Weekly Topic Inspiration: First Aid Basics

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   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   We may not all be doctors and nurses, but that doesn’t mean we’ll never find ourselves in a position in which we need to help someone who is sick or injured. Why not prepare for the unexpected by doing some first aid research and sharing your tips on what to do in various scenarios?
   
   If you’re not sure what sorts of first aid advice you would like to share or which first aid subjects you should research, here are some search-friendly titles to consider:
   What Does it Take to be a Certified First Responder?
   Wilderness First Aid: A Basic Overview
   First Aid at Work: Essential Things to Know
   Senior First Aid: First Aid Tips for Assisting Elders
   Paediatric First Aid: Caring for Sick and Injured Children
   Five Essential First Aid Procedures
   First Aid for Poisoning: What to Do
   Essential First Aid Equipment
   How to Find First Aid Courses in Your Local Area
   How to Find Free First Aid Courses
   What is Taught in First Aid Courses?
   First Aid Training: Basic Lessons Covered in a First Aid Course
   First Aid Training 101
   First Aid Kits: Essential Elements to Include
   
   Make sure that you include links to official sources in these Hubs. If folks are reading your Hubs in the middle of an actual crisis, it’s important that you give them links to information from trusted, official sources.
   
   If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.

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      cloverleaffarmposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wish I had seen this sooner. Would have done one! Next time.

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Keep in mind, cloverleaffarm, that this WTI goes for another six days!

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      Linda Blissposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I had a look at our first aid kit when our dog had an accident recently - so my entry is all dog related this week! :-)
      
      How To Make Your Own First Aid Kit For Dogs - Recommended List of Contents for Your Dog Emergency Kit

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         MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I am glad I read your hub. It is very informative and it inspired me to always have a first aid kit handy for my pets from now on.

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         MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         What a wonderful hub about first aid kits for dogs. Your hub made me vow to always have a first aid kit handy when traveling with my pet.

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   Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years ago

   Yes, I have given first aid many, many times. I am a registered nurse, previously certified in critical care and have worked in the emergency department and as a licensed paramedic as well. I taught CPR and first aid for about 20 years and have also taught advanced cardiac life support. I have taught nursing as well as emergency medical technology in level I trauma centers.
   
   I can offer the following tips:
   
   1. Call for help early
   
   2. Know when it is safe to move an accident victim and when it is not
   
   3. Make sure the scene is safe for anyone providing first aid, including yourself
   
   4. Keep the victim warm and calm
   
   5. Be creative - I once ran short on splints when picking up a trauma victim as a flight nurse in Mexico and used the Wall Street Journal I found laying around as a splint
   
   6. Carry identification on your own body in case of emergency or accident
   
   7. If you use a service dog, carry emergency instructions for care and handling of your dog in your dog's vest/cape
   
   8. Do not give anything to drink or eat to a trauma victim - they may need to go to surgery
   
   9. Do not attempt to provide any care beyond your expertise
   
   10. Take a CPR course to know how to properly perform CPR and then if the occasion arises, perform to the best of your ability as instructed and do not worry about a lawsuit

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, Dubuquedogtrainer! You should definitely write a Hub on this subject- or several! Clearly you've got some great advice to share.

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         Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you - maybe I will - this is just off the top of my head. I am not working in the medical field anymore - I am a full time professional dog trainer now.

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            K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Dubuquedogtrainer, wow...impressive niche skill set! I agree with Simone,  you could take exactly what you wrote here and use each numbered item as a sub topic for one heck of a hub! I know I would read it! Nice to see you in the WTI forum thread. Looking forward to your next hub...maybe on this topic?
            Cheers~

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               Dubuquedogtrainerposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I'll give it some consideration - thanks. My new expertise lies in dog training - that is what I am most passionate about, but I will consider. Thanks for the suggestion!

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   rosikaposted 12 years ago

   This is very interesting topic....I am up for it...I can write a hub on this topic from my own experience!

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Wow, perfect! Go for it!

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   Shesabutterflyposted 12 years ago

   My tips and ideas for a good basic wilderness first aid kit. http://shesabutterfly.hubpages.com/hub/ … c-Overview

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      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      A great read!

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      farmloftposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good hub. I've never heard of moleskin before. Will add that to my camping kit.

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I hadn't heard of a moleskin either- or that poison ivy soap. Good stuff!

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      MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Make that three! I've never heard of moleskin either. Great hub.

