Fireworks Safety: How to Handle Burns and Injuries at Home

Fireworks Safety: How to Handle Burns and Injuries at Home

Fireworks are fun—but they can also be dangerous. Each year, people get hurt using them. Most injuries happen at home. The good news? You can treat many of them if you know what to do.

Here’s how to stay safe and handle injuries the right way.

Common Firework Injuries

First, know what to expect. Fireworks can cause:

  • Burns (especially on hands or face)

  • Cuts from sparks or debris

  • Eye injuries

  • Hearing damage from loud blasts

Knowing the risks helps you prepare.

First Aid for Burns

Burns are the most common injury. Some are minor, while others are serious. Here’s what to do:

For minor burns:

  1. Cool the area. Run cool (not cold) water over the burn for 10–15 minutes.

  2. Don’t use ice. It can damage the skin.

  3. Cover it. Use a clean, dry cloth or sterile bandage.

  4. Avoid ointments or butter. These can trap heat.

  5. Watch for blisters. Don’t pop them.

For serious burns:

  • If the burn is large, deep, or on the face, hands, or genitals—call 911.

  • Don’t remove stuck clothing.

  • Keep the person calm and cover the burn with a clean cloth.

First Aid for Cuts and Scrapes

Sometimes, fireworks explode too close. Sharp pieces can cause cuts.

For minor cuts:

  1. Wash your hands. This prevents infection.

  2. Stop the bleeding. Press gently with a clean cloth.

  3. Clean the wound. Use water and mild soap.

  4. Apply a bandage. Keep it clean and dry.

  5. Watch for infection. Redness, swelling, or pus are warning signs.

Seek help if:

  • The cut is deep or won’t stop bleeding.

  • It’s near the eye.

  • You see signs of infection after a few days.

What About Eye Injuries?

Never rub the eye. Don’t try to remove anything stuck in it. Cover it gently with a clean cloth and get medical help right away.

When to Call for Help

Not sure if it’s serious? Here’s when to seek medical attention:

  • Burns larger than your palm

  • Burns on the face, hands, or groin

  • Trouble breathing

  • Signs of infection

  • Bleeding that won’t stop

  • Loss of vision or serious eye pain

Tips to Prevent Injuries
  • Keep water nearby—like a hose or bucket.

  • Never relight a “dud” firework.

  • Don’t let kids handle fireworks.

  • Light one at a time, then step back.

  • Wear safety glasses.

Final Thoughts

Fireworks are exciting, but safety comes first. Know the risks. Be prepared to treat injuries. And don’t wait to call for help if something feels wrong.

Enjoy the show—but keep it safe.

Sign up today for a class!

CPR for Babies and Children: What’s Different?

When every second counts, knowing how to perform CPR correctly can save a life. But CPR isn’t one-size-fits-all. Babies and children aren’t just small adults—their bodies are different, and so is the way you help them. Here’s what you need to know.

First, Know the Basics

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs. In adults, the focus is often on compressions. But with infants and children, rescue breaths matter more.

Why? Because in kids, cardiac arrest is usually caused by breathing problems. Their hearts stop because they can’t get enough oxygen—not because of heart disease, like in adults. So fixing the airway and breathing is crucial.

Key Differences: Babies vs. Children vs. Adults
1. Check for Response
  • Babies (under 1 year): Tap the foot and shout.

  • Children (1–puberty): Tap the shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you OK?”

  • Adults: Same as with children, but usually less fragile.

2. Call for Help—But When?
  • If you’re alone with a child or baby: Give 2 minutes of CPR first, then call 911.

  • If someone else is there: Have them call immediately while you start CPR.

  • With adults: Call 911 first, then begin CPR.

This slight difference could save precious seconds.

3. Airway and Breathing
  • Babies: Use a gentle head tilt. Don’t push too far back—it can block the airway. Cover both the mouth and nose with your mouth when giving breaths.

  • Children: Use the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Pinch the nose and breathe into the mouth, just like with adults—but with less force.

  • Adults: Same method, but bigger breaths.

4. Chest Compressions
  • Babies: Use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. Press down about 1.5 inches deep.

  • Children: Use one or two hands depending on the size of the child. Push down about 2 inches.

  • Adults: Use both hands. Push at least 2 inches deep.

