Category Archives: Roy on Rescue

Posted in Medical • Hormone Related • Illness • Roy on Rescue • Cardiac • Environmental • Poisoning

And For My Next Heart Attack, I’ll Take An Extra Dose Of Estrogen Please!

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SaladAn article found in this news provider wrote that higher levels of the hormone estrogen are associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death in men and women, a new study suggests.  Could there be something to this or should we just blow it off as another scare tactic?  Well, when we consider all of the different ways humans get exposed to estrogen in the form of xenoestrogens(pronounced: zeno-estrogen and are a type of xenohormone that imitates estrogen. They can be either synthetic or natural chemical compounds.), it becomes quite clear that we have a problem on our hands and the side effects are coming to roost.

How do we become exposed to these synthetic or foreign hormones?  Well sit back and take a look at this pretty comprehensive list provided by a site dedicated to endocrinology.

* Commercially-raised, non-organic meats such as beef, chicken, and pork
* Commercial dairy products including milk, butter, cheese, and ice cream – Use only organic products that do not contain bovine growth hormone
* Unfiltered water, including water you bathe in – Use reverse-osmosis filtered water such as Dazani or get your own filter
* Laundry detergent – Use white vinegar, baking soda, or tri-sodium phosphate (TSP)… According to some experts, avoid even the Seventh Generation and Eco brands
* Dryer sheets and fabric softeners – Use white vinegar is a marvelous natural fabric softener, no smell after it dries
* Avoid Primpro, DES, Premarin, Cimetidine (Tagamet), Marijuana, and Birth Control Pills.
* Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
* Progesterone creams made with paraben preservatives
* Soy
* Ground flaxseed – If you’re looking for the Omega-3 effect, use fish oil instead
* No sunflower oil, no safflower oil, no cottonseed oil, no canola oil – Use olive oil or grapeseed oil
* Avoid Tea tree oil (melaleuca) – I know, I love tea tree oil, this one is tough
* No lavendar oil
* Avoid coffee and caffeine
* Sage and rosemary
* Shampoos, lotions, soaps, cosmetics that contain paraben or phenoxyethanol – Almost all contain them, you have to look far and wide. Be diligent, you’re getting hundreds of times more exposure through your skin than through your diet. So far, I’ve found Kiss My Face brands to be okay.
* Shampoos that purposely include estrogen (these are shampoos that cater to the African-American market)
* Avoid reheating foods in plastic or styrofoam containers
* Avoid drinking out of plastic cups and containers
* Air fresheners that contain pthalates
* Avoid naturally occurring plant estrogens:

* Coffee
* Clover, red clover tea, alfalfa sprouts
* Sunflower seeds
* Queen Anne’s lace (wild carrot)
* Pomegranate – The Greeks used this plant as a contraceptive!
* Dates
* Fennel
* Licorice, red clover, yucca, hops (beer) and motherwort
* Bloodroot, ocotillo, mandrake, oregano, damiana, pennyroyal, verbena, nutmeg, tumeric, yucca, thyme, calamus rt., red clover, goldenseal, licorice, mistletoe, cumin, fennel, chamomile, cloves

* 4-Methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) (sunscreen lotions)
* butylated hydroxyanisole / BHA (food preservative)
* atrazine (weedkiller)
* bisphenol A (monomer for polycarbonate plastic and epoxy resin; antioxidant in plasticizers)
* dieldrin (insecticide)
* DDT (insecticide)
* endosulfan (insecticide)
* erythrosine / FD&C Red No. 3
* heptachlor (insecticide)
* lindane / hexachlorocyclohexane (insecticide)
* methoxychlor (insecticide)
* nonylphenol and derivatives (industrial surfactants; emulsifiers for emulsion polymerization; laboratory detergents; pesticides)
* polychlorinated biphenyls / PCBs (in electrical oils, lubricants, adhesives, paints)
* parabens (lotions)
* phenosulfothiazine (a red dye)
* phthalates (plasticizers)
o DEHP (plasticizer for PVC)

(http://endojourney.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/a-list-of-xenoestrogens/)

When we think about some of the complications of high estrogen levels in either gender, including increased risk of hormone sensitive cancers, increased cardiac inflammation(http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/iub.48/pdf), blood clot risk increase, and men have the same with the addition of impotence and infertility.

