Superstitions, Friday the Thirteenth, and ACLS Classes

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 7, 2012

We’ve safely made it past that day, the first of this year (there will be three total in 2012) and having successfully navigated past the first Friday the 13th of this year, ask yourself one question:  Do you find yourself suffering from symptoms of paraskevidekatriaphobia? 

 

Perhaps you may not recognize these symptoms initially but with some astute attentiveness, you may become aware of them.  A few are listed here:

 

  • Sudden appearance of a rabbit’s foot or lucky trinket in your possession
  • Avoidance of ladders, specifically walking underneath one standing upright
  • Compulsive need to toss salt over one shoulder when spilled in your presence
  • Obsessive inclination toward elongating steps propelling your gait over cracks in pavement
  • Fear of broken mirrors
  • Voices in your head reciting “Red sky at morning, sailors take warning…”

 

All or some of the above can indicate you suffer from the annual paraskevidekatriaphobia syndrome, typically seen on Friday the 13th.   Fortunately, this syndrome is not fatal (although those who suffer from the syndrome may believe otherwise).  You may have heard it more commonly referred to by its street name – “Superstitious”.

 

Studies have been inconclusive regarding the frequency of this syndrome, as some individuals manage symptoms on a daily basis while others experience its effects only on specific dates (Friday the 13th).  Movies have been created with this syndrome in mind although purely fictitious in content.  What is conclusive is the longevity of paraskevidekatriaphobia’s presence, dating as far back as the earliest recorded history and the syndrome knows no cultural boundaries (think of ancient Mayan rituals and Caribbean salt lines drawn across doorways).  This would suggest that everyone is susceptible and no one immune.

 

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prepare for that inevitable moment when you may come face-to-face with an unlucky event.  ACLS Classes in Orange County are open to the public and will train anyone seeking basic life support and first aid skills.  Fun, friendly and helpful instructors will allow you to walk away ready for what may happen next.  Tuck your non-latex gloves in your pocket next to your rabbit’s foot and smile…superstitious Friday the 13th isn’t really so scary after all.

 

Posted in Classes, Training | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Hollywood ACLS

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 7, 2012

“Clear” was announced loudly from the TV by an actress playing an enthusiastic doctor from a popular TV show.  Immediately she grabbed two square paddles, one in each hand, and swung around to the limp patient lying on a gurney.  Slapping the paddles onto the patient’s chest, the body instantly rose then dropped in a very dramatic arc.  “Okay, he’s back…”

 

Excellent fodder for a TV series but hardly realistic – this isn’t how it’s done.  Still, the concept is good and based on Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) protocols.  Victims of a sudden cardiac event will be treated appropriately by trained professionals.  Pre-hospital first responders, such as paramedics and “Life-flight” personnel, as well as trained hospital staff possess skills necessary to provide these advanced resuscitation measures.

 

The “Code Blue” announced in hospital settings when sudden cardiac or respiratory arrest occurs is actually a very organized process, conducted by trained professionals who follow national protocols.  None of the chaos viewed in Hollywood films is the reality of what occurs during a “Code”.  Well-orchestrated techniques utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and medications are the norm for such events.  Hardly will a doctor be seen swinging a set of charged paddles through the air jeopardizing co-workers in the process…except in the movies.  This is good news for those on the receiving end of ACLS interventions.

 

Outcomes are supportive of the heroic efforts made by pre-hospital and trained hospital personnel utilizing ACLS protocols in resuscitation interventions.  Fortunately, it isn’t as theatrical as the movies would have you believe.  So, enjoy the hype of the Hollywood film industry when the call to “clear” is shouted from your TV set and know deep down that in reality, you are safe from Hollywood’s version of the “Code Blue”.

Posted in Emergency Tips, Health Tips, Random, Training | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

ACLS and the Super Bowl

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 6, 2012

Only moments into the second quarter and already the first knee injury cast a dark pallor over the Giant’s team roster during the Super Bowl yesterday afternoon.  Commentators frequently tossed the acronym “torn ACL” about as they discussed the injured player’s status while spectators watched as he was nearly carried off the field and out of the game.

 

So what is with the constant barrage of acronyms used in the medical profession (and what do they all mean), you may ask?  These are letters symbolizing lengthy medical terms frequently Latin in origin and most certainly difficult to pronounce.  For example, ACL is ‘short’ for anterior cruciate ligament, aka the outside connective tissue of the knee.  A torn ACL is very painful and, as those of us watching the game witnessed, will pull even the strongest out of the biggest national football game of the year.

