Jedi First Responder – First Aid for the Jedi bystander

It is very important to be trained in CPR and First Aid. Please refer to the first posts in this thread. Read the disclaimer and other info.

http://www.templeofthejediorder.org/forum/Health-physical-fitness-and-wellbeing/62020-Jedi-First-Responder-%E2%80%93-First-Aid-for-the-Jedi-bystander?limit=10&start=20#62020

Below are a few websites that I would recommend for use. Please consult a doctor for any issue that you cannot handle with a band-aid. <--(disclaimer)


Symptom Checkers

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/symptom-checker/DS00671
http://symptoms.webmd.com/#./introView

First Aid Sites

http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/
http://firstaid.webmd.com/
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/firstaid.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/health/treatments/first_aid/index.shtml
http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/aboutepilepsy/firstaid/index.cfm

Mobile Apps

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.usa.health.ifitness.firstaid&hl=en
http://www.redcross.org/mobile-apps/first-aid-app

With permission from Jestor, I am going to make this thread sticky.

I believe that every one of us must be ready, willing and able, to help others in their time of need. If this thread can give you the help or inspiration, to get training in first aid, I would be very grateful.

Remember...

The Life You Save May Be Your Families!

Haha forgive me but I must point out a correlation. "'surraccedent' a concept that doesn't exist in the english language as far as I know." That just reminded me that in the U.S. we are not really allowed to call American Imperialism American Imperialism.... we must refer to it as American "Nationalism." This is because when other countries do it, it's a baaaaaad thing, but when we do it, it's a GOOD thing! (Sarcasm) Gotta love this country.

Anyway, I've been trained and certified in CPR for 4 years, first aid for two, and in lifeguard best practices for two. I'm not an expert per se, but I would recommend checking out classes like those at your local library, rec. center, etc. A forum such as this is great for brushing up and staying prepared, or even for extra practice while taking classes. I definitely appreciate it.

Like most, if not all, military/ex military members, I've been trained in cpr, basic field medical treatment(splints,tracheotomies,transport,etc)...it's stuff that once you learn you shouldn't forget...you should also be aware of the laws to protect you from lawsuits as was mentioned in a previous post...I kept my military medical manuals for years...but again current and ex-military members know how well d.o.d. training books hold up to excessive use....

RyuJin, I hope this helps

http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/library/policy/army/fm/

Can you pm a copy of that link to me...that way I can look over the catalogue on my laptop later...it looks like a pretty thorough list :whistle:

In my Emergency Medical Technician class I was required to write a 12 page paper on heart attacks. Did you know that if you ever think you might be having a heart attack you can take aspirin to help keep your platelets from sticking together and increase your odds of survival (assuming that there is nothing prohibiting you from taking aspirin such as an allergy or medicinal interactions). Of course it's up to you whether you want to call an ambulance or not afterwards and aspirin isn't a permanent solution but it can help. Take no more than the container recommends. Consult a doctor before regular use and all that jazz. DON'T BE STUPID.

I teach 1st aid and all levels of Basic Life Support in Minnesota if anyone wants to get together and do this. I will gladly do so!

This is an idea I had for a community-driven local group, wherein the group achieve these skills and become Emergency Response volunteers in times of need. I'd also suggest Fire Extinguisher awareness; what fires require what extinguishers, and why not to use certain extinguishers on certain fires. I'm trained and accreddited in this on a basic fire-response industrial level and thought it should be basic, common knowledge.

The following is a pdf file containing a basic guide to fires and the appropriate extinguisher.

Fire Extinguisher PDF Guide

In my quest to bring First Aid Preparedness to the Jedi Community, I have found these sites which provide Apps and other resources for us to use.

As with all emergency medical situations, be aware of the Good Samaritan rules in your Country and/or State. See one of the first posts in this thread for resources in the Good Samaritan laws.



Wilderness and Travel First Aid

Red Cross First Aid Apps

First Aid App

More First Aid Apps

This was cool. Short videos on the anatomy of the body. This is just an FYI link.

Anatomy Videos

First Aid from New Zealand

This is the website for the World Health Organization Ebola Virus

This is the Website for the CDC Ebola Virus

INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES

Personal protection

• Treat any body fluid as though it is infectious
• Hand hygiene is the single most important infection control measure
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after assisting ill travelers or coming in contact with body fluids or surfaces that may be contaminated.
• An alcohol-based hand cleaner is an alternative to hand-washing but will not be effective if hands are visibly soiled.
• Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, and nose with unwashed or gloved hands.

Disposable gloves
Gloves do not replace proper hand hygiene! Wear impermeable, disposable gloves when:

• physically tending to an ill person
• coming in contact with body fluids (such as used tissues, blood, vomit, or diarrhea), potentially contaminated surfaces or lavatories

Remove gloves carefully to avoid contaminating yourself or your clothing.
Properly dispose of soiled gloves after use into a plastic bag, and do not re-use.
Wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner after removing gloves.

Face masks
Surgical-type face masks worn by an ill person may help reduce the spread of respiratory germs from coughing, sneezing or talking.

Management of ill person
Respiratory infections
Minimize the number of persons directly exposed to the ill person.
Keep interactions with the ill person as brief as possible.
Ask the ill person to cover his or her mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
Provide tissues, if necessary and provide a plastic bag for disposing of used tissues.
Ask the ill person to wear a face mask particularly for persistent cough, if it can be tolerated and one is available.
Encourage the ill person to wash hands and/or use alcohol-based hand cleaner (if available).
Separate the ill person from others, if possible, and without compromising safety or exposing additional people.

