by Steve Thibeault
Should a natural disaster occur, leaving you stranded or forced to fight for survival for a few days, you should make sure that you have an emergency survival blanket on hand. Sometimes an emergency might take place forcing you out of the house, or knocking out power to a heating system. In this case, you should have the necessary provisions to help you survive.
Make sure that the heat that your body produces does not escape by using an emergency survival blanket. This provides the utmost body heat insulation from head to toe. A protective covering keeps your body heat up, and avoids the signs of hypothermia — the weakening pulse, shallow breathing and shivering.
When you are purchasing an emergency survival blanket, make sure that it has the following properties. The blanket should be composed of a polyethylene-based material, making it tear-resistant. It’s covering should be bright in color so you can be seen by rescuers and it should also be lightweight so you can carry it around.
You should know that not all blankets are made the same way. If you are out in the elements or without heat for extended time, the correct covering will be essential to protect you from hypothermia. The best blankets reflects your body heat back to you and prevent rain and wind from soaking in.
There are an estimated 700 deaths each year in the United States due to hypothermia. It is a dangerous condition which occurs when you are exposed to cold water or cold air for a prolonged period of time. If not treated, it can lead to death.
An emergency survival blanket differs from a regular blanket in that it is wind and waterproof and is designed to prevent your own body heat from escaping. It also doesnt stiffen up in freezing temperatures. It is specifically made and designed to effectively capture your body heat.
Think of the many different situations that can take place in your life which could suddenly prove to be threatening. For example, you could become stranded in your car, a fire could take place in your home, forcing you into the extreme cold, the electricity in your home could go out, you could fall into a lake, there could be an emergency forcing you from your home or office. If you work outdoors or play winter sports regularly, you might need to warm up very quickly or if you like adventure you could become lost or injured. Make sure that you are prepared for any situation by having the proper protective coverings.
Put an emergency survival blanket into your disaster kit right now. There should be one for each member of your family. In addition to its use as a blanket, it can be used to create an emergency shelter, to protect against extreme heat in the summer time, to make a flooring or to cover other essential items.
About the Author:
Expert Steve Thibeault can provide you with a lot more information on your
emergency survival blanket. Refer to www.survival-gear.com for all the information.
Written by Steve Thibeault on December 21st, 2009 with no comments.
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Been proficient at first aid is something that is important for all of us. Whether we are members of sports organisations, nominated first aiders at work, or are youth leaders where a knowledge of first aid is demanded, or merely want the skills should they be required, there are plenty of places to learn them. St Johns Ambulance and the British Red Cross run first aid training courses, often providing instruction for various organisations. Also there are several private agencies that provide first aid training for those eager to learn the skills. But before signing up for one of them, it is important to know what to look for in a first aid training course and how it will meet your personal requirements.
Most first aid training organisations give a good grounding for new first aiders with a basic training course. There are also other more advanced first aid courses such as the standard certificate which teaches you how to deal with emergencies for both adults and children. Whatever type of first aid training course you seek to enrol on will depend on the level of competence you are seeking to acquire plus the type of first aid skills you want to specialise in.
For those people who are the nominated first aider at their place of employment, there are specialist courses available which helps them develop both theoretical and hands on skills.
Looking at more specialised first training, there is the practical life saving course which is geared towards avoiding fatalities through shock or blood loss as well as teaching resuscitation.
Added to the list of specialist courses, especially geared to those who engage in certain activities are the outdoor first aid courses, aimed at mountaineers and mountain centres, outward bound centres and expeditions. These of ten are held out in the wilds at the various outdoor pursuit locations.
No matter what your competence is as first aider, your skills will need to be regularly brushed up. So when signing up for a first aid course it is important to ascertain if there will be regular refresher sessions.
So when deciding what to look for in a first aid training course, potential and existing first aiders need to decide which areas they want to develop their skills in. There are many options for them to choose, and if anyone is still in doubt, they should contact the organisation running the course to enquire if this is one that will meet their needs.
Springfield Training are an accredited training company providing hull first aid training courses
Written by Eddie H Springfield on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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You never know what will happen, and if you have young children, you are bound to be faced with wound treatment at one time or another. If something happens that is really bad, you of course want to take your child to the hospital to take care of any wounds, but there are times when you must do first aid before you can get to the ER or before medical help can arrive. If you know first aid, you know what to do if something happens. (more…)
Written by Nancy Blackett on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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by Mike Duke
CPR is a term we all have heard at one time or another. Some of us may actually be alive today because a friend, family member, or even an unknown bystander performed this life-saving emergency procedure.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is the act of alternating chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing, and is designed to allow continuous oxygen to be delivered to the lungs and brain and to assist an unconscious victim in regaining consciousness. When the victim does not regain consciousness immediately, CPR needs to be persistent until emergency medical technicians arrive with an ambulance for transportation. The typical human brain will perish after only five minutes of oxygen deprivation.
To prevent permanent brain damage, CPR can be administered to revive a victim. These situations may include cardiac arrest, stroke, suffocation, drowning, choking, severe allergic reactions, drug or alcohol overdose, and insulin shock. The sooner CPR is started, the greater are the victims chances of survival. Time is of the essence.