 

Yet, the title of this article contains an additional letter within its acronym leading one to believe that ACL (the outside ligament of the knee) is different than ACLS in the title.  That assumption is correct!  ACLS is another acronym utilized by medical professionals to identify an advanced training and skill set for providing life support to victims of sudden cardiac injury or death.  To be ACLS certified means that medical professional has been trained and possesses the lifesaving skills necessary to intervene on an advanced level.  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is not the standard Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) program taught to the general public.  Medical professionals are trained in ACLS protocols for pre-hospital and inter-hospital emergencies.  These skills save lives and are mandatory to provide this type of advanced care.  It is with confidence, that as the patient, you can rest assured you will be in good hands should the unexpected emergency arise.

 

So let’s say “goodbye” to this past football season and wish those players who suffered a torn ACL a very speedy, successful recovery.  As the leaves change color and a new season of games are played out, another host of football fanatics will be glued to the their TV sets as next season’s Super Bowl gathers fans to witness the ravages of the game.  Smile a little on the inside knowing, as you hear ‘torn ACL’ announced over the TV, that the stadium medics will be treating an injured knee and not delivering advanced BLS or CPR aka ACLS.

 

Until then… TTFN!

Posted in Classes, Inspirational, Random | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments closed

The Skinny on Shock – ACLS Training

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 6, 2012

“He’s in SHOCK!”

 

How many times have you heard that announced in motion pictures or on TV programs?  It’s a very startling statement and makes for great drama with entertainment.  It’s not always an accurate statement, however.

 

Often times, best intentions are prefaced with the same comment, “She’s going into shock!” when the victim is really far from it.  In fact, minor injuries or events such as sprains or anxiety attacks are the venue for these kinds of comments, largely due to bystander inexperience.  Fortunately, courses are available to teach how to recognize a victim “in trouble”.  These courses include bystander CPR and healthcare professional rescue, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support or ACLS certification classes.

 

Medical professionals have designated specific types of shock, treatable by those trained to recognize and intervene when this life-threatening situation occurs.  The main classifications of shock include: cardiogenic (associated with heart), neurologic (associated with the nervous system), anaphylactic (as seen with allergic reactions), hypovolemic (associated with low blood volume) and septic (associated with severe infection).  Any one of these types of shock requires medical diagnosis and intervention by trained medical professionals.

 

Symptoms can include dusky or bluish tone to lips or fingertips, dizziness, shallow respirations, confusion, anxiety, rapid or a thready pulse, and even unconsciousness.  The call to 9-1-1 emergency assistance is necessary to initiate the rapid interventions provided by paramedics that can save a life.

 

Shock is not to be taken lightly but fortunately, occurs rarely and generally only in the cases described above.  Rapid recognition of shock and the fast reactions of first responders will help to save the life of someone truly in shock.

 

Posted in Classes, Training | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Be Prepared In 2012 with CPR Classes

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 4, 2012

The onset of a new year always brings about thoughts of new beginnings.  With the creation of resolutions and goal setting come thoughts of becoming prepared.  Common is the focus upon bolstering finances, increasing healthful practices, even putting together an emergency plan for unwelcomed and unplanned events.

 

 

In all of these considerations, has an end-of-life plan been included?  Not a pleasant thought to be certain but a necessary one to ensure your every wish is followed when that very difficult, highly emotional moment arrives.  Even with the best intentions and deepest discussions, facing that moment is often extremely difficult for family and friends who must make the decision to follow through on pre-agreed wishes.  Taking the agony away from loved ones is one of the benefits of creating a POLST.

 

 

The Physicians Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a document filled out in collaboration with your primary care physician and signed in advance of a life-threatening event.  According to the Ethics for Health Care, Oregon Health & Science University, taking this very important step to include a POLST in your preparedness plan will aid to improve the quality of care you will receive at the end of life:

 

 

It is based on effective communication of patient wishes, documentation of medical orders on a brightly colored form and a promise by health care professionals to honor these wishes.

 

 

Pre-hospital response teams summoned by the 9-1-1 call will have a plan of action specific to your wishes outlined and available upon their arrival.  The same would hold true for first-responders in the home prepared to provide basic life support (as provided by onsite BLS Training).

 

 

This simple act can bring added relief to loved ones knowing wishes are honored during this critical and highly emotional time of a person’s life.  Consider discussing the POLST with your physician in 2012.

 

Posted in Classes, Training | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Surfers Beware!

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 3, 2012

The weather has shifted and a steady rainfall is covering the Los Angeles and Orange County areas.  Live footage streams across the TV channels of rowdy surf peppered with images of brave, experienced surfers out for their morning adrenaline fix.