Gastrointestinal infections
Minimize the number of persons directly exposed to the ill person.
Keep interactions with the ill person as brief as possible.
Seat the ill person close to a lavatory, if possible.
If possible, restrict the use of that lavatory to only the ill person.
If the person is vomiting, provide sickness bags.
Provide a plastic bag for disposing of used air-sickness bags.
Encourage the ill person to wash hands and/or use alcohol-based hand cleaner (if available).

Blood-borne infections
If the ill person is actively bleeding, such as from an injury or nosebleed, provide first aid accordingly.
Separate the ill person from others far enough to reduce the likelihood of blood splattering on other people, if possible.
Provide a plastic bag for disposing soiled tissues or towels.

Targeted Clean-Up
Hard (nonporous) surfaces, such as tray tables, TV monitors, windows and walls that are visibly soiled: remove visible contaminations, then clean with a cleaning or disinfectant agent.
Soft (porous) surfaces, such as carpeted floor or seat cushions that are obviously soiled, such as with vomit or diarrhea: first remove as much of the contaminant as possible, then cover the area with an absorbent substance, followed by an impermeable material, such as plastic, to reduce the risk of spread beyond the immediate area or into the air.
If a contaminated item can be easily removed, is small enough to fit inside a plastic bag* (such as a pillow, blanket or small cushion), carefully place it inside a plastic bag* and tie or tape the bag shut securely to avoid leaking.
Dispose of used cleaning materials in a plastic bag*, immediately after use.

*Biohazard bag if available; otherwise secure in plastic bag and label as biohazard

Post-Patient Measures
Properly dispose of contaminated items
Place all receptacles that have been used by the ill person, as well as all bags containing materials used to clean up, in a plastic bag and tie it securely (see * above).
Notify authorities of areas that have been contaminated (specify respiratory, gastrointestinal, and/or blood-borne body fluids) which may need more than routine cleaning or possible removal.
Remind authorities that this may require additional personal protective equipment.

When to see a health care provider after exposure to ill persons
Any person who thinks he or she has been exposed should take the following precautions:

• Notify your employer immediately.
• Monitor your health for symptoms.
• Before visiting a health care provider, alert the clinic or emergency room in advance about your possible exposure so that arrangements can be made to prevent spreading it to others.
• When traveling to a health care provider, limit contact with other people. Avoid all other travel.

I don't know how I missed this topic until now. This is a fantastic thread! Thank you so much Phortis! Great information!

The "Pink Book" by the CDC is by far the scariest book I have read. (not all of it but the parts I have read) The information contained within will leave you never touching another person, animal, or inanimate object. :S

It by far is the best information you can find to understand and cut through the BS. A little scientific at times for us common, down home, people of the land...you know...morons! :lol: (Blazing Saddles ref.)

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/index.html

For more publications by the CDC:
http://www.cdc.gov/publications/

There is a good publication under Immunization and Vaccines for expectant mothers and those with children getting immunized.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/preg-guide.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/default.htm

If you plan to travel, check this part of the CDC website for health information:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list

One last thing, this app for avoiding food issues may come in handy:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/apps-about

Here is a website that will help you prepare for disaster situations. It shows you how to build a prep kit, get involved, make plans, and what to do with children. Natural disasters are taking their toll on everyone and the government may not be able to get to you and your family for days, or maybe weeks. Be prepared by making your own 72 hour prep kit.

If I were you, I would think in weeks not days.

www.ready.gov

As a teacher, I've received some training in CPR. I can't stress enough how important it is for everyone to do get some basic knowledge. It's not only that often you can save a person's life with relatively simple methods. It also gives you peace of mind if you don't succeed. Unfortunately, I was in a situation where I needed my CPR / emergency response skills about a year ago when during a further education course a person collapsed. I didn't do CPR myself as a colleague got to him first, but I did what I was trained to, looked for a defibrillator (there was none) and ultimately guided the paramedics to the person in distress. The man didn't make it - the paramedics shocked him for almost two hours (his heart was still in fibrillation at that time, but the doctor had to give up eventually). My colleague and I know that we did everything right. I couldn't have lived with myself if I hadn't had any idea what to do. The outcome would have been the same but it would have been a lot worse for everyone around.

Measles Website

I think that this is a really great topic. Having a clear and solid understanding of proper emergency responses is one of the most important and solid skills anyone can have. As someone living in California, I know that in the event of a serious earthquake EMS may not be available immediately - or at all, for an unforeseeable amount of time. I've had basic first responder training through lifeguard training, as well as an introduction to firefighting class - but I can safely say that it wouldn't be enough in an emergency. If you want to really do some good, you definitely need to go through the official training courses - and heck, take more than one. Keep your ID up to date, and when practice seminars come into your area, attend!

Also, as other people here have already mention, the "Good Samaritan" laws vary greatly from location to location. Here in CA for instance the law is basically worthless, as evidenced here . Definitely make sure to do your reading. When in doubt, get the certified training, and it will be likely to protect you in most circumstances.

If you live in the US, check out the American Red Cross website for information about local training opportunities. Usually the price is relatively affordable, and the benefits are a very useful skill set. That said, remember that one course will not prepare you for everything - nor is it enough to only take the class once every renewal period. Keep your muscle memory sharp by taking refresher courses whenever possible.