Compression rate? Always 100–120 beats per minute, like the rhythm of Stayin’ Alive.

Why These Differences Matter

A baby’s chest is tiny and fragile. Too much force can cause injury. But too little won’t help. The same goes for breathing—small lungs need small breaths.

Children may need more force than infants, but still less than adults. That’s why CPR training stresses different techniques for different ages.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to perform CPR on a child or infant could mean the difference between life and death. It only takes minutes to learn, and it lasts a lifetime.

Take a course. Practice. Review it often. You never know when you’ll be the one who can step in—and save a life.

You can sign up for a course with RESQ & Arise here: Sign up for a class

Becoming an AHA Instructor: Benefits and Requirements for Home Health Agencies

As a Home Health agency, ensuring your staff is adequately trained in CPR, First Aid, and other life-saving skills is not only crucial for patient safety but also a regulatory requirement. One cost-effective and efficient way to meet these training needs is by having an American Heart Association (AHA) Certified Instructor on your team. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of becoming an AHA Instructor, the requirements involved, and how this can help your agency save money while meeting compliance standards.

Why Becoming an AHA Instructor Makes Sense for Home Health Agencies

1. Cost Savings on Employee Training: Training your staff in CPR, First Aid, and other emergency response techniques can be costly, especially if you’re hiring external trainers for each certification. By having an in-house AHA Instructor, you can conduct these training sessions at your convenience, significantly reducing the overall cost of employee certifications. This is particularly beneficial for Home Health agencies where staff turnover can be high, and regular re-certifications are needed.

2. Ensuring Compliance with Regulations: Home Health agencies are required to meet specific training standards set by regulatory bodies, including CPR and First Aid certifications. By having a certified AHA Instructor on your team, you can ensure that all training meets the necessary guidelines, helping your agency remain compliant with state and federal regulations.

3. Flexible Training Options: An in-house AHA Instructor can offer flexible training schedules that align with your agency’s needs. Whether you prefer traditional in-person training or blended learning (a combination of online and in-person sessions), having a dedicated instructor allows you to tailor the training to your staff’s availability.

4. Enhanced Patient Safety: When your staff is well-trained in CPR and First Aid, they are better prepared to handle emergencies, ensuring the safety and well-being of your patients. Having an AHA Instructor on staff means you can offer ongoing training and refreshers, keeping your team’s skills sharp and up-to-date.

5. Additional Revenue Stream: If your agency has an AHA Certified Instructor, you can also offer CPR and First Aid training to other organizations, generating an additional income stream. This can be a valuable resource for local businesses, schools, and community groups who need regular certifications.

Requirements to Become an AHA Instructor

Becoming an AHA Instructor involves a few key steps:

1. Prerequisites: You must hold a current AHA certification in the discipline you wish to teach, such as CPR or First Aid. This ensures that you have a solid understanding of the material you’ll be instructing.

2. Instructor Essentials Course: You’ll need to complete the AHA’s Instructor Essentials Course, which is typically offered online. This course covers the fundamental principles of teaching AHA courses and prepares you for leading classes.

3. Classroom-Based Instructor Training: After completing the Instructor Essentials Course, you must attend a classroom-based Instructor Course. This hands-on training, conducted by an AHA Training Center, will teach you the skills needed to effectively deliver AHA courses.

4. Monitoring and Certification: Once you’ve completed your instructor training, an experienced AHA Instructor will monitor your first class. This is to ensure you meet AHA’s teaching standards. Upon successful completion, you’ll be certified as an AHA Instructor.

5. Ongoing Requirements: To maintain your instructor status, you must teach a minimum number of courses each year and stay updated with any new AHA guidelines or course content.

Become an AHA Instructor with RESQ Training

If you’re ready to take the next step in enhancing your Home Health agency’s training program, RESQ Training is here to help. We offer comprehensive AHA Instructor Training programs designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to train your staff effectively.

With our support, you can ensure your agency remains compliant with all training requirements, save money on external training costs, and even create new opportunities for income through external training sessions.

Ready to get started? Contact RESQ Training today to learn more about our AHA Instructor Training programs and how they can benefit your Home Health agency.