I’m glad to see there are more studies confirming that we have an estrogen problem in society.  And along with this, we are going to see many more complications of disproportionate sex hormones and their effects.  etc.http://endojourney.wordpress.com/2009/07/31/a-list-of-xenoestrogens/

It looks like organic and natural living isn’t just for enthusiasts anymore.  It’s something we should all be more aware of and do our part to begin living a healthier and happier life.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Environmental • Hazards • Illness • Outdoor Emergencies • Poisoning

Why Is Smog So Dangerous In Los Angeles In the Summer?

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A rescue fan wrote in and asked, “Why is smog worse in the summer in Los Angeles?”Smog in Los Angeles

I did a little research and found the following.  I hope it helps.

SMOG, nicknamed in the 19th century for the “smoke” and “Fog” found in London due to coal burning fireplaces and furnaces and low hanging fog can be a real problem with increased pollution.  One of the reasons smog is so dangerous is due to the fact that many times higher than the safe level of pollution particles hangs in the air like a nebulizer mist.  when inhaled, this polution can get into our blood stream and effect our whole body and vital organs.  There has been a lot of concern about this especially in China.  Over 8000 deaths have been attributed to SMOG in China and I’m sure that long term affects are even worse.
In an article by the “The Daily Green”, it stated that, “ozone needs heat and sunlight to form from its precursor chemicals. That’s why you hear warnings about air pollution most often on hot sunny summer days. But be aware: Ozone persists for hours after forming, so unhealthy conditions often last well into the evening, after the sun has gone down. Also be aware that ozone isn’t the only pollutant out there. Another major cause for concern are fine particulates — dust and soot, but also tiny chemical droplets. Particulates can cause air pollution problems year round, especially since furnaces and wood-burning stoves can produce unhealthy levels in the winter.”(http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/ozone-air-pollution-smog-0706)china smog

China too has hit an all time high in air pollution and a complication with Smog.(http://www.cnbc.com/id/100456949)  It is said that High levels of air pollution in China’s cities leads to 350,000-400,000 premature deaths.(http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6265098.stm)

So what can be done if you find yourself “socked in” by a cloud of toxic particulate?  Well, depending on the chemicals in the air, we could walk around with particulate filtering masks designed with the appropriate micron filter.  But this is not sustainable.  It is helpful however, if you find yourself in such a slichenituation.  It would be wise to view it like any hazardous environment and try to escape as soon as possible.  One should be aware that some of these chemicals can enter our bodies via  eyes, nose, mouth, food, water and in some cases the skin or breaks in the skin.  So, the next time you go outside and can take a deep breath of fresh air and view the nice minty green lichen growing on the north side of your trees, be sure to thank God that you don’t have to deal with terrible conditions of these very polluted locations.  Oh, but remember, air moves smogmaskeverywhere and it eventually affects us all.  So, don’t forget to call your government reps and let them know you’re thinking about them and the anti pollution policies their voting on.  Here, and everywhere else too!

Here’s a News Video About The China Smog.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Airway • CPR for Providers • Asthma • Respiratory

What Do I Tell My Friend To Do If They Have An Asthma Attack?

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This question came in via RoyOnRescue email.  They asked, what should I tell my friend to do if they have an asthma attack?
Here’s my answer.  I hope it helps.
asthmaHi S,

Asthma stinks!  But what’s worse is when we have an attack.  There’s no better treatment than management to prevent an attack.  Avoiding triggers, maintaining regular preventative medications and always having a rescue inhaler available that is not expired and not empty.  If a person is having signs of an attack, it’s never a bad idea to call 911 and then begin to treat the symptoms with their medications.  If the attack ends, becomes manageable and everything is fine, then the ambulance leaves and there’s no problem.  If the attack is persistent and the medications don’t work, one will never regret having called for EMS backup.   Remember,  you can always send them away, but we can never make up for lost time.

