C.P.R./First Aid to the Rescue!

When disaster strikes, are you ready? The recent earthquake in Haiti is a perfect example of how important it is to be prepared for the worst. In a city such as Long Beach, we really need volunteers within the community to be first aid- and C.P.R.-certified. With this highly populated community surrounded by older and potentially dangerous structures, the devastation that could occur in a natural disaster could be astronomical. The American Red Cross (ARC) is always looking for volunteers.

This humanitarian organization was founded in 1881 with the assistance of Clara Barton, a teacher who volunteered her time during the Civil War to nurse and help feed those in need. The ARC not only provides relief to victims of disasters, but also provides community service, armed forces emergency services, biomedical services, international services, and health and safety services. They offer a variety of programs in life-guarding, automated external defibrillation (AED) training, blood donor programs, transportation programs, nursing home assistance, shelters/housing programs, school clubs, HIV/AIDS prevention and education. The information you will learn may not only help the community, but it could very well help save a stranger or a loved one.

As a health teacher, previous firefighter, and with my experience working in an emergency room and on an ambulance, I know firsthand that every minute really does count. If a loved one should suddenly collapse, would you know what to do? The main skills that are taught in first aid/C.P.R. include:

• Precautions prior to giving care
• Choking of a conscious victim
• Choking of an unconscious victim
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (C.P.R.)
• Care for a burn victim
• Care for a victim experiencing shock
• Care for a victim of heat exhaustion/stroke
• Care for a victim of closed or opened wounds
• Care for a victim with simple to major injuries
• Care for a victim of extreme cold/frostbite

I cannot teach these skills in a simple article, but getting certified through the American Red Cross will give you the comfort in knowing you can help. Dialing “911” in an emergency situation is a start. However, getting care to a victim in those minutes prior to emergency services arriving at the scene can make a huge difference and potentially save a life. If this all sounds like it’s too much work or requires too much involvement, then I will ask you this simple question:  What if it were your child who became unconscious? If that doesn’t work for you, then your mother, father, partner, cat, or dog….

Indeed, there is pet C.P.R. that you can also learn. The facts are clear and the research has been done, emergency care is as real as you see it on the news. The Haitians are guaranteed to appreciate any help; they know firsthand the importance of preparedness. The American Red Cross is always available for donations, especially blood donations. I urge all of you to get yourself educated and to be as prepared as possible for you and your family.

Upcoming class in C.P.R./First Aid

Sunday, March 7^th

LOCATION:

Fitness Impact

1335 North Loma Ave

Long Beach, CA 90804

You will get a DISCOUNTED PRICE for mentioning GetOutLB!

Contact Gio at  gburnsfitness@yahoo.com
Please contact me ASAP in order to sign up.

American Red Cross

3150 E. 29^th St.

Long Beach, CA 90806

www.greaterlongbeachrc.org