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   cclitgirlposted 12 years ago

   I SHOULD be able to come up with SOMETHING on this topic.  I mean I took an EMT course in college, worked in a nursing home growing up, and I'm really, REALLY accident prone.  Hmm, I'm digging through my brainiacal archives now...

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      K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      CC, you make me laugh so much! (())
      HubHugs~

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      Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      

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         cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Hehe, I'm thinkin' this one might just be a tad humorous.  Let's see...the bike cliffhanger incident, the 'endo' incident, the biker vs. tree incident, the biker vs. rock incident...

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            K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            CC, possibly you should avoid bikes all together...or make contact with the people from Full Metal Jousting for a full suit of armor!  --hugs--

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            cardeleanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            How about one about what to do when you drop the metal level on your husband's head while level the cabinets or what to do when you husband slips on the snow at the grand canyon and hits his head on a rock while an Asian man is video taping the entire scene!        (Yes those are true stories!)

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               K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               (()) Oh my goodness, Cara! As with CC, your husband may at least require headgear! My advice, yours  and CC's families should never go on vacation together, especially if bicycles and metal tools are involved!
               HubHugs~

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               janikonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               I almost wrote a hub on 'what you do when you accidentally trip and head-butt your boyfriend in the face causing him a nosebleed' or 'how to cope with bruises caused by missing a stair and taking your sister down the flight with you' or 'how to explain to your mother why you and your cousins are covered in beestings after climbing the tree she forbid you to go into'
               
               Though, please write the one about your husband slipping ... I'm intrigued and need to know more.

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                  K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  (()) (())

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               Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

               Cara--ssssh, you weren't supposed to tell!      Oh, I'm chuckling now because I had forgotten all about that one, 'LUCY'      That is like dad and the bowling ball in the ice storm or the one with him in the lumber store!

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                  K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                  Okay, Denise, You have my attention! I love a good bowling ball story! Do I sense a collaboration hub in the works?

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                     cardeleanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                     Just picture Fred Flintstone on his way out to bowl and stepping down the steps of his porch in an ice storm!

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                        K9keystrokesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                        (()) (()) (()) Totally have the mental image!

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            cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Oh my goodness!  I'm sitting here laughing a belly laugh here while reading all this!!  OK - ya'll need to seriously crank out some first-aid hubs or something because this is all a riot! 

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hahaa!! Talk about the perfect storm!

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   farmloftposted 12 years ago

   What a great weekly topic! My hub on first aid for the elderly:
   http://farmloft.hubpages.com/hub/senior_first_aid

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   alissarobertsposted 12 years ago

   So happy to get a hub in for the WTI Here is my hub dealing all about the essentials of a first aid kit and some tips to maintaining them:
   
   http://alissaroberts.hubpages.com/hub/F … to-Include

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This is great! After reading through your Hub, I've realized there are some important things I need to add to my kit!

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         alissarobertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks so much Simone!

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      Linda Blissposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      This hub was so well put together and the information was great! :-)

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         alissarobertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thank you Linda! So happy to hear that!

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      Jared Zane Kessieposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Linked yours as a reference for my first aid article! Great one!

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         alissarobertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I appreciate that and added a link in my hub to yours. Your guide was fantastic!

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      MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You're so organized! I enjoyed your hub and learned a lot. Like, I definitely need to add item #9 and item #14 to my kit.

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         alissarobertsposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks so much MarleneB!

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   janikonposted 12 years ago

   I am breaking my Weekly Topic Inspiration cherry, and could not be happier! Here is my hub on treating victims who have suffered a stroke
   
   http://janikon.hubpages.com/hub/Keep-Ca … -Mentality
   
   Hope you all enjoy. It's some pretty important stuff everyone should know.

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm quite glad I read this. I've always felt nervous when it comes to strokes and it feels good to know how to properly keep calm and carry on

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         janikonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         

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      MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Oh, so much information in one hub. I learned a lot. Excellent hub.

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         janikonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, MarleneB! Your words made my night!

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   mcsorleyposted 12 years ago

   I would love to provide some assistance with this Thread.
   
   I am practicing Field Paramedic/Supervisor in the State of Pennsylvania for the past 17 years. I am also a practicing Paramedic, EMT, CPR/First Aide, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support instructor for the past 12 years.
   
   I can offer some helpful tips to a layperson, or any experienced medical professional.
   
