemed A Lifesaver During Boston Bombing Incident

In this episode, I take a closer look at the reasons that tourniquets were so important during the Boston Marathon bombing aftermath. Injuries were similar to those seen on the battle field and the battle field has trauma that requires immediate hemorrhage treatment and usually includes a long transport time. In the case of the bombing, we saw a very similar landscape. Though we don’t use tourniquets often in peaceful situations, there can and may be times where a tourniquet could mean the difference between life and death. Watch this episode to sharpen your skills on how to apply an effective tourniquet.

Should CPR and AED’s Be Required In Schools?

Students Train Free!

Every couple of minutes, someone suffers sudden cardiac arrest.  95% of these victims are dead before they make it to the Emergency Room doors.  In North Carolina, the Governor is trying to change that statistic.  She’s signed a bill that requires all highschoolers to be CPR trained prior to receiving their diploma.    Is it a good or bad idea and why do you feel the way you do?
Keep in mind that ProTrainings.com has already implemented a program that offers CPR training and certification to all high school students for FREE! ProTrainings.com and the StudentsTrainFree.com program reported that over 3000 high schoolers this year alone have already been trained and certified. If you know of any school desiring to implement a similar program, please contact ProTrainings.com and ask for the Student CPR department.

Could You Survive Stranded In A Snow Storm?

After hearing about a couple getting stranded in a mountain pass off-roading and the driver dying while seeking help, I thought I should talk about key elements around surviving out in the cold.  People are often overcome by the cold simply due to lack of pre-planning, proper equipment and an adequate plan for survival until rescue help arrives.  If you’ve ever wondered what you would do if you were lost, stranded or overcome by the winter elements, be sure to watch this episode of RoyOnRescue.
In the meantime, remember at least these important points:

1.   Let people know where you are going and what route you’ll be taking…then stick to it!
2.   Dress with layers of clothing or have extra clothing available
3.   Bring warming agents like hand and pocket warmers along with extra blankets
4.   Bring extra food that can handle getting cold or even freezing like granola, nuts etc.
5.   Eat snow for hydration
6.   Bring GPS
7.   Bring Flare Gun
8.   Never drive with low gas tank
9.   If the roads are dangerous, maybe stay home or extend your vacation
10. Repeat steps 1 thru 9

Peace,

Roy, RoyOnRescue.com

Overcoming Diabetes Part 2 of 2 Interview With Clint Crabtree

This is the concluding episode of the interview between Clint Crabtree, MMA Champion, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Blackbelt and Owner of Grand Rapids Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  In this final part of the interview with Clint, he explains in more detail how he manages his diet combined with exercise and how it’s redefining the way we think about living with diabetes type 1 or type 2.  If you have diabetes, want to prevent diabetes or maybe know someone who is diabetic, you won’t want to miss this final part of a very enlightening interview.

 

 

Overcoming Type 1 Diabetes Interview With Clint Crabtree, Mixed Martial Artist

RoyOnRescue has the honor of interviewing a local Mixed Martial Arts champion, Black-Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and owner of a thriving BJJ/MMA and Health Improvement gym. When I met Clint Crabtree he was at the very beginning of his diabetic diagnosis. It didn’t take me long to realize that in everything Clint does, status quo is not an option. In this part 1 of 2 part interview, we hear how Clint has not only overcome a near death experience but has actually found a way to use only a fraction of his insulin and has baffled his doctors on how he has stayed so healthy as a “brittle” insulin dependent diabetic. You’ll want to be sure to watch this episode.