 

Immediately, the question is raised, “how dangerous is this?” and thoughts immediately tune into the size of the wave, the current and the skill of the surfer.  But what of the dangers lingering, hidden within the water and so minute that they cannot be seen with the naked eye?

 

These “hidden” predators lie in wait to attack at every opportunity yet their prey often does not realize they are the victim until days later when symptoms hit.  Yes, I am speaking of microbes, virus and bacteria living within the ocean waters, stirred to heightened activity during bad weather.

 

Research has proven that storms and active weather can actually increase a surfer’s (or anyone venturing into the ocean water within 72 hour of a recent storm) chances for infection from pathogens stirred up within the ocean near urban runoff and sewage water (basically every beach along the California coastline).

 

Chad Nelson, environmental director of the Surfrider Foundation has this to say about ocean exposure post storm activity:

 

A study cited EPA’s draft guidance document on water quality found that surfers and divers were at greater risk of illness from contaminated beach water than are swimmers or waders.  Swimmers in sewage-polluted water could contract any illness that is spread by ingestion of fecal-contaminated water (AIDS and many other diseases are not carried by enteric pathogens. (Nelson)

 

Symptoms of infection from pathogens resulting from recent ocean exposure can include abdominal and GI tract discomforts (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea), sinus congestion, pinkeye, upper respiratory illness and headache.  Seeking appropriate medical attention is always appropriate.  Supportive instruction received in courses such as those offered by Orange County ACLS classes also provide basic skills to deal with any emergency encountered at the beach.

 

Education and knowledge about these environmental factors (and patience through a post-storm 72 hour waiting period) allows eager surfers the opportunity to enjoy their sport and with less risk from hidden pathogens.  Think safety and be aware of what lies waiting in the surf!

Posted in Classes, Training | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Heart Health by Decreasing Stress (part 2)

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 3, 2012

“Knots in my stomach” is a catch-phrase most people recognize to represent feeling stressed.  Being “stressed out” is a common expression heard almost daily in many environments.  We have become a culture used to stress on a daily basis and our health is being affected.  Basic and advanced life support (ACLS) measures utilized by pre-hospital personnel in response to victims who fall prey to the long term effects of stress are ours on an emergent basis, but there is much we can do to prevent that call to assistance.  Decreasing stress is one of these steps.

 

Granted, not all stress is “bad” stress.  Occasionally, an increase in stress is helpful – motivation required to get that project completed by deadline, make the repairs on the car long overdue or study that extra hour for a final exam.  All of these types of stressors propel us into positive action, something that is beneficial.  It is when stress turns into a negative long-term presence, leading to high blood pressure, weight gain, insomnia and increased illness that attention needs to be directed to alternative action.

 

Finding coping mechanisms that work are as individual as one’s eye coloring.  Activities to decrease stress for one person may increase stress for another (and visa-versa).  For example, my dad is a three-time Olympic competitor.  His life has been structured around intense training designed to push his body to its limits.  Running cross-country after a full day of downhill skiing is his method for reducing stress.  While joining him in a beautiful day spent on the slopes is very stress-reducing to me, doing so on a foul-weathered day (followed up by cross-country skiing in a blizzard) does nothing to improve my state of being.  Likewise, taking a couple of hours to powerwalk hills or spending an afternoon at the movies causes the veins to pop out in dad’s neck after which he’ll likely rush off to the slopes for relief.

 

One activity we both agree upon is yoga.  The hour spend in peaceful pranayama as we ask our bodies to  pose and our minds move into a state of submission brings both of us immeasurable relief from the stressors in our lives.  Meditation exercises following yoga practice takes us into a deeper state of relaxation, allowing heart rate, blood pressure and respirations to decrease and the body to succumb to a state of peacefulness.

 

But yoga may not be the choice of everyone.  Finding that coping mechanism specific to each individual is the key component to decreasing overall negative stress.  The benefits identified by the Mayo Clinic are many, some of which are listed here:

 

When faced with numerous responsibilities and tasks or the demands of an illness, relaxation techniques may take a back seat in your life. But that means you might miss out on the health benefits of relaxation.

 

 

Practicing relaxation techniques can reduce stress symptoms by:

  • Slowing your heart rate
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Slowing your breathing rate
  • Increasing blood flow to major muscles
  • Reducing muscle tension and chronic pain
  • Improving concentration
  • Reducing anger and frustration
  • Boosting confidence to handle problems

 

Discovering your individual coping mechanisms are an excellent way to begin moving down the road toward better health.  Give yourself the gift of wellness in 2012 by discovering heart healthy habits that decrease the negative stressors in your life.