Contact Information:
Phone: 317-786-7260
Email: Info@ResqTraining.com
Location: 5142 Madison Ave. Suite 4, Indianapolis, IN 46227

Fast, Reliable, and Convenient CPR Certification with CPR Express

When it comes to emergency preparedness, time is of the essence—both in the moment of crisis and when it comes to getting your certifications. CPR Express is an innovative program that ensures you get your CPR and First Aid certifications quickly and efficiently without compromising on quality. Whether you’re a healthcare professional, an educator, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, CPR Express has you covered.

Why Choose CPR Express?

1. Speed and Convenience: CPR Express is designed to streamline the certification process. In as little as 90 minutes, you can complete the hands-on skills session after completing the online portion of the course at your convenience. This means you can fit your training into your busy schedule without the need to spend an entire day in the classroom.

2. Blended Learning Model: The CPR Express program follows a blended learning model that combines the flexibility of online learning with the effectiveness of hands-on skills practice. You can complete the online portion of the training at your own pace, and then schedule an in-person skills check at a time that works for you.

3. AHA Approved: CPR Express courses are fully accredited and follow the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines. This means that the certifications you receive are recognized and respected by employers and institutions nationwide.

4. Wide Range of Courses: CPR Express offers a variety of courses tailored to meet different needs, including:

  • CPR/AED for Adults, Children, and Infants
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers
  • First Aid Training

Whether you’re seeking recertification or first-time training, CPR Express provides comprehensive options to suit your requirements.

5. Immediate Certification: After completing the in-person skills session, you’ll receive your certification card within 24 hours. No waiting around for weeks—just the immediate confidence of knowing you’re certified to save lives.

How Does CPR Express Work?

The process is simple and user-friendly:

  1. Register Online: Choose the course you need and complete the online training portion.
  2. Schedule Your Skills Session: Pick a date and time that works for your in-person skills check.
  3. Complete Hands-On Training: Attend your scheduled session where a qualified instructor will guide you through practical scenarios.
  4. Receive Certification: Walk away with your certification card in hand, ready to respond to emergencies.

Why Certification Matters

Being certified in CPR and First Aid isn’t just about fulfilling a job requirement—it’s about being prepared to save lives. Emergencies can happen anytime and anywhere, and having the proper training ensures you can act quickly and effectively. The skills you learn through CPR Express can make all the difference in critical moments.

Conclusion

CPR Express by RESQ Training offers a fast, reliable, and convenient way to get certified. With the flexibility of online learning combined with in-person skills practice, you can achieve your certification on your terms. Don’t wait until it’s too late—get certified with CPR Express today and be prepared for whatever life throws your way.

For more information or to sign up, visit CPR Express at RESQ Training.

Contact:
Phone: 317-786-7260
Email: info@ResqTraining.com

CPR/AED Training: A Must for Every Teacher

As educators, your primary focus is on shaping the minds of your students. But what happens when you’re faced with a sudden emergency in the classroom or on the playground? Being equipped with the right skills to respond can make all the difference—and that’s where CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and choking relief training come into play.

Why CPR/AED and Choking Relief Training is Essential for Teachers

CPR and AED training equips educators with the knowledge and skills to act swiftly and effectively in the event of a cardiac emergency. Whether it’s performing CPR on a student, colleague, or anyone in need, or using an AED to restart a heart that has stopped, these life-saving techniques are critical. Adding choking relief training ensures that teachers can confidently assist when someone is choking—a situation that can happen unexpectedly, especially among younger children.

Meeting Indiana Department of Education Requirements (IDOE)

For many educators in Indiana, maintaining a current CPR certification is a necessary requirement for their teaching license. RESQ Training offers CPR/AED and choking relief training that meets all Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) requirements, ensuring you are fully certified and compliant. Often, teachers are required to purchase CPR/AED certifications at their own expense. That’s why RESQ Training is committed to providing quality, affordable training tailored specifically for teachers and educators.

What You Will Learn

  • CPR Techniques: Learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants, following the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines.
  • AED Usage: Master the use of an AED, a device that can significantly increase the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency.
  • Choking Relief: Understand and practice the proper techniques to assist someone who is choking.

Flexible Training Options

Understanding the demanding schedules of educators, RESQ Training offers flexible training options:

  • In-Person Classroom Training: Engage in traditional, hands-on training with a qualified instructor who will guide you through each life-saving skill.
  • Blended Learning (Hybrid): Combine the convenience of online learning with an in-person skills session. Complete the online portion at your own pace, then attend an in-person session for hands-on practice and certification.

