I received an email from a Rescue Fan that had a severe soar throat and wasn’t sure if she should go to the doctor. I suggested they do, and she was diagnosed with throat ulcers. I thought I’d do a RoyOnRescue to help explain what they are and why you should see a doctor. I hope it helps.
Tag Archives: ProCPR
RoyOnRescue Interviews Lifeguard Who Rescued Poolside Patient
Three cheers for our heroic Lifeguards! In this episode, I get the opportunity to speak with Logan Evans, the Life Guard who was part of a three person team of First Aid providers who helped a woman who had apparently had a seizure and fallen in the Women’s shower room at a local pool! The problem was that there was a pool full of people and the patient was trapped in a locked shower stall half in and half out of the door on the ground. Watch this interview to see how Logan, Certified Lifeguard, sprung into action to help this person through this scary and potentially life threatening situation.
Happy New Year Rescue Fans!
I want to wish all you Rescue Fans a very Happy New Year! Thank you for all the great questions and comments this year and I’m looking forward to a very exciting new year!
4 Must Have Items For Winter Weather Preparedness
In this episode, I talk about how I almost headed out on the road without my back up winter weather gear. But then I thought better of it and practiced what I preach. I thought I’d make it into a RoyOnRescue episode and show that we all have to be disciplined to prepare and not get caught off guard. I hope it helps!
3 Ways To Stop Ebola Infection…Today!
Hello Rescue Fans! I’ve debated as to whether I should discuss Ebola from either a professional or lay person level or even discuss it at all. Because of an experience I had where I walked into a contaminated bathroom that could have been an infectious problem, I decided it was definitely worth taking about. In this episode, I talk about Ebola, it’s risks and how breaking the chain of infection through disinfection and barriers, it’s almost impossible to contract an infection. My hope is that rather than simply re-discussing the same things you’ve been hearing about Ebola, I’ll help shed light on how to arm yourself with awareness, and the techniques required to stop an infection in it’s tracks. I hope this helps.
When Does An Injured Finger Need To Be Seen By The Doctor?
Hello Rescue Fans!
I received an email from someone who fell while rollerblading and injured their hand. They didn’t want to go to the doctor if they didn’t have to, but were concerned that they may have a fracture or a more serious injury and didn’t want to make a bad decision.Though I’m no “Orthopod“(slang word for the day meaning orthopedist) but there are a few tell-tale signs that I look for to determine if a trip to the doctor is warranted. Let’s face it, almost all injuries bruise and swell, but it’s in finding a couple of other things like crepitus or deformity that we realize this may be more serious. Keep in mind, even a bruise or swelling could be reason enough for trip to the doc. Though needless trips to the ER are never fun, losing the important function of fingers or toes is even worse. For those of you who can relate, I hope this helps!
Trampolines, Teeth and Cuts With a Concussion!
I received a Rescue Fan’s email today that described what sounds like an accident on a trampoline. Their friend hit their mouth on their head and now they sound as though they have concussion symptoms with a possible infection on the scalp. They asked my opinion and the following is my reply. It’s warm and it’s trampoline weather so if this happens to you or someone you know, I hope it helps!
I wrote:
Ouch! So, it sounds like your friend hit their mouth on your head and though it didn’t knock you out, it made you feel dizzy and now is painful/sore and maybe even a small abrasion or cut? If you’re feelings dizzy, nauseated(sick to your stomach) and have a headache, it sounds like you may have a concussion. As long as the symptoms get better with time from the concussion, you’re probably in pretty good shape. Some people just take tylenol or another over the counter(OTC) pain medication for the headache. With time and rest, it should get better. If not, call your doctor. If you it’s severe or you go unconscious, a family member should call 911. The pain to the touch, redness, or cut and possibility of something coming from the wound may indicate an infection which could be a problem too. If you think it’s something that could be getting infected, it sounds like it may have been a laceration. If so, I’m not sure if needed stitches originally(didn’t sound that way from your story) but it’s probably too late for stitches at this point. Some people like to put triple antibiotic on their cuts and abrasions to control infection. If you’re not comfortable with over the counter or it’s really starting to concern you, it may be a good idea to see your doctor. Have your mom take a look at the wound by separating your hair. Is there a laceration where the skin forms a fish mouth? Is it oozing any white, or discolored and blood tinges secretion? If any of these, then it’s probably a good idea to see a doctor. If not, and the wound is closed but red and sore, it’s common for people to get triple antibiotic at a drug store or grocery store, keep the wound clean and then put some of the ointment on the abrasion with a Qtip or cotton swab. Do this until the wound is healed and not painful. Wash your hands before and after all treatment to help not re-infect or infect the wound.