   I would suggest that everyone take a CPR/First Aide class somewhere in their community. A lot of places now-a-days hold these classes for free. Churches, Fire Departments, and the YMCA are good sources to start. Not to mention, the time is not that extensive. At most, a CPR/First Aid class would take up about 2 hours of your day.
   
   I agree with Dubuquedogtrainer in what she had provided in this thread.
   
   We can not stress this enough... IS THE SCENE SAFE??? You are no good to anyone, especially for the person you are trying to assist, if your scene is not safe. What good are you, if you put yourself in harms way?
   
   I can go on and on regarding this subject. Actually I will post Hubs on Pediatrics, Geriatrics, and Basic First Aide.

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks for those GREAT tips, mcsorley!! WOW. I'm really glad you'll be posting Hubs on these subjects. Your advice will be invaluable!

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

    My mother suffered a stroke in the worst of places.  It was in the middle of a big, crowded, public room with a lot of traffic, and people were afraid to help us.  But I took charge and began to bark orders until the EMT appeared.  Without really thinking about it, we all know bits and pieces about stroke.  But getting people to move during an emergency is even harder.  When a stroke occurs, always be prepared to take charge and get this person to the hospital.  You never know. You could be this person's only hope.
    
    http://arlenevpoma.hubpages.com.hub/Sen … -of-Stroke

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

    Whoops!
    
    http://arlenevpoma.hubpages.com/hub/Sen … -of-Stroke

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       We never know when we will be in a position to be the one to keep things calm in an emergency situation. It helps to know what to do in case of a stroke. I read you hub and learned a lot. Very well-written with valuable information.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, I'm learning so much about strokes today! Good guide.

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    Mrs. Menagerieposted 12 years ago

    How 'bout first aid for baby birds?
    
    http://mrsmenagerie.hubpages.com/hub/Fo … What-To-Do

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Intriguing! I'm going to go read it now.

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I read it, enjoyed it, and learned a lot. Great hub!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       DAAAAW!!!

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    larakernposted 12 years ago

    I wrote about the prevention of snake bites and what to do if you do get bitten.

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    MarleneBposted 12 years ago

    Last week, I had a lot of fun researching and writing for my first weekly topic inspiration, so I thought I would try it again. I'm glad I did because I learned a lot of things I didn't know about the common household chemicals in my home. While I may not be a professional medical technician, I sure feel like I know what to do in case of an emergency. Call for help! That's the first thing to do. In the meantime, I know how to check for this and that and how to keep the victim calm, assuming I (myself) remain calm. Here is the link to my findings:
    http://marleneb.hubpages.com/t/2fa08e

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       Linda Blissposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I really enjoyed your hub and its inspired me to check through our kitchen cupboards to see if everything is stored correctly and whether I need to hide anything on 'higher ground' so the dog doesn't get to it. :-)

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       This is a GREAT reference guide! I knew, vaguely, that there were many household cleaners and chemicals that pose potential dangers, but I didn't know any specifics and had never through through contingency plans. SO glad I read this. Thanks for doing the research and putting together the Hub!

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    Mrs. Menagerieposted 12 years ago

    Thank you Marlene and I read and was well informed by your great hub!

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    Jared Zane Kessieposted 12 years ago

    Here is mine....it got kind of lengthy, but I tried to break it up!
    
    First Aid Guide for Parents

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I read every word. But it was worth it. You shared a lot of information, but I also learned a lot in the process of reading it. Thank you - great hub.

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    K9keystrokesposted 12 years ago

    Here is one on the steps for basic first aid.
    http://k9keystrokes.hubpages.com/t/2fb3ca
    Happy Hubbing~

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Wow! You show that handling an emergency is like being the director of an orchestra. There is so much to know, but I like how you taught the information. One thing I know for sure is I need to update my first aid training. Thank you for your excellent hub.

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       This is a marvelous overview! I'm always glad to read stuff like this- I seem to ALWAYS forget some of the important details @_@

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    cclitgirlposted 12 years ago

    Here's one for the WTI - it's a little unorthodox and crazy, but it's about my mountain biking mishaps and some lessons I've learned with regard to first aid.  Happy Hubbing. 
    http://cclitgirl.hubpages.com/_39zesnd5 … id-for-you

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       Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Just finished it and it was 'AWESOME' 

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          cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks, Denise.     I know, I know, I'm NUTS!

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             Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I just read this and really enjoyed it. Humor intertwined with tragety, plus valuable lessons - it all added up to a fun hub to read.

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          cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you again, Marlene. 