Why Choose RESQ Training?

At RESQ Training, we specialize in delivering high-quality CPR, AED, and choking relief education specifically tailored for teachers and educators. Our experienced instructors ensure that the training is engaging, relevant, and provides you with the confidence needed to act in an emergency.

Enroll Today

Don’t wait for an emergency to realize the importance of being prepared. Take the proactive step of enrolling in CPR, AED, and choking relief training with RESQ Training. Equip yourself with the knowledge and skills necessary to create a safer environment for your students. Rest assured that our training meets all Indiana Department of Education requirements for teacher certification.

For more information or to register for a course, visit RESQ Training today.

Contact Information:

Phone: 317-786-7260
Email: info@ResqTraining.com
Address: 5142 Madison Ave., Suite 4, Indianapolis, IN 46227

The Importance of Keeping Your ACLS Certification Up to Date

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification is a crucial credential for healthcare professionals who may be called upon to respond to severe cardiac emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and other life-threatening conditions. However, simply obtaining your ACLS certification once is not enough; it’s essential to keep your certification up to date. Here’s why staying current with your ACLS certification is so important:

1. Enhancing Patient Outcomes

ACLS certification provides healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively during cardiac emergencies. The science and guidelines for resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care evolve over time, with new research and technology influencing best practices. By keeping your ACLS certification up to date, you ensure that you are equipped with the latest techniques and protocols, which can significantly improve patient outcomes during critical situations.

2. Compliance with Industry Standards

Many healthcare institutions, including hospitals and clinics, require staff members to maintain current ACLS certification as a condition of employment. This requirement is in place to ensure that all healthcare providers are prepared to deliver high-quality care in emergencies. Failure to keep your certification up to date could result in non-compliance with your employer’s standards and may even jeopardize your job.

3. Confidence in Critical Situations

The confidence to act quickly and correctly in an emergency is built on a strong foundation of knowledge and practice. ACLS certification courses include hands-on practice and simulated scenarios that reinforce your skills and decision-making abilities. Regular recertification helps keep these skills sharp, ensuring that you can remain calm and effective when faced with life-threatening situations.

4. Adaptation to Evolving Guidelines

The American Heart Association (AHA) periodically updates its guidelines for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care based on the latest scientific evidence. These updates can include changes to algorithms, medication recommendations, and other critical aspects of ACLS. Keeping your certification current ensures that you are familiar with and can implement the latest guidelines, reducing the risk of outdated practices that could compromise patient care.

5. Professional Growth and Career Advancement

Maintaining your ACLS certification is a testament to your commitment to professional growth and excellence in patient care. It demonstrates to employers and colleagues that you are dedicated to staying current in your field, which can open doors for career advancement opportunities. In many cases, advanced certifications like ACLS are prerequisites for leadership roles or specialized positions in healthcare.

6. Legal Protection

In the healthcare field, staying updated on certifications, including ACLS, is essential for legal protection. If an adverse outcome occurs during a cardiac emergency, having current certification can demonstrate that you followed the most up-to-date protocols and acted within the standard of care. This can be crucial in mitigating legal risks and defending your actions if questions arise.

Conclusion

Keeping your ACLS certification up to date is not just a professional requirement; it’s a vital component of providing the best possible care to your patients. By staying current with the latest guidelines, enhancing your skills, and maintaining your readiness to respond in emergencies, you contribute to better patient outcomes and ensure your continued success in the healthcare field.

If your ACLS certification is nearing expiration, or if you’re looking to renew it, RESQ Training offers comprehensive courses designed to keep you at the forefront of cardiac emergency care. Sign up today and stay prepared to make a difference when it matters most!

Contact Information:
Phone: 317-786-7260
Email: info@localhost

Five most common fears that will keep people from performing CPR in an emergency

For people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, the biggest difference between those who survive and those who don’t is that a bystander performed CPR on the survivors.

The difference is that stark. CPR can double or even triple the chance of survival. And for those who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, surviving often means getting CPR from a passing layperson who may not be a medical professional.

That’s why it’s so essential for everyone to get trained in CPR and be willing to deliver it if need be. But the tragic thing is that cardiac arrest victims don’t get CPR from bystanders as often as they could. Bystanders are often reluctant to perform CPR—even if they’ve gone through training, and even though they could save a life.

