First Aid Training - not "Lighter Fare" but, ...

Okay, I'm a scout leader and did First Aid and CPR training for my cub scouts. Did the basic stuff we get with Scout Leader training. I was all happy, thinking we're good to go!

I recently did Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED certification. Wow, I was blind to some really important statistics. I did some re-checking after coming home. I really thought that starting CPR quickly really improved a person's survival chances. Seems without an AED (automatic defibrillator), survival rates are around 5%. Every minute that goes by without having an AED reduces a person's survival chances by 10%. Due to the prices, we wouldn't be able to purchase one to carry on a hike for older scout leaders.

I know to always carry a charged cell phone, and call immediately. But what happens when you are off the beaten path? I like to hike local trails, and sometimes like getting way back with little foot traffic, or explore a Wildlife Management Area where you often see no-one.

I know my son is healthy, but I am not going to put off seeing my doc. I recently started blood pressure medication for high BP. The doc asked me to come back for a stress test, as my last test was a little irregular. I scoffed and went my merry way. Think I'll schedule a stress test ASAP. I didn't know the risks involved. I'd hate to have an incident and put my kids in a bad situation.

Hi Bruce,

My Doc saw something during a routine EKG and sent me to a heart specialist for a stress test. It was somewhat ambigious so he recommended a heart catherazation as the best way to determine what kind of shape my arteries were in. Clean as a whistle, glad I had it done. If your Doc recommended it don't put it off.

If your running around in the back forty there, and your cell phone has a signal... Make sure you have a GPS receiver on hand to give your exact coordinates. This will save on response time.. (Them little toys are accurate to within 3 or 4 feet). Also, you cell phone may be (Probably is if it's a newer model) GPS enabled, make sure it's turned on (The GPS part of it. Mine shows what looks like cross hairs in a scope when activated).