Remember, when in doubt, call your doctor and follow their advice. In the meantime, I hope this helps.
Going On Vacation and Woke Up With Sore Throat…Help!
Hello Rescue Fans,
This morning, I received an email from a Rescue Fan that is planning on going on Memorial weekend vacation, but woke up with a really sore throat. With no time to see their doctor, they wondered if there were any over the counter or home remedies that they could use while on vacation. Here was my advice and if you can relate, I hope it helps.
“Hi Sarah,
The only way to know for sure if the source of your sore throat is a Strep Infection is to get a test at the doctor’s office or med center. It sounds like you don’t have time for that but if you’re concerned about it being something serious, like Strep, than call your doctor, explain that you’re going on vacation and see if they can “fast track” you through to rule out Strep and get Antibiotics if needed.
Now, if it’s not Strep and just a virus or allergies etc. there are some things that have been found to be helpful which can be found at any drug store/grocery store or home pantry. These won’t get rid of the Strep Bacteria but if it’s just a sore or irritated throat, it may help.
Here’s a combination of home remedy and over the counter help.
-Warm to Hot Tea Lemon/Honey Tea: Caffeine free is best for rehydration but any tea can work. Fresh squeezed honey would be best and local honey.
–Gargling with Warm Salt Water: 1/2 teaspoon iodized salt, gargle with head back and spit water out after each gargle for about 10 seconds each. Half a glass of saltwater is fine. Then, don’t rinse your mouth afterward. Tongue may feel a little funny, lips too but that’s from the salt water and should go away.
–Chloraseptic Spray and Lozenges: I like Chloraseptic brand throat spray, and though it can’t claim to cure a bacterial infection, I don’t think it can hurt because it does have some antiseptic properties along with it’s numbing effect. Offers temporary relief but may be of help.
-Stay Hydrated: We should drink at least 6-8 8oz glasses of water per day. More if we’re sick, exercising or drinking caffeine.
-Drink Broth: It’s usually quite salty, warm and doesn’t scratch your throat.
-REST!
Your body needs its rest in order to heal. If you’re feeling tired, try and get some sleep. Usually, vacations are anything but rest, but regardless that’s my advice.
I hope you’re feeling better soon and I hope this helps!”
Does Eating Snow Cause Hypothermia?
A Rescue Fan wrote in and basically said, “Hey! Bad advice! Everyone knows that eating snow when stranded in the wilderness is a bad idea. It can make a person hypothermic!”
As I thought about their comment, I began to do some research and then some deeper thought on the subject.
I instantly began to wonder if the commenter had a point. Is it better to slow down the hypothermia that may be already causing symptoms or die from dehydration?
Remember, hypothermia usually sets in as quick as 3 hours or less in certain cases while life threatening dehydration can take up to 3 days. So, if you’re surviving the elements long enough to dehydrate, you’re probably staying somewhat warm. If so, then consuming snow or melted snow and getting hypothermic as a result is probably the last of your concerns when thinking about staying alive. For if you survive the elements, dehydration and death will be knocking in about 2-3 days.
http://www.livescience.com/32320-how-long-can-a-person-survive-without-water.html
iRescueRadio 002: Stem Cells, Overworked Doctors, Cancer Vaccine, Asthma, and Sleep
This episode of iRescueRadio was originally released in November of 2008. In it we discussed how stem cells have shown to help the body accept an organ transplant; we investigated the reasons for misdiagnosis of asthma and other illnesses, such as overworked doctors and excess paperwork; a new skin cancer vaccine is discussed; and the power of sleep as a memory aid and an important agent to fight cancer.
iRescueRadio Episode 2 [Download]
