BLS CPR & First Aid Classes

Burns are one of the scariest injuries out there.  Due to the severity of this type of injury, it is very important to know when we can treat it ourselves and when to call in the doctors.  Scalds are caused by extremely hot liquids and the vapors off of liquids.  In these two situations, always go with your instinct, it is always better to hear from the doctor that you came in too early than too late!

Remember that sunburn you get at the beginning of each summer?  This is a perfect example of a first degree burn.  In first degrees burn, the skin will turn a nice red color, it will be sensitive to the touch, some slight pain, and there may or may not be small blisters.  If the skin is not broken, you can run it under water at room temperature.  A cool cloth may also help.  A warm, not hot, shower will assist in relieving some of the pain.  Ibuprofen can help with the pain as well.  For sunburn, you can try using an Aloe Gel or Aloe from a plant.  I always use the blue Aloe Gel and I keep it in my refrigerator, I like the nice cool sensation!  Also, keep out of direct sunlight until the burn is healed completely.

Second degree burns look like the first degree burns, only worst.  The pain will definitely be worst, the skin slightly deeper red, an increase in swelling, and a lot more blisters!  There are some very important DO NOT’s in this degree.  In order to effectively administer first aid to second degree burn victims you need to know these.  Do not remove the burnt clothing if it does not remove easily.  Do not put anything on this type of burn, it will only make it worst and increase your chance for infection.  Now for what you can do.  You can take Ibuprofen for the swelling and pain.  You want to keep the area infected elevated until the burn looks and feels a lot better!  Always, always, keep the burned area dry and clean!

Remember what the chicken that you grilled last weekend looked like after you cooked it?  That nice black coloring that it gets?  This is what a third degree burn looks like.  Although in some situations, the skin may be a very bright, white color, almost clear.  For third degree burns, seek medical attention immediately!  You have burned through so many layers of skin, that the risk of infection is severely high and dangerous.  Never remove any clothing from the burned area.  This can lead to permanent damage if removed incorrectly.  Also, never put anything on a third degree burn!  All you need to know is to call 911 in this situation.

Scalds are pretty simple.  Just run your burn under lukewarm water for a few minutes.  You can also use a cool cloth.  However, once again, do not use ice!  You can cover a scald with antibiotic ointment and a band-aid, if you like.  In a few days you’ll be great and back to normal!  Having this information is great but taking a First Aid Class would be the best way to prepare yourself in case of an emergency.

There are so many more injuries that we can learn how to treat before professional medical attention does  arrive.  Believe it or not, there is more to know out there than just knowing to use a band-aid and when to call 911.  This process is called to Advanced First Aid Training.  Since this process involves more complicated situations, this should always be taught be an instructor.  Not knowing how to use any life saving technique properly can actually cause more injuries to the “victim”.

The American Red Cross offers Advanced First Aid Training throughout a list of the communities, open to the public.  Jeff Ellis & Associates offers a similar program.  However, they are only focused on Aquatic Training.  Some hospitals offer Advanced First Aid Training as well.  The cost is either very minimal or free.  The downside to learning these skills in a hospital is that the classes fill up fast.  When learning life-saving techniques in a hospital, I always suggest that you make sure you register early.  Sometimes, you can be put on the schedule months away anyhow.  Some YMCA’s offer this class.  It is based on community need, so please check with them if you are interested.  Also, some community organizations offer these classes, so check with them as well!

There are major differences between First Aid Training and Advanced First Aid Training.  In First Aid Training, you learn the basics.  You learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and Infants.  You learn about dehydration, hypothermia (too cold), and hyperthermia (too hot).  They teach you how to administer the bare minimum until medical assistance arrives.

Now in Advanced First Aid Training, you will learn how to do so much more!  Think of every imaginable scenario possible that you could need first aid for.  This is where you would learn these skills.  This the same training that EMT’s learn.  Only the class doesn’t last 32 hours.  Some skills that you may learn in the class are; head injuries, spinal injuries, the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillation), the correct way to use oxygen, checking pulses in additional locations, ways to stop heaving bleeding, secrets on how to stabilize a “victim’s” medical condition, temporarily stabilize a broken limb, gunshot wounds, and ways to deal with eye injuries.

There are many positions in the work field that are required to be certified in Advanced First Aid Training.  Like I said before, this is the same type of training that EMT’s use, just in a shorter amount of time.  Lifeguards, at local pools, beaches, and at water parks receive this training.  Almost all lifeguards in the United States are trained and certified under the American Red Cross or by Jeff Ellis and Associates.  Both of these organizations hold high standards on the training, learning, certification, and yearly recertification of Advanced First Aid Training.  Policeman, bailiffs, jailors, managers, CNA’s, and even daycare workers, in some states, are required to receive the same type of certification.

While there is no guarantee on being able to save someone’s life, there is always the gratification of knowing that you tried.  Of course, if they live to tell their story, then that makes for even a better day!