The non-breathing victims condition is often the result of cardiac arrest, stroke, drowning, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), drug/alcohol overdose, insulin shock, or SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome; not uncommon occurrences. The sooner CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be administered to help prevent permanent brain damage the greater are the victims chances of survival.
There are several options when one is considering the most efficient way to become certified. Online courses offer a great deal of flexibility, allowing for much less complicated avenues to superior training. Traditional classroom instruction is also offered several times per year.
With the blended classroom and online experience offered by the American Health Care Academy, you can take advantage of this learning experience at your own pace, with guidance by instructors. All courses that provide valid certifications abide by the CPR guidelines of the American Heart Association.
Each student is permitted up to 60 days to finish an online training course from the American Health Care Academy. (Find the website at www.cpraedcourse.com.) The academy provides continuing communication so that any questions can be answered quickly and clearly.
The online portion of the CPR course includes step-by-step video illustrations and reading materials to guide you. Once the student feels confident in their understanding of the subject matter, He/she can take the online exam. If the student passes, they will instantly receive a printable wallet size CPR certification. The American Health Care Academy will also send a documented copy by mail. If necessary, the exam can be retaken at no additional charge.
The American Health Care Academy website will demonstrate easy directions for perspective students of CPR. Getting started just takes some initiative. Easy to follow videos and text will direct students through the CPR basics. Once comprehension of the materials is achieved, students may access the online exam. Upon passing, an identification card will be issued and may be printed for carrying in your wallet. The American Health Care Academy will also provide a mailed copy for your files. In the event that the exam is failed on the first attempt, it can be taken again free of charge.
Written by Mike Duke on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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You may have heard that there are benefits to having certain plants in your home. Many like to have an aloe plant for this very reason. The aloe vera benefits are such that you may find you need more than you thought, and once you get used to having one in your home, you may not know what you did without it. There are a lot of things this plant can do and you will love having one growing your home. (more…)
Written by Nancy Blackett on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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by Lee Perrin
Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are a leading cause of death. Heart attacks occur when the heart is damaged or not receiving enough oxygen. Many cardiac problems are caused due to arterial blockages. These arteries are responsible for taking the purified blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A second cause may be from blood clots forming in the arteries. Many times it is hard to tell the difference between a heart attack versus heartburn.
The common signs of a heart attack are a tightness, pain, or discomfort in the chest. Sweating, nausea, and vomiting that are accompanied by intense pressure in the chest. A radiating and intense pain in the chest that extends from the chest to the left arm. A shortness of breath for more than a few minutes. If you have any of the above you must consult the doctor or go to the emergency rooms.
If someone, including yourself, begins to experience any of these symptoms, get to the emergency room right away. Call 911 or another number to connect you with a cardiac care ambulance for transport so that care can begin right away. You may also want to give the patient a sorbitrate to put under the tongue, or have them chew on an aspirin. Once the patient is in the hospital, the team may implement rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheters or angioplasty. There will also be anti-clot medication administration via IV.
The risk factors for heart attacks can be smoking, family history, diabetes, increased cholesterol, obesity, diet, hypertension and antherosclerosis. Finding the controllable factors and changing your lifestyle can help prevent heart attacks.
In order to reduce your risk of a heart attack, you will need to quit smoking and change your eating habits. Avoid foods high in fats, excessive salt and red meat. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and control blood pressure and diabetes. This will also prevent obesity or reverse it. Make sure to eat healthy, anti-oxidant foods as well.
Reduce the risks of a heart attack by: 1. Quitting smoking. 2. Eating healthy. Avoid fatty foods, excess salt, and red meats. 3. Controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. 4. Ensuring regular exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Walking is most beneficial. 5. Preventing obesity. Doing all you can to maintain weight. 6. Choosing to live a healthy lifestyle. 7. Practicing meditation. 8. Doing regular relaxation and breathing exercises. 9. Undergoing periodic cardiac evaluations. 10. Including foods that are rich in anti-oxidants in your diet.
A killer disease, according to the American Heart Association approximately 58.8 million people in the US suffer from heart diseases. And, about 950,000 Americans die of heart ailments each year. Heart diseases and death from it can be prevented by maintaining your health. Find a balance in life between work and other activities, abandon the couch for the outdoors, don’t watch sports on television play sports instead and you can hope to live a long and fulfilled life.
Written by Lee Perrin on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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by Jim Song
Heart attacks, also known as myocardial infarctions, are a leading cause of death. Heart attacks occur when the heart is damaged or not receiving enough oxygen. Many cardiac problems are caused due to arterial blockages. These arteries are responsible for taking the purified blood from the heart to the rest of the body. A second cause may be from blood clots forming in the arteries. Many times it is hard to tell the difference between a heart attack versus heartburn.
Signals that are common to heart attacks include a pressure, pain or tightness in the chest. The patient may also experience sweating, nausea and/or vomiting. There may also be a pain that radiates? from the chest to the left arm, and shortness of breath.