Posted in Health Tips, Inspirational | Tagged , , , , , | Comments closed

Heart Health by Decreasing Stress

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 2, 2012

Say the words, “I have chest pain” and immediately red flags are raised in the minds of any health care professional.  So many circumstances factor into the cause of chest pain, the most concerning being cardiac injury.  Fortunately, professionals are prepared for this kind of situation through ACLS training. Calling 9-1-1 is always the recommended first step when chest pain, accompanied by symptoms such as arm or neck pain, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or a history of cardiac disease or injury occurs.

 

Assuming chest pains due to cardiac injury have been ruled out, other causes can be considered.  One of the most common causes of chest irritation is stress.  Anxiety, worry, long-term stress and the constant state of urgency on a daily basis will lead to tense muscles, increased respirations and stomach upset, as well as that ever-present feeling of chest discomfort.  Cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, is released in response to stress.  Cortisol in the bloodstream increases glucose, decreases metabolism and suppresses the immune system.  All of these responses over a long period of time can lead to weight gain, diabetes, sleep deprivation and an increase in illness.

 

Not all stress is “bad” but constant unmanageable stress can have detrimental effects physiologically over time.  Finding methods to cope with negative stress is an important step to creating overall wellness. Proven methods to assist with decreasing negative stress such as yoga, meditation, daily exercise and self-relaxation techniques can make a tremendous impact on lowering excessive serum cortisol levels.  Supporting cardiac health through diet, exercise and stress reduction is paramount to a heart healthy lifestyle.

Posted in Health Tips, Inspirational | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments closed

Fighting the Flu Bug!

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 2, 2012

‘Tis the season – the flu season – and evidence can be seen lately that the “flu bug” is working the populace.  As if to match the drop in temperatures, an increase in seasonal illnesses flood communities turning productive hours into time spent nurturing the cough, chills and sniffles common to this time of year.

 

Much can be done to stave off the attack of the seasonal flu virus and countless articles written supporting those measures.  Reiterating these oh-so-familiar tactics may seem redundant.  Still, a reminder to arm oneself with the most powerful tool available to combat the threatening flu virus may be all that is needed to incentivize most of us to act.  So here it is again – the reminder to step up the game and utilize powerful tools known to really be effective.  The most simple being – wash your hands.

 

Hand sanitizers have been shown to be effective in killing most “germs” and use of a quality hand sanitizer is always preferable to doing nothing.  However, studies have shown that for the general public, and particularly during the flu season, hand washing is the most effective means of preventing the spread of infection.  Conscious and consistent hand washing is also the most effective means of preventing yourself from contracting flu viruses.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “…the simple activity of frequent handwashing has the potential to save lives.”  (CDC website).

 

Taking that very easy step to wash your hands frequently may just save you from the hassles of the seasonal flu.  Making time to learn more about what you can do, including taking ACLS Classes in Orange County, learning basic first aid and other skills is considered a responsible step.   Fighting the flu bug is a team effort!

 

Posted in Classes, Training | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed

Heart Healthy Valentine

By SureFire CPR | Published: February 1, 2012

Today is the day to take that next step to a healthier lifestyle.  Giving yourself that little added benefit which comes from anti-oxidant and Omega rich foods is like giving your heart a Valentine…and what a great month to start!

 

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dietary benefits included in high amounts of oats can actually help prevent heart disease.  Add in some blueberries and you’ve created an anti-oxidant rich super-breakfast your heart will thank you for.

 

Additional foods favorable to cardiac health include salmon, soy protein and spinach.  It’s true!  Popeye had it right all along and while bulging muscles and super-human strength are not on the list of benefits, eating a diet rich in these foods – including spinach – will definitely be a “heroic” step as you move toward the goal of overall wellness.

 

We would all do well to take a look at the Mediterranean diet as an example of heart-healthy eating.  Fresh raw foods mingled with lively spices all mixed together with olive oil and a robust glass of red wine is a recipe for a diet naturally supportive of good health.

 

Not to be overshadowed, the benefits of soy have been known for generations in Asian cultures.  Edamame, soy nuts, soy milk and ice cream, as well as tofu are some of the most common types of soy protein.

 

Including just a few of these food items can make all the difference to your heart.  With February as the “Heart Awareness Month”, keep in mind ways you can be kind to yourself.  A diet focused on heart-healthy foods, exercise, decreasing stress, increasing your knowledge of life-saving techniques through CPR training and eliminating self-destructive habits such as smoking, drug and alcohol abuse are all ways to give back to yourself and show your heart some support.

Posted in Health Tips, Inspirational, Random | Tagged , , , , | Comments closed