In this episode of RoyOnRescue, Roy re-explains some important tips regarding recognition, prevention and treatment of heat related emergencies. It’s hot outside and those who are old, young and have ill health may be at a greater risk. Learn how to rescue someone today from the heat.
Best Wishes,
RoyOnRescue Team
In this RoyOnRescue videoblog I answer a request to expound on TIA’s or Transient Ischemic Attacks. I found a great definition at this link.
This “mini stroke” can last from a couple of minutes to around a half hour and looks and acts like a full blown stroke. Take a look at this RoyOnRescue post to learn the difference and what you should do if you come across someone who shows these signs and symptoms.
Best Wishes,
Roy, RoyOnRescue.com
An email came in from a true rescuer who got involved with a man who was in cardiac arrest over the holiday while they were enjoying themselves. They cared enough to get involved and try and save this person’s life but the man stayed dead despite their attempts. This rescuer is struggling with feelings of guilt and that she didn’t do enough. In this episode, I have a very real and honest discussion with understanding living, dying and rescue.
In this episode we talk about the subject regarding when a cut may need to have stitches or when it can be simply treated at home. So if this question has perplexed you in the past, you may not want to miss this episode where Roy sheds some light on this sometimes confusing situation.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
Roy
Have you ever been surprised by how fast a child can be in one place and the next time you turn around they are in another? Have you ever been shocked by how fast an accident can happen? In this episode, I address lawn mower safety as a result of a terrible tragedy where a 5 year old girl was hit and then run over by a riding lawn mower. It is unknown as to the exact details leading up to this horrific accident or what the abnormal conditions may have been that caused this to happen. The little girl was pronounced dead on scene. There was nothing related to first aid that would have helped her but I have to think that being more sensitive to prevention may be able to save future lives. I pray for a miraculous Grace and healing to be given to the surviving family members of this little girl and I hope to remind us all of some ways to ensure this doesn’t happen.
May God bless and heal this family.
Roy, RoyOnRescue.com
RoyOnRescue.com
Hello Everyone!
I received a question regarding infants having seizures and the proper treatment for them. 
The person asked if it’s proper to handle the patient the same as an adult? This is a great question and one I wanted to address a little more in depth than a simple reply by email.
First, it’s important to understand what a seizure is. The following is a quote by physician, Dr. Fawn Leigh from Duke Health who did a great job describing the two different categories of seizures and how they manifest themselves.
Click here to see the complete article located at: http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/advice_from_doctors/your_childs_health/childhoodseizures
“Seizures are divided into two major categories (based on 1981 international classification):
Generalized seizures are divided into convulsive and nonconvulsive. Convulsive means that there is muscle movement such as stiffening (also known as tonic) or jerking (clonic) activity. When these movements are combined it may be called “grand mal.”
Other types of convulsive seizure activity include myoclonic and atonic seizure activity. Myoclonus is usually characterized by sudden, single jerks. Atonic seizure activity is typically characterized by dropping quickly to the floor as if suddenly asleep or paralyzed. The child then quickly recovers.
These two latter convulsive seizure types can both be difficult to diagnose and treat because often they are the manifestation of a mixed seizure disorder. In infants these seizures may be called infantile spasms.
Nonconvulsive means that there is alteration of consciousness without muscle movement. This form of seizure activity was formerly called “petit mal,” and is now commonly referred to as “absence.”
Absence seizures are unique in that typically they are characterized by an abrupt onset of staring and end just as abruptly with no confused state following the events. Parents usually report that the child looks like they are “spacing out.” (Teenagers who look like this often are not having seizures — they are simply bored.)
Partial seizures can be simple or complex. Simple partial seizures are focal seizures that involve movement or sensation on one side of the body without altered consciousness. Simple partial seizures are commonly localized to areas in the brain called the motor or sensory strip.
Partial seizures may be with or without aura, which involves associated states such as fear, or changes in heart rate, flushing, or abdominal discomfort.
Complex partial seizures commonly originate from the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain where there are many complex interconnections, resulting in alteration of conscious. Typical complex partial seizures manifest as sudden change in level of alertness with or without aura, blank stare, confusional state, or aimless movements such as wandering around or repetitive behavior.”
Second, it’s important to understand what the main cuases of seizures are:
Thirdly, when it comes to treating an infant compared to an adult, it’s a bit easier, though not any less intense especially if it’s your child. It’s physically easier because baby is smaller and easier to manage.