Here are some common misconceptions and fears that keep people from providing lifesaving care when the chips are down.

Fear of hurting the victim.

Many people hesitate to perform CPR because they worry that they may do more harm than good. They may even break a rib.

The thing is, if you’re doing CPR right, it’s likely to break ribs. Compressions should be at a depth of about two inches on a full-grown adult in order to get the blood moving in the body. That takes about 60 pounds of force.

According to a 2015 study, as many as 86% of men and 91% of women experienced a bone injury in the chest after receiving CPR—including sternum fractures, rib fractures, and sternocostal separations.

However, these injuries are survivable. Cardiac arrest isn’t, unless the victim gets immediate lifesaving care. Most people would agree that a few broken ribs are preferable to death.

Fear of being sued.

That’s all well and good—but what if, after saving someone’s life by delivering CPR, that person turns around and sues you for your actions?

It’s possible, but unlikely. Good Samaritan laws vary by state, but all have protections for bystanders delivering CPR. It’s in the interests of the country to encourage people to provide CPR, and the law reflects that.

As long as you’re responding the way a reasonable person would, providing care according to your level of training, and are not being compensated for your actions, these laws should protect you from a lawsuit.

Fear of catching a disease.

It’s not unusual to have an instinctive ick-factor reaction when it comes to mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. For many, the possibility of catching a contagious disease stops them from helping a cardiac arrest victim—even when they know CPR.

You can contract bacteria and viruses through mouth-to-mouth contact with an infected person. Chances are low that this will happen during rescue breathing, but it’s possible.

However, you don’t need to give rescue breaths in order to deliver effective CPR. Recently, the AHA released new guidelines for hands-only CPR that require lay rescuers only to “push hard and fast in the center of the chest,” to the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. You can skip the mouth-to-mouth part altogether.

Hands-only CPR has been shown to be just as effective as traditional CPR in bystander rescue situations. In some studies, it’s even more effective—possibly because people are more willing to give this type of CPR in the first place.

Fear of doing it wrong.

Studies have shown that about 70% of Americans don’t have the confidence to perform CPR in an emergency situation—and would be reluctant to provide it for this reason.

Again, that’s where hands-only CPR comes in. It’s far less complicated than the traditional version—there’s no need to try to remember the ratio of compressions to rescue breaths, or slow down your compressions to provide breaths.

Hands-only CPR is very easy to learn and administer—even for people with no medical training. There’s really only one step—push hard and fast in the center of the chest.

Today, anyone can learn and administer CPR—and the learning process only takes minutes.

Fear of inappropriate touching.

According to a study conducted by researchers at UPenn, women are less likely to receive CPR than men—because some rescuers are afraid to touch a female victim’s chest.

This has real-world consequences. The study found that men were 23% more likely to survive cardiac arrest than women, because rescuers were more reluctant to deliver CPR to women. In examining over 20,000 cases nationwide, the study found that only 39% of women in cardiac arrest outside of a hospital got bystander CPR—as opposed to 45% of men.

Over 350,000 people suffer cardiac arrest in America each year outside of a hospital setting. Approximately 90% of them do not survive. Those numbers could be improved with CPR training—and the knowledge to overcome these misconceptions.

Learn more with us online or in person.

 You can register for this class by following link: https://resqtraining.enrollware.com/enroll?id=7219888 .

You can see our full schedule by checking out our website @ http://localhost/wordpress/acls-bls-class 

#medicaleducation #AHA #savelives #BLS #heimlichmaneuver

What do you know about TB (tuberculosis)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily affects the lungs, it can also impact other organs such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes ill, but it’s essential to understand the symptoms, causes, and risk factors associated with this condition.

Here are some key points about TB:

 

1.Symptom

  • Primary TB Infection: During the initial stage, most people don’t exhibit symptoms. However, some may experience flu-like symptoms, including low fever, tiredness, and cough.
  • Latent TB Infection: Following the primary infection, the immune system walls off the TB germs in lung tissue. There are no symptoms during this stage.
  • Active TB Disease: When the immune system fails to control the infection, active TB disease occurs. Symptoms include cough, coughing up blood or mucus, chest pain, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Active TB can also affect other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB).

