Blood Bourne Pathogens are microorganisms (such as viruses) that are present in human blood and can cause disease in humans. These pathogens include, but are not limited to, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Bodily fluids, especially those visibly contaminated with blood, have the potential to transmit disease Cerebrospinal fluid (Brain) and Synovial fluid (Joints) Pleural fluid (Lungs) and Amniotic fluid (Uterus) Pericardial fluid (Heart) and Peritoneal fluid (Abdomen) Semen and vaginal secretions Blood and any body fluid contaminated with blood Body fluids that cannot be recognised How Blood Bourne Pathogens Are Spread Sexual …
How to call for an Ambulance – 999/112
Calling the Emergency Services: dial 999 or 112 112 is the European wide number and also works in the UK. When you dial the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) you will be asked which service you require. Tell them ambulance, fire, police or coast guard. You will then be put through to the correct operator. If you need more than one they will deal with this. They will ask you a series of questions like: What is wrong? Where is the incident? How many people? What are the injuries? Your details? As this is being asked the information is transferred to …
Some Information dealing with car accidents
Car accidents can present a variety of different problems and risks to the first aider. The most important factor that has to be addressed if safety. You need to make sure you are not at risk form other cars hitting you or the car you are dealing with. There have been many accidents where another car has hit the first aider or the car they are beside or in. The hard shoulder on a motorway is not a safe place especially when cars are passing at full speed. It is also common for other cars to slow down and look, …
How to treat hyperventilation
Can be triggered by emotional or other medical conditions. Can also be linked to a panic attack. Hyperventilation is a common problem for a First Aider to deal with and can raise concerns when seen to a possible heart attack. There can be many signs and symptoms like chest pain, breathing difficulties, fear, dizziness, headaches and shaking. They can be encouraged to breathe slowly but if this does not work then get them to breathe back their exhaled air to reset the correct breathing paten by breathing in and out of a paper bag. Special points: You can get a …
Airbags can activate while you are helping a patient
Care has to be taken when dealing with car accidents where airbags are fitted. The problem is that you may be helping a patient in a car, supporting their head and then airbag suddenly fires. This can cause the rescuer serious injury as well as putting the patient at risk. If you attend a car accident, check to see if the airbag has activated and if not then take care not to be in the area where it could fire. If you are needing to support their head consider going in from behind the driver. Air bags are not just …
Weaver Fish Season on British Costal Beaches
The Weaver Fish season is here on UK beaches and its sting can be extremely painful but death is extremely rare. Respiratory failure and gangrene have been reported, following infection in some cases. The Weaver fish is a small fish about 15 cm long. It has venomous spines along its dorsal fin. It’s found quite commonly around the British Isles in warm weather. It may hide under the sand at low tide and is very well camouflaged. If you wear footwear and shuffle you feet as you walk the fish will swim away, but where you tread on it, you …
ZOLL Medical Awarded British Heart Foundation Tender for AED’S
ZOLL Medical Corporation, a manufacturer of medical devices and related software solutions, announced today that it has been designated a nominated supplier by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) for its ZOLL AED Plus® and ZOLL AED Pro®. Under the terms of the Level 1 Community Resuscitation Programme tender, ZOLL is the sole supplier to the BHF. The BHF plans to purchase AED Plus units annually from April 6, 2010 for the next three years to distribute in public places and areas of need throughout the United Kingdom. “ZOLL is pleased to be providing public access AEDs that will encourage British …
Airbags can activate while you are helping a patient
Care has to be taken when dealing with car accidents where airbags are fitted. The problem is that you may be helping a patient in a car, supporting their head and then airbag suddenly fires. This can cause the rescuer serious injury as well as putting the patient at risk. If you attend a car accident, check to see if the airbag has activated and if not then take care not to be in the area where it could fire. If you are needing to support their head consider going in from behind the driver. Air bags are not just …
Some information on Cholesterol
The press reports on Cholesterol along with Television adverts have made this more of a talking point over recent years. It has been portrayed as the silent killer but there is more to Cholesterol than just a number. There are two types of Cholesterol, the LDL “bad Cholesterol” and HDL the “good Cholesterol”. LDL contribute to cardiovascular disease and HDL help reduces Cholesterol and protects against atherosclerosis. The lower your LDL cholesterol, the lower your risk of heart attack and stroke. LDL Cholesterol Levels: Less than 100 mg/dl – Ideal level 100 to 129 mg/dl – Near or above ideal 130 …
Requirements for the EFAW Course
The EFAW (Emergency First Aid at Work) qualification is chosen where the risk assessment of a business identifies the need. It is a requirement of some jobs and an industry standard. The course is governed by the HSE and only approved centres can offer this course. The EFAW course used to be held over 1 day and a minimum of 6 contact hours. The certificate is valid for 3 years and then you have to take another EFAW course to renew. The EFAW was launched in October 2009 as the HSE approved one day course to ensure course quality. Before October …
Requirements for FAW Training
The FAW (First Aid at Work) qualification is chosen where the risk assessment of a business identifies the need. It is a requirement of some jobs and an industry standard. The course is governed by the HSE and only approved centres can offer this course. The FAW course used to be held over 4 days but in October 2009 this changed to 3 days. The certificate is valid for 3 years and then you have to take a 2 day requalification course to renew. Make sure you renew in time, as if you are too late you will have to …
The Importance of CPR in Sudden Cardiac Arrest
The Importance of CPR in Sudden Cardiac Arrest By Adrian Waller, Public Safety Manager, ZOLL. Sudden Cardiac Arrest SCA is an indiscriminate killer with a dismal survival rate of between 5 and 7%. While half the victims are elderly and over the age of 67, SCA can strike younger victims, including those appearing to be in excellent health, athletes and even young children. It’s the leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for over 150,000 deaths a year in the United Kingdom alone. SCA is not the same as a heart attack (acute myocardial infarction or AMI). A heart attack is …