If a person is having trouble with their asthma(wheezes in or out or both, short of breath, tightness, having small attacks, more albuterol use than normal, has congestion or feels like their not able to move as much air(maybe they have a peakflow meter and it’s reading lower than normal) they should call their doctor.  Again, if they’re having an attack, call 911.  Don’t rely on home remedies and cold air.  Hope this helps.

Roy

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Weather Related • Environmental • Lightning Strikes • Burns • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers

Can A Person Be Struck By Lightning On A Porch?

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In this episode, we take a look at what areas are safe to watch a thunderstorm from.  A question was asked about the safety of watching lightning from under a porch attached to a house.  They wondered if it was grounded just like the porch.  After researching a bit, I found that it is no more safe than being in a tent, a shed, or under a tree.  Take a look at this vlog and find out why it’s not safe to be outside when you hear the roar of thunder.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • Bleeding Emergencies • Tourniquettes • Trauma

Tourniquet Use Deemed A Lifesaver During Boston Bombing Incident

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In this episode, I take a closer look at the reasons that tourniquets were so important during the Boston Marathon bombing aftermath. Injuries were similar to those seen on the battle field and the battle field has trauma that requires immediate hemorrhage treatment and usually includes a long transport time. In the case of the bombing, we saw a very similar landscape. Though we don’t use tourniquets often in peaceful situations, there can and may be times where a tourniquet could mean the difference between life and death. Watch this episode to sharpen your skills on how to apply an effective tourniquet.

Posted in Roy on Rescue • RoyOnRescue Updates

Whoa! It’s been almost a month since my last post!

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Shock and the Capillary Refill TestHello Rescue Fans!

I didn’t want you to think that I’d fallen off the planet. I have been extremely busy with some projects that are really detailed and take a large portion of my time. The RoyOnRescue fans are very important to me and I want to make sure that I’m taking care of the subjects that are most important to you. I’m currently working on a new Vlog post related to the bomb blasts that occurred in Boston. As I understand it, there was quite a need for tourniquets and this is really closely related to the types of blast injuries that were seen. It mimics the same type of injuries that are closely associated with war. I’m hoping to get this up by this week.

Thanks for your patience.

Roy

Posted in Roy on Rescue • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers

Fellow Workers Credited For Saving Co-Workers Life With CPR

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This video covers a story of how a person’s life is saved because others cared enough to try CPR. Watch this video and be encouraged that you never know when you may need to use CPR skills. If you want to learn CPR today, go to www.profirstaid.com and click on the training tab at the top of the site. Then watch the videos for free, and learn what to do in case of an emergency. It really can make a difference! It did in this person’s life.

Keep On Rescuing,
Roy

Posted in First Aid • Eye Injury • Roy on Rescue • Hazards

You Just Got Drain Opener Splashed In Your Eye. Top 5 Things To Do.

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Chemical in EyeI just received a question from one of our Power Rescue Fans.  They asked:

“I just went through a frightening and painful experience at work the other night. I got splashed in my eyes with an acid based cleaner. I know some chemicals that can become more corrosive if water is applied, although that doesn’t go for all of them. What do you do in the case of first aid when you get any type of chemical in your eyes? Is irrigation always the first line treatment?  Thanks!”

What a great question.  You’re right about the concept that some chemicals could actually cause more damage when water is added. Take the case of phosphorous pentoxide, which can burst into flames upon contact with water,  or in the case of other dry alkali chemicals they may actually begin a chemical reaction upon water contact.  In most cases “dry” chemicals should be brushed off as best as possible, prior to irrigating with water. When it comes to eyes, the rule of thumb for most chemicals, not the least acid, is flush with sterile or clean water for a minimum of 15 minutes.