2.Causes and Transmission

  • TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or sings, releasing tiny droplets containing TB germs. People with weakened immune systems (such as those with HIV/AIDS) are at higher risk.
  • The bacteria thrive in areas rich in blood and oxygen, such as the lungs.

3.Diagnosis

  • Skin tests (tuberculin skin test) and blood tests (interferon gamma release assay) help confirm TB presence.
  • CT scans and sputum culture tests aid in diagnosis.

4.Treatment

  • Antibiotics are used to treat TB. A combination of therapies is often required for several months.
  • Multi-drug resistant TB is more challenging to treat.

5.Prevention

  • The BCG vaccine helps prevent TB, especially in children.
  • Hygiene practices, avoiding large gatherings, and proper ventilation contribute to prevention.

Remember that early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for controlling the spread of TB.

If you suspect TB symptoms, seek medical attention promptly!

Check out this TB story at the link below to see how TB can go undiagnosed and what the treatment/recovery times is like.

Bing Videos

Here at RESQ Health & Safety Training we would love to help you learn more have you signed up yet?! You can register for this class by following link: https://resqtraining.enrollware.com/enroll?id=7219888 .

You can see our full schedule by checking out our website @ http://localhost/wordpress/acls-bls-class

#medicaleducation #AHA #savelives #BLS #heimlichmaneuver

RESQ Health & Safety | BLS, ACLS, PALS | CPR Classes you learn more.

Do you know if you need ACLS or BLS certification?

Here is some insight on who should have #ACLS and #BLS training as well as #CPR training.

 

– What is the difference between BLS and CPR certification?

 

The difference between BLS certification and CPR certification is subtle and it can be tricky to understand who needs a BLS certification and who does not. To put it simply, medical professionals always need to be #BLS certified, whereas individuals in professions outside of the medical field may only require training in #CPR.

All doctors should be certified in #BLS in order that they can respond to life-threatening emergencies, regardless of whether they practice medicine at a hospital or a family clinic. However, most doctors who work in hospitals will have a higher level of certification than BLS called Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). This ensures that they have undergone specialist training in order to provide critical and emergency care.

 

– Are nurses and medical assistants BLS certified?

 

Like doctors, nurses who deliver lifesaving critical care in hospitals are likely to be #ACLS certified. #BLS is the minimum certification required for nurses but usually they will need to be top-level #ACLS certified too. Nurses are often the first to respond to emergencies in hospitals, which is why they must have advanced certification in life support.

Medical assistants are different to nurses in that they are not usually the first to respond to emergency cases. However, they may still play a vital role in emergency life support when it is required of them. As a result, they should be #BLS certified in order that they can provide basic lifesaving treatments when necessary.

 

– Do EMTs and paramedics need BLS certification?

 

Since paramedics and EMTs tend to be the first on the scene when it comes to medical emergencies outside of hospitals, it is vital that they have BLS training. Usually the #BLS certificate is part of the initial training for emergency caregivers, but it is not unusual for paramedics to undergo advanced life support training to help them provide more complex emergency care.

 

– Should dentists be BLS certified?

 

The need for dentists to have a BLS certification varies from state to state. Dentistry licenses must be periodically renewed, and in order to do so dentists must complete a specific amount of education hours. In some states the Dental Board will count BLS certification as part of these education hours. It can be incredibly useful for dentists to be trained in basic life support should a medical emergency occur while a patient is in their care.

 

– Do non-medical emergency service professionals need BLS certification?

 

It is not uncommon for firefighters to be the first on the scene during emergencies where people need medical care, so they need to be able to deliver life support when necessary. Both voluntary and professional firefighters need BLS. In some cases firefighters will also need to be certified paramedics, in which case BLS or even more advanced life support certifications may be essential.

Police officers also deal with many emergency situations in which medical care may be required. They should be capable of delivering basic life support until professional medical help can arrive on the scene. The requirements differ from state to state but police officers usually require either CPR, First Aid or BLS certification. Since BLS is more advanced than CPR, it tends to be accepted by all police departments.

 

– Do teachers, coaches or childcare providers need BLS certification?

 

There are many other professions in which it is either necessary or preferred to be trained in CPR. Such professions include teachers, childcare providers, sports coaches, personal trainers, and safety officers. BLS certification is not usually necessary in these non-medical fields, however it might be a valuable qualification to have. It could prepare these professionals for dealing with common injuries or conditions other than cardiac arrest, boost their confidence in performing CPR and other treatments, and make their CVs more appealing to prospective employers.

