We have discovered so many wonderful things about how home life could be in this past year.
That statement was made on purpose and is entirely intentional because we know that most people will roll their eyes or scoff at the thought.
But the truth is far more complex than just the drama that happened in the past year that was(nt).
Over the past year and a half (or so), we’ve discovered that there is more to life than the daily grind, more to experiencing the fullness of parenting – than just providing financial support garnered from a career, and part of that realization has been the understanding that managing our work-home balance simply has to matter more than it has in the past. So while you’re getting ready to celebrate this holiday season, take a quick moment to remind yourself of the importance of basic lifesaving skills. Check out these search and rescue stories to see what others have achieved.
Now that many of us are working from home permanently and choosing to homeschool our children, it has also become more important than ever to learn, at least the basics, in first aid and lifesaving.
#1 CPR
For decades literally known as the kiss of life, Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), has changed quite a lot of the year, but the most basic actions of CPR are:
- Check for responsiveness – call out to the person who appears as unconscious and check for signs of response, if there are none – begin compressions
- Call 911 and if the person is not breathing normally, tilt the head back (also check for obstructions in the throat or mouth)
- Give two, one-second breaths through the victim’s mouth and continue with chest compressions
You can learn more about getting skilled in CPR with MyCPR Now.
It’s important to remember that you continue with compressions until help arrives and the pace at which you provide compressions should be to the beat of the Bee Gee’s Staying Alive. Easy to remember.
#2 THE HEIMLICH MANEUVER
Should you encounter an adult at home or simply going about your daily life that is showing signs of breathing difficulty (the universal choke sign can be found, here), it may be time to help with the Heimlich Maneuver.
The Heimlich Institue recommends the following technique:
Place yourself behind the victim, then wrap your arms around the victim’s back and form a fist with the other hand and press into the victim’s upper abdomen. Perform a quick thrust and continue until the foreign object is expelled.
You need special skills for administering this maneuver to children.
#3 PREVENTING HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia happens when a body’s core temperature drops below the point where normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired. Victims will display signs of shivering uncontrollably, lose coordination, become drowsy or display a slower breathing or heart rate.
Treating hypothermia starts by bringing the victims out of cold weather, removing any wet clothing, and wrapping the victim in blankets or a sleeping bag. You can also give the victim small amounts of warm liquid to drink too.
It is important to note that you should allow for the patient to warm slowly and steadily, as warming too quickly could cause a rush of cold blood to the heart, and don’t think that hypothermia can only happen in icy cold places. Children could be especially prone to hypothermia simply by spending too much time in a cold swimming pool.
Always share your skillset with your family, and keep a list of easily reachable emergency contacts on the fridge. Information saves lives.