If someone, including yourself, begins to experience any of these symptoms, get to the emergency room right away. Call 911 or another number to connect you with a cardiac care ambulance for transport so that care can begin right away. You may also want to give the patient a sorbitrate to put under the tongue, or have them chew on an aspirin. Once the patient is in the hospital, the team may implement rapid thrombolysis, cardiac catheters or angioplasty. There will also be anti-clot medication administration via IV.
The risk factors for heart attacks can be smoking, family history, diabetes, increased cholesterol, obesity, diet, hypertension and antherosclerosis. Finding the controllable factors and changing your lifestyle can help prevent heart attacks.
In order to reduce your risk of a heart attack, you will need to quit smoking and change your eating habits. Avoid foods high in fats, excessive salt and red meat. Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, and control blood pressure and diabetes. This will also prevent obesity or reverse it. Make sure to eat healthy, anti-oxidant foods as well.
Choose to live a healthy life, and consider practicing meditation. Using relaxation and breathing exercises will keep your stress level lower. Make sure to follow up with your doctor for periodic heart evaluations. This is the best way to make sure you are healthy.
Statistics from the American Heart Association show that heart disease affects 48.8 million people every year. Out of that number, 940,000 will die from heart disease and complications. You can help prevent heart disease by leading a healthy lifestyle. Finding a balance with work and pleasure extends one?s life expectancy. Stop watching those sports! Go outside and play instead. You?ll have the benefit of exercise and interaction with your friends and family.
Written by Jim Song on December 10th, 2009 with no comments.
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Every home should have first aid supplies, yet many people don’t think to get anything until something comes up. Not only should you have supplies for everyday needs, you should have some things stocked up and put away in the case of a natural disaster or other emergency. These supplies are not very expensive, but are awfully handy when someone gets hurt. First aid often helps to alleviate bleeding and related events before emergency help can come. (more…)
Written by Nancy Blackett on December 9th, 2009 with no comments.
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There are many treatments, such as drinking hot tea, eating chicken noodle soup, and taking long, steamy baths or showers, that thousands of Americans swear by every time they get sick. Although none of these have the sanction of any official medical body, they are nonetheless known to help people feel better. And feeling better, after all, is what it is all about.There are times, however, when you need something more serious from your medical advice. For example, sore throats are often a cause for concern. Although the advice doctors will usually give is to come in and let a professional check it out, in reality your average sore throat is nothing to worry about. Going to a medical advice website and listing your symptoms is usually enough to be able to tell what kind of infection you have. If your throat only hurts when you swallow and doesn’t look raw or have pus spots, you probably have a minor viral infection or simple throat irritation from excessive drainage. If it feels constricted, hurts all the time, looks white and splotchy, you may have strep throat and should come in to the doctor immediately.
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Written by mikegoh on December 9th, 2009 with no comments.
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by Steve Thibeault
If you are planning a trip into the wilderness, you should always undertake a lot of preliminary work before your journey. Sometimes innocent travelers find themselves lost in rural areas, having taken a wrong turn during bad weather, for example. When these travelers become disorientated and lost they could use some wilderness survival tips.
The US Army has a survival manual which uses a very appropriately named moniker as a memory device to set the important principles firmly in your mind. The army recommends that you study the memory device, which revolves around the very word ” survival.
When you are looking for wilderness survival tips, just think of the word ” survival. S – stands for size up your situation. U – stands for use all your senses. R – stands for remember where you are. V – stands for vanquish fear and panic. I – stands for improvise. V – stands for value living. A – stands for act like the natives. L – stands for live by your wits, but for now, learn basic skills.
Out of all the wilderness survival tips given to us by the U.S. Army and other specialists, one of the most fundamental is the need to size up your situation. Always take a deep breath and determine your condition, what tools you have available to help you and your immediate surroundings. Once you have made these judgments, you will be much better prepared to take the next step.
One of the beauties of living in such a diverse country as the United States is that a real adventure is never far away. Rugged and remote countryside can often be reached from heavily populated areas. The State of California offers us a prime example ” the Angeles National Forest is only a few miles to the north of the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles and the fringes of the forest are easily accessible within minutes. It is little surprise that so many people find themselves in trouble and lost in the great outdoors and in need of wilderness survival tips.
A wilderness survival tip given us by the Army implores us to live by your wits. This may be alien to some, who are used to a way of life where everything is provided, but there are online resources available to help you learn. Consult outdoor survival websites for additional tips and tricks and ways to train your psyche to deal with unexpected situations.
It is important not to panic if you find yourself lost in the wilderness, or immobilized when hiking, for example. Plan wisely and value living. Tell yourself that you might have to be in this situation for the long haul. Once you have accessed your situation, plan appropriately and don’t make any instant decisions that could jeopardize your life.
Don’t forget that a healthy dose of common sense, adequate planning, some research and application of wilderness survival tips given to us by experts should enable you to survive in seemingly impossible conditions. We all have a raw survival instinct.
About the Author:
Writer Steve Thibeault will give you a lot more information about
wilderness survival tips. Refer to www.survival-gear.com for all your needs.
Written by Steve Thibeault on December 9th, 2009 with no comments.
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