If this seizure is with a child who has never had a seizure before, 911 or Emergency Medical Services should be activated. The rescuer is going to follow National and International guidelines for treating a seizure patient. Protect the baby from hurting itself while seizing. If it’s in a bath tub, drain the bath tub of water so as to reduce the risk of drowning and then protect the child from hurting itself while seizing. Nothing should be put into it’s mouth which is old school for seizure management in trying to prevent “swallowing the tongue” or biting the tongue off. It is also important that we not try and prevent the baby’s body from convulsing by holding it still or wrapping them tightly. Simply protect it’s head and other parts of it’s body from hitting anything during the convulsive stage of the seizure. After the seizure is over, the baby will usually go into a post seizure phase called the “postictal” phase, and there may be some frothy sputum(spit) around the baby’s mouth or in its nose. A bulb syringe normally used for suctioning mucous or sinus congestion could be used to suction or clear the baby’s nasal passage but it is probably not as necessary as we’d like to think. As a general rule, baby’s have a great gag reflex and if they have any mucous or sputum in their upper airway, it will probably be coughed clear. If the baby begins to breath after the seizure, it could be irregular with some grunting for a short time and then increasingly get more normal. Skin color if it has changed during the seizure to a dusky, purple or blue color should improve as the baby begins breathing more normal and it is perfectly acceptable to comfort the baby in a natural position while maintaining a neutral airway in order for it to recover from the seizure.
If it does not begin breathing, begin basic cardiac life support according to the latest ECC/ILCOR and American Heart Association guidelines. Courtesy of ProFirstAid.com, a Free Online infant CPR training video is available by clicking here!
As many as 2-5% of all children will experience at least one seizure related to a fever over 102 degrees Fahrenheit. The seizure itself is usually harmless and does not cause brain damage nor lead to epilepsy.
Seizures in any age patient can be very scary, and the causes of a seizure are many. Therefore, if it’s the first seizure the person has ever had, we should plan for the worst and hope for the best. This can be done by calling the emergency medical services or 911 depending on your area. Support the patient with basic first aid procedures while waiting for rescuers to arrive and then follow up with your pediatrician after the baby is stable.
If your baby is having a high fever and your afraid that it may cause a febrile seizure, there are some basic steps to help lower your baby’s temperature. Click here to read an article about how to lower a body temperature from a fever.
Well, I hope this helps and I appreciate the great questions so many of you have been asking. Keep them coming and while your waiting for a response, keep on saving lives!
Best Wishes,
Roy
RoyOnRescue.com
royonrescue@gmail.com
Some time ago, I received an emailed question asking if I could do an episode on Food Poisoning. 3 days ago, my little girl, 7, came down with symptoms that were really similar to that of Food Poisoning. After doing my own research and then calling the doctor, I thought it would be a great time to address this somewhat common and sometimes dangerous problem. Some of the suggestions given, are those that the Pediatrician gave me after my daughter had been unable to keep even a sip of water down for over 36 hours! She was pale, dry and if I’m not mistaken, it seemed like her eye sockets were indeed a bit sunken. She’s feeling better now going into hour 49 and is now holding down water, Gatorade, and a BRATY( Bread, Rice, AppleSauce, Toast, Yogurt)diet. I hope this helps anyone else who has been suffering with the flu or food poisoning. Remember, the leading reason people die from vomiting and diarrhea is due to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and organ failure. Don’t wait until the last minute to get advanced medical attention and if it seems like the person is becoming dehydrated, get help right away. Oh, and if you’re weak or dizzy, don’t try to drive yourself in to the hospital…that’s what 911 is for!
Best Wishes and God bless you as we enter into this most Holy season of Easter,
Roy Shaw, RoyOnRescue.com
In this episode, Roy talks about a terrible tragedy where a 16 year old athlete made the winning shot, was greeted by teammates on the basketball court and suddenly collapsed in sudden cardiac arrest. Later it is revealed that the young man had a not so un-common condition. Learn how to recognize symptoms surrounding this condition, how to respond to an emergency that arises from this condition and how to detect it before it may be too late.
Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young man. May God bless and comfort them all.
RoyOnRescue Team
royonrescue@gmail.com
This week Roy answers a question that came all the way from France where a student asked a great question about how to perform CPR if a person has had major trauma to their chest after a motor vehicle accident. You know, starting CPR on a victim can be a difficult decision to make in any normal situation, then add the complication of internal or external truama and without guidance, it may be a temptation to avoid providing CPR all together. On this episode of RoyOnRescue, Roy Shaw, EMT-Paramedic and Trainer sheds some light on why it’s okay to perform CPR on a person with a chest injury or on someone who has recently had thoracic surgery and what to consider while providing this life saving skill.
Be sure to keep the questions coming and send them to:
royonrescue@gmail.com
Hello Again,
A great question came in about how to tell if an injury is a fracture or a sprain or strain. This is a great question. In some cases it’s very easy to tell that a fracture is present. Like… bone sticking out of the skin! But if it’s not and there isn’t any deformity, it can be tricky. Check out this video blog for a more in-depth look on how to tell if the injury is something that needs medical attention or if it’s minor and can be managed right at home.
To read a bit more about the specifics, feel free to browse this link.
Fractures Vs. Sprains and Strains
Best Wishes,
Roy, RoyOnRescue.com
royonrescue@gmail.com