Below click the link to check out this amazing story where a high school student saved someone’s life using her #CPR training.

https://www.cnn.com/…/iyw-teen-saves-life…/index.html

RESQ Health & Safety Training will be hosting #ACLS + #BLS combo courses, have you signed up yet?! You can register for this class by following link: https://resqtraining.enrollware.com/enroll?id=7219888 .

You can see our full schedule by checking out our website @ http://localhost/wordpress/acls-bls-class 

#medicaleducation #AHA #savelives #BLS #heimlichmaneuver

RESQ Health & Safety | BLS, ACLS, PALS | CPR Classes

Winter is coming, do you know how to prevent or identify hypothermia?

What Is Hypothermia?

Hypothermia is a possibly dangerous drop in body temperature, usually caused by long exposure to cold temperatures. This is more likely to happen when the winter months arrive. But if you’re exposed to cold temperatures on a spring hike or capsized on a summer sail, you can also be at risk of hypothermia.

Normal body temperature averages 98.6 F. With hypothermia, body temperature drops below 95 F. In severe hypothermia, core body temperature can drop to 82 F or lower.

How common is hypothermia?

It is quite common among high-risk groups like the elderly, children, unhoused people, and people taking part in cold-weather sports. And a lot of cases don’t get reported. Between 700 and 1,500 people die because of exposure to the cold every year in the U.S.

Hypothermia vs. hyperthermia

Hyperthermia is the opposite of hypothermia. In this case, your body is overheated. This usually happens when you’ve been working out or exerting too much energy in a hot, humid place. Forms of hyperthermia include (ranging from mildest to most serious):

  • Muscle cramps
  • Heat exhaustion
  • Heat rash (a skin rash of small red pimples)
  • Heat stress
  • Heatstroke (your body temperature is over 104 F and could cause death)

If your body temperature is over 99 or 100 F, you’re at risk for hyperthermia.

How Does Cold Exposure Cause Hypothermia?

During exposure to cold temperatures, most heat loss — up to 90% — escapes through your skin; the rest you exhale from your lungs. Heat loss speeds up when skin is exposed to wind or moisture. If you’re in cold water, you lose heat 25 times faster than you do if you’re exposed to the same air temperature.

Your hypothalamus is the part of your brain that works to control your temperature by triggering processes that heat and cool your body. When you’re cold, shivering is a way to produce heat through muscle activity. In another heat-preserving response — called vasoconstriction — blood vessels temporarily narrow.

Normally, the activity of the heart and liver make most of your body heat. But as core body temperature cools, these organs produce less heat, in essence causing a protective “shut down” to preserve heat and protect the brain. Low body temperature can slow brain activity, breathing, and heart rate.

Confusion and fatigue can set in, and you may not understand what’s happening or be able to get yourself to safety.

Hypothermia Symptoms

First signs of hypothermia

Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include:

  • Shivering, which may stop as hypothermia progresses. (Shivering is actually a good sign that your heat regulation systems are still active.)
  • Slow, shallow breathing
  • Confusion and memory loss
  • Drowsiness or exhaustion
  • Slurred or mumbled speech
  • Loss of coordination, fumbling hands, stumbling steps
  • A slow, weak pulse

Hypothermia symptoms for infants include:

  • Cold-to-touch, bright red skin
  • Unusually low energy

Mild hypothermia

Your body temperature is 90-95 F. Other symptoms include:

  • Shivering and chattering teeth
  • Feeling exhausted
  • Slow movements and reactions
  • Feeling sleepy
  • Weak pulse
  • Faster-than-normal heart rate
  • Fast breathing
  • Pale skin color
  • Confusion
  • Excessive peeing

Moderate hypothermia

Your body temperature is 82-90 F. Other symptoms include:

  • Slowdown in breathing and heart rate
  • Speech is garbled
  • Trouble thinking straight
  • Hallucinations
  • Less shivering
  • Bluish color on skin
  • Muscle stiffness
  • Pupils get larger
  • Abnormal heart rhythm
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness

Severe hypothermia

Your body temperature is lower than 82 F. Other symptoms include:

  • No more shivering (a bad sign that your heat regulation systems aren’t working)
  • Low blood pressure
  • No reflexes
  • Fluid in lungs
  • Unable to move voluntarily
  • Low amount of pee
  • Heart stops beating
  • Possible coma or death

Because people respond differently to hypothermia, temperatures for these stages may differ.