Here’s a list of the top five actions to take after you realize there’s an eye emergency:

1.  Stay calm and calm the patient with confident words like,  I’m Going To Take Good Care of You!

2.  Is the scene safe? If not,  wait until it is or get personal protective equipment

3.  Determine what type of chemical you’re dealing with and read the label for first aid or read the MSDS sheet

4. If the chemical exposure calls for dilution, begin flushing the effected eye(s) with clean or sterile water for at least 15 minutes

5.  Tell EMS providers what chemical you’re dealing with, wow much the patient was exposed to, and what treatment has been provided and for how long

The “eye-dia” sorry…is that we manually keep the eyelids open while we flush the eye(s).  This should be done in a way that won’t cause cross contamination of the non effected eye.  In other words, flush from inside to outside away from the non-affected eye.  Activate EMS (911 in the US and 999 in the UK as well as many other countries).  The EMS personnel should continue the flushing with sterile water or saline for the duration of the trip to the hospital.  Remember, “the solution to pollution is dilution.  P.S.  Don’t let hysterics get in the way of your treatment. Your patient is going to be scared, blind and really upset.  Besides all that…it probably hurts like fire in the eyes, but as rescuers, we have to do what needs to be done and that means holding the eyelids open while flushing.

Keep on Rescuing!

Posted in Roy on Rescue • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers

Nurse Doesn’t Give CPR To Elderly Resident, Did She Do Something Wrong?

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Hello Rescue Fans,

Today I was made aware of a story that is on fire with debate.  Should CPR have been given to the elderly person or not?  Should the RN be charged?  Should the family sue the “Nursing Home?”  actually independent living residence.  How does the blah blah blah association feel about this?  How does the National Board of Registered Nurses feel about this?  On and on and on!   What I can’t believe is why everyone is blaming a non medical facility, which has pre-aranged agreements with it’s residents that don’t want any CPR for calling 911 and then simply doing what the resident and the management agreed to do?  Okay, so there wasn’t an actual DNR(Do Not Resuscitate) which can lead to a lot of miscommunication and ambiguity…I give you that but come on, guilty of neglect?  Charged for not administering CPR?  I know what you’re thinking right now.  Roy has flipped his lid!  Here he is, the RoyOnRescue host that is always talking about how we should get involved in order to try and save a life and now he’s sticking up for this non-caring facility that let this “poor” women die!

You’re right, I am all about saving lives when they can be saved, but I’m also all about death with dignity when the time is right and it’s in line with the wishes of the patient themselves.  What’s more is that this debate is not about the wishes of the patient, which has already been confirmed by deceased family members, this is about a 911 dispatcher who thought that the person at the end of the phone should care enough to begin CPR, regardless of the rules and regulations by which the employee was mandated to follow.  Yes, the caller should probably not have said that they were a nurse which could be interpreted as a skilled nursing center instead of an independent retirement community.   Yes, the nurse and the dispatcher could have been more calm while explaining that the patients wishes were for no resuscitation and that the community agrees to no resuscitation prior to living in that facility.  But in the end, the mainstream media has gotten wind of this story and blown it way, way out of proportion.  I’ve dealt with so many of these calls that I predicted what the problem was before I even read the story. And after reading not one, but many accounts, found that it was just as I thought. In short, lack of communication, lack of paperwork and lack of privacy.  You put all those together and what do you get?  A hot story that takes off like a wild fire!  Watch the video for my thoughts and then give me your feedback.  Especially if you disagree.  I love a good debate.

 

 

 

Posted in Roy on Rescue • CPR for Instructors • CPR for Providers

Watch A Real Cardiac Arrest and Survival! Plus Patient Interview Post Resuscitation.

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I wanted to share this video with you.  We know sudden cardiac arrest happens almost every 2 minutes to someone in the U.S. but we rarely get a chance to watch a real cardiac arrest occur, see the rescue caught on a security camera and then hear the patient talk about his experience so that everyone can learn from it.  If you or someone you know does not know how to provide CPR, please go to www.profirstaid.com and watch the free CPR training by clicking on the training video tab.  Or simply click here after  you watch the video below.