The AED Guy

Where's the AED , and do I know how to use it? “ Situational Awareness ” can simply be defined as “knowing what is going on around us”. This awareness is demonstrated, for example, when a parent notices that the children’s toys are spread around the house and may cause Grandpa to trip. Or perhaps on the way to the grocery store a driver going through an intersection may notice another car coming from the crossroad that does not slow down and may well run its red light. An alert teacher keeping a keen ear can detect bullying in the school hallway by observing student posturing and listening closely to their comments. A team trainer may be at a sports event and from clear across a field or gym notice a young athlete suddenly drop to the floor, in need of immediate first aid.  In every circumstance, individuals who are not oblivious to their surroundings but who, though relaxed, are alert and prepared to act help keep us all safer. In light of the examples above, what kind of thinking...

In a previous, less serious blog on the topic of overcoming misgivings with giving first aid, I gave suggestions about factors that might make a person hesitant to act quickly (if at all) as an emergency first responder. In the current pandemic, we all will do well to gain awareness and knowledge of COVID (Coronavirus) risks and precautions. RUN AND HELP, OR RUN AWAY? The first aid provider is by definition running to an emergency and its risks instead of away from it. While we have all learned to deal carefully with blood and other body fluids, the risks posed by exposure to this virulent new pathogen are highly publicized and apparently greater than anything we have previously had to face, and may be enough to make even a well-trained and experienced first aider run away! However, it is  important to know that the Red Cross, National Institute of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control all indicate that, while greater caution to prevent the spread of COVID should be used, t...

  I have never liked the idea of giving first aid. I get squeamish at the sight of blood, identify with a victim’s pain, and really don’t like the idea of sharing germs. (And no, I am NOT a “germophobe”. No OCD here!) I am just older and what my generation might call a “private” type of person. “Say it, don’t spray it!”, and “Do you serve towels with your showers?” are pet sentences you might hear from me if a conversation gets too close and “expressive”, so-to-speak. So given the above, It’s no surprise that it takes me a moment of hesitation before I begin first aid. ActualIy, for a lot of people and for a lot of different reasons, I think there is a conscious decision that must be made to step up and administer help in any situation demanding a first aid response. This is especially true in breathing and/or bleeding situations where possible contact with a stranger’s blood, bodily fluids, or face/breath create risk and discomfort. Even though it’s a matter of minutes betw...