Hypothermia Causes

Possible low body temperature causes include:

Cold exposure. When the balance between the body’s heat production and heat loss tips toward heat loss for a long time, hypothermia can happen. It’s usually because you’ve been in the cold without enough warm, dry clothing for protection.

But much milder environments can also lead to hypothermia, depending on your age, body mass, body fat, overall health, and length of time in the cold. A frail, older adult in a 60-degree house after a power outage can develop mild hypothermia overnight. Babies and children sleeping in cold bedrooms are also at risk.

Other causes. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, some medications, emotional upset, or using drugs or alcohol all increase the risk of hypothermia.

How does your body lose heat?

Your body loses heat in one of four ways:

  1. Radiation. This is the most common method of heat loss. Heat leaves your body by infrared electromagnetic waves and goes into the air. This happens naturally when bare skin is exposed to air.
  2. Conduction. Heat is transferred directly from one object to another. For instance, if you splash cold water on your face, you feel cooler because heat from your body is transferred to the water.
  3. Convection. You lose heat because of moving air. Although the thin air layer near your skin is warm, the heat is carried away by the wind. You may experience this as the “wind chill factor.”
  4. Evaporation. When you sweat, water vaporizes from your skin and transfers heat to the air around you.

How Is Hypothermia Diagnosed?

Doctors look for physical signs (shivering, confusion, weak pulse, etc.) and take into account where the person was found (for instance, in the snow) or how they got ill.

A special thermometer, available in most hospital emergency rooms, can detect very low core body temperatures and confirm a diagnosis.

Sometimes it may be hard to diagnose hypothermia because the symptoms can can look like other conditions. For instance, an elderly person might be confused and have speech problems even if they weren’t in the cold.

Hypothermia First Aid

If medical care isn’t immediately available:

  • Remove any wet clothes, hats, gloves, shoes, and socks.
  • Protect the person against wind, drafts, and further heat loss with warm, dry clothes and blankets.
  • Move gently to a warm, dry shelter as soon as possible.
  • Begin rewarming the person with extra clothing and warm blankets. Use your own body heat if nothing else is available.
  • Take the person’s temperature if a thermometer is available.
  • Offer warm liquids (like soup or hot chocolate) but avoid alcohol and caffeine, which make blood cool faster. Don’t try to give fluids to an unconscious person.

If the hypothermic person is unconscious, or has no pulse or signs of breathing, call 911 for emergency help right away. If you’re trained in it, begin #CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) if a pulse can’t be felt and there’s no sign of breathing.

Medical Treatment

In cases of advanced hypothermia, you may need hospital treatment to rewarm your core temperature. Hypothermia treatment includes:

  • Passive warming. Covering the person with blankets and giving them warm drinks.
  • Blood rewarming. Warming their blood with a hemodialysis machine (normally used to filter blood for kidney patients) and recirculating it in the body.
  • Warm intravenous fluids. Putting a solution of warmed IV fluids into a vein.
  • Airway rewarming. Applying humidified oxygen through a mask or nasal tube.
  • Irrigation. Adding a warm saltwater solution to the area around the lungs or abdominal cavity through catheters.

Complications during recovery can include pneumonia, irregular heartbeat, ventricular fibrillation (a dangerous “fluttering” rhythm of the heart), cardiac arrest (a sudden stopping of the heartbeat), and death.

Can Hypothermia Be Prevented?

In many cases, you can avoid hypothermia by doing the following:

  • Before you go outside, check the weather forecast so you know how to dress.
  • Wear multiple layers of clothing, a hat, mittens, and a scarf to lessen heat loss.
  • Don’t drink alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
  • Avoid activities where you’ll sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothes and cold weather will cause greater heat loss.

Children and the elderly

  • Dress children in one layer warmer than you would dress an adult.
  • If your kids are playing outside, bring them in often to warm up. Keep them inside if they start shivering.
  • Dress your babies in warm clothes and be sure they’re not sleeping in a cold room.
  • Check on elderly relatives and neighbors living alone and make sure they have enough food, clothes, and heat.