BE PREPARED

Buddy was both a Cub and Boy Scout but not long enough to really understand and practice the Scout Mottos: Leave No Trace and Be Prepared. Having been with my spouse for close to 35 years, I believe he embraced these two scout lessons as life dealt him both the happy and challenging moments as he grew into adulthood.

My thoughts of ‘Being Prepared’ go to my and Buddy’s early hiking adventures together as a young couple: starting with the research (oh, boy, does he like to research!), having the right gear and supplies, strategic packing of it all, and knowing the terrain, environment and weather. I’m sure there is much more that I am not including…
but you get the idea!

I would like to put the ‘hiking boot’ on the other foot and share a recent experience of my needing to ‘Be Prepared’. As I wondered how I would write about Buddy’s recent biking accident, this classic scouting phrase came to mind. And having had a long history as an AHA BLS Instructor and completing a recent update, CPR training was a physical lifesaver for my spouse and an emotional lifesaver for me on this fateful day.

Although not having nearly the level of preparatory ability as Buddy, I have guided many individuals and families in wellness related areas as a health care provider.  My BLS instructor training has been put to good use in multiple circumstances throughout the years. But none more important than a couple of months ago when Buddy sustained serious injury while we were on a group biking vacation. His injuries could have been so MUCH worse, and thank God, has recovered exceptionally well.

I won’t go into too many details about Buddy’s accident but will share important CPR related instructions that helped me assist my spouse and gave me a solid plan during this highly emotional event. The following information is taken from the American Heart Association’s ECC Guidelines:

1. Scene Safety Importance of having a safe environment for both the rescuer and victim

This was critical for Buddy and I as the accident happened on a public street at the bottom of a hill with approaching traffic in both directions. As I approached Buddy, I was waving my hands high over my head to alert the car coming down the hill and I engaged the driver of the stopped car on the opposite side of the road to help stop traffic.

2. Assess victim Checking for responsiveness, breathing, pulse

Because of the nature of the accident and my observation of no movement as I was running up to Buddy, I was already moving onto Step 3, ‘Activating EMS’ by yelling at the stopped passerby to ‘Call 9-1-1’

3. Activate EMS Send someone to activate EMS or use your cell phone or leave the victim to call if you are alone and secure an AED as quickly as possible

Upon assessing Buddy for breathing and circulation, I again yelled to the passerby to confirm EMS activation. Because this was a possible head injury/neck trauma, my training was telling me ‘DO NOT move the victim’ unless we were in physical danger or my needing to initiate ventilations/compressions

4. Begin CPR as indicated following the most recent AHA guidelines

Going through my CPR steps, no rescue breathing or compressions were initially necessary. However, I was also aware that I did not know the extent of any internal injuries. I physically and mentally prepared myself to be ready to initiate ventilations/compressions if Buddy’s condition changed before the paramedics arrived.

*Know that the above steps can be done simultaneously dependent upon the situation

According to the 2015 updated AHA guidelines, ‘there is clear and consistent evidence of improved survival from cardiac arrest when a bystander performs CPR and rapidly uses an AED’.     About Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

I would strongly encourage all of you to take an American Heart Association Heartsaver course which includes the use of an AED. I would also recommend taking a First Aid class. Most of the time, the help you offer will be with SOMEONE YOU KNOW. Keep your skills current and periodically review these life saving steps. You just never know…

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BE PREPARED which means you are always in a state of readiness in mind and body to do your DUTY.  (Scout Motto)

On a happier note… scroll down the bottom of the Photo Gallery for pictures and happy memories
 of Acadia National Park and beautiful East Coast farmlands