[at-l] First Aid 101

[thornel at attglobal.net (W F Thorneloe)]

Torture of parsing follows!

--- redhead@hack.net wrote:
> Actually, I didn't meant to imply that it wasn't a
> good goal. Just that I hoped 
> that a first aid course would cover other things
> like puncture wounds,  

Pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding, and take
the victim to ER. Put a rubber footy over that Leki
point.

> snake bites,

See Snake 101 (Immobilize the wound and evacuate to an
ER, suck the venom but don't bite or cut)

> hypothermia

Get the guy in a sleeping bag, give him something warm
to drink and eat, get him to an ER.

> sunstroke

Sit the victim in the shade, give him something to
drink, get him to an ER if he gets shocky.

> stuff like that. 

Rest, fluids, observation, consider evacuation to an
ER for more definitive care.

> ... I certainly didn't mean to 
> imply that learning how to stabilize was trivial or
> not a good goal, and I 
> apologize if it came across that way.
> 
> All the stuff you are posting is excellent
> information, and I'm printing it all 
> out. Thanks for taking the time to educate at least
> this one first aid challenged individual!
> 

First Aid courses tend to be pretty dry and boring.
The training is developed toward helping you recognize
a problem, or slow the process to the point of
stopping the problem or making resolution possible.
The course tends to help students gain confidence in
the tools and knowledge they already possess. Folks
tend to focus on CPR as it appears much more action
oriented - if it bleeds, it leads. But most first aid
is minor wound care, GI event management, insect bites
and stings, a few rashes and allergies, and the rare
recognition of Bad Things.

I have confidence in your abilities and knowledge. A
first aid course will only reinforce your sense of
competence in these areas.

OrangeBug