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       This is so great!!! Splendid advice, great photos- fab Hub!

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          cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Hehe, I appreciate your feedback, Simone.    Thanks again.

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    brittanytoddposted 12 years ago

    http://brittanytodd.hubpages.com/hub/Es … pment?done
    
    Essential First Aid Equipment

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Excellent. Plus, I like the way you have the kits laid out for various occasions and events.

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          brittanytoddposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thank you so much, Marlene!

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       This is a super helpful overview, and I love the photos you've added, too!  Much more demonstrative that bulleted lists I see in most first aid guides.

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

    Here's my signs to get a First Aid Kit going.  According to hubby, we have one in the bathroom, but it is filled with ancient stuff.  Time to replace everything, and I have helpful guides right here.
    
    I also need to invest in a bicycle helmet.  I have a helmet for horseback riding, but that won't do.  Need to go shopping.  No excuses!

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       That's right! No excuses Arlene. Let us know when you get one. This is my way of putting you on the spot. Lots of love to you.

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          Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          You are truly a gem, Marlene!  Thank you!
          
          I think the container of aspirin in our old First Aid Kit is enough to kill anyone.  Or maybe it won't help at all.  That's how old it is!  You have to meet your current medical needs, too.  I can't take aspirin.  Haven't for years, so aspirin would be useless for me.

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             MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             You're welcome, Arlene! Now that I have met you, I wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. So, the next time you go riding a bike... helmet, please. I haven't had any personal experience, because I don't ride bikes, but, I know people who do and the ones who wear their helmets have survived the most miraculous accidents. My husband is one of them. Imagine getting a phone call from the local hospital on the day your husband rode his bike (motorcycle) to work that morning. I actually had a high school friend who was run over and did not survive a collision while riding her bicycle around town; she wasn’t wearing a helmet. So, I’m a big proponent of helmets. Sorry for putting you on the spot like that, Love.

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                MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Clarification - my husband was wearing his helmet and survived!

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    Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years ago

    Marlene, my husband was the passenger on a motorcycle in high school.  He was wearing a helmet, but the driver hit a stump, and hubby went sailing into the brush.  He has not been on a motorcycle since!
    
    A couple of years ago, I went through a midlife crisis and found myself in the middle of a Harley-Davidson showroom.  I don't even know how to drive a motorcycle, so I don't have a license.  Anyway, the place shut down because of the economy.  The salesman was trying to sell me a Buell because he said I was so small.  I refused.  I wanted a big, red soft tail.  By not getting a Harley, I can picture all these lives being saved--including mine!  Helmet or no helmet!

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       MarleneBposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Your husband is smart.My husband got out of the hospital, got well, and got right back on the motorcycle. He likened it to the saying about getting back on the horse and getting back in the saddle. I was nervous every time he rode his motorcycle. But, now the motorcycle is sold and there is no more motorcycling.Although, he still drives a sports car and sometimes I feel like he should wear a helmet for that.

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          Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Hilarious!

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          cclitgirlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Congratulations on HOTD, Marlene!  Awesome job! 

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          Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Ditto my congrats, Marlene-you rock!

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    Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

    Okay...this is my contribution for the WTI and just barely getting it in! 
    
    Surviving a choking experience is a blessing.  How to help a choking victim:
    
    http://denisehandlon.hubpages.com/hub/H … ictim?done

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       Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Wow, what an experience you had! This Hub is awesome- and I really love the illustrative photos you've added demonstrating the maneuver.
       
       Might I make one recommendation? I think moving the how-to stuff to the top and the personal account to the bottom might be helpful- mostly because the personal account is longer and folks might not see all the useful-how to info right away, which might encourage them to click away before realizing just how much info is packed into the article!

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          Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks for the feedback Simone-will do. 

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             Arlene V. Pomaposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             I forgot all about the choking incident involving my father decades ago, but your article brought it all back in a positive way.  Isn't strange how most people freeze when someone is choking?  You were so lucky that you had someone there who kept calm and cool enough to take care of you.  We should all know how to help someone who is choking.  And this includes helping ourselves!

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                Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

                Right-I was very fortunate and blessed.  My youngest daughter actually wrote him a thank you note for saving me!    If he had not been there I would have grabbed the waiter by the throat     Thank goodness it worked out the way it did.

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    Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

    Hey everyone!!
    The new WTI thread is up! This week's theme is advice for aspiring small business owners and entrepreneurs. Come on down and share your business-launching advice!

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