5 Most Important First Aid Skills

A basic knowledge of first aid is an essential life skill that everyone should have as you never know when you will find yourself in the midst of a medical emergency where the knowledge of these skills could save someone’s life. The following list is an outline of what is in our opinion the 5 most important first aid skills to have. All of these first aid skills are taught in our First/Aid CPR course.

1) Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

This is the fallback protocol, which underlies all other first aid principles. CPR allows the rescuer to revive a person in cardiac arrest by keeping oxygen moving to their brain until help arrives or the person recovers.

2) Management of Choking

These skills allow a bystander to perform the correct techniques to clear a blocked airway. If a patient is suffering from a blockage in the upper airway he is at risk of going into respiratory arrest. Knowing the correct skills will allow you to clear the airway and allow the victim to survive only suffering a scare.

3) Management of a suspected spinal/head injury

Understanding the principles of spinal and head injuries is essential to saving lives and to prevent causing further injury. Just by partaking in a basic first aid course one will learn the correct way to deal with and handle spinal and head injuries.

4) Correct Administration of an EPIPEN or ANAPEN

Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) is a life threatening condition, which is affecting more and more Australians every year. Effective first aid is conducted through the administration of adrenaline via an auto injector such as the EPIPEN or ANAPEN. Knowing these first aid skills may make the difference between a successful or unsuccessful outcome.

5) Management of bleeding

Severe bleeding can become life threatening very quickly. By learning the first aid principles of how to control bleeding one will have the knowledge of how to save a persons life.

7 Tips For Your Personal Safety at Work

Safety within the workplace is very important not only to your healthy and wellbeing but to the health and wellbeing of your co-workers, family and friends.

Movement and variety

Take regular breaks. Staying fresh and alert will help you avoid injury or burnout. Schedule the most difficult tasks of each day for times when your concentration is best, such as first thing in the morning. Vary tasks so you are not typing for extended periods of time. Take your lunch break away from your desk, preferably going for a walk outside for 15-20 minutes.

Look after your body

Often overlooked in a busy day is taking in proper nourishment and hydration. Eat regular nutritious meals and keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

Safety of others

Keep an eye on your co-workers, especially if they are new to the workplace and don’t know all the WHS issues.

Manual handling and ergonomics

Avoid stooping or twisting. Use ergonomically designed furniture and equipment or rearrange your work area so that everything you need is within easy reach. Be aware of your posture at your workstation and correct where needed. Protect your back. If you do need to pick up and carry heavy loads, keep the load close to your body and lift with your thigh muscles.

PPE

Wear protective equipment to suit the task. If worn correctly, gear such as earplugs, earmuffs, hard hat, safety goggles, gloves or full-face mask can dramatically reduce your risk of injury. Always follow the safety rules and procedures. Always wear any personal protective equipment provided by your employer.

Communicate concerns

Talk over any concerns. Your employer or human resources manager need to be informed about hazards and risks. Your employer is legally obliged to ensure a safe working environment. Speak up and let supervisors know if you think a task is too dangerous or difficult for you

Reduce workplace stress

Common causes include long hours, heavy workload, job insecurity and conflicts with co-workers or managers. Stress can lead to depression, sleeping difficulties and problems with concentration. Be aware of each other’s workload. Clarify priorities and deadlines. Recognise and acknowledge each other’s efforts. Develop your communication, negotiation and conflict management skills

Whether you’re roughing it in a tent or planning a family outing to a national park, there are many ways to make sure your experience is fun and safe. Consider the following safety tips:

• Pack a first aid kit. Your kit can prove invaluable if you or a member of your group suffers a cut, bee sting or allergic reaction. Pack antiseptics for cuts and scrapes, tweezers, insect repellent, bug spray, a snakebite kit, pain relievers, and sunscreen.

• Bring emergency supplies. In addition to a first aid kit, this includes: a map, compass, flashlight, knife, waterproof fire starter, personal shelter, whistle, warm clothing, high energy food, water, and insect protection.

• Learn the ABC’s of treating emergencies. Recognizing serious injuries will enable you to attend to a victim until medical help arrives.

• Before you leave, find out the weather report. When you arrive at the site, watch the skies for changes and carry a compact weather radio. In inclement weather, find shelter until the worse passes. Stay dry – wet clothes contribute to heat loss. Also, keep sleeping bags and important gear, dry at all times.

• Arrive early. Plan your trip so that you arrive at your actual campsite with enough daylight to check over the entire site and to set-up camp.

• Check for potential hazards. Be sure to check the site thoroughly for glass, sharp objects, branches, large ant beds, poison ivy, bees, and hazardous terrain.

• Avoid areas of natural hazards. Check the contour of the land and look for potential trouble due to rain. Areas that could flood or become extremely muddy can pose a problem.

• Inspect the site. Look for a level site with enough room to spread out all your gear. Also, a site that has trees or shrubs on the side of prevailing winds will help block strong, unexpected gusts.

• Build fires in a safe area. Your open fires and fuel-burning appliances must be far enough away from the tent to prevent ignition from sparks, flames, and heat. Never use a flame or any other heating device inside a tent. Use a flashlight or battery-powered light instead.

• Make sure your fires are always attended. Be sure you have an area for a fire that cannot spread laterally or vertically – a grill or stone surface is ideal. When putting the fire out, drown it with water, making sure all embers, coals and sticks are wet. Embers buried deep within the pile have a tendency to re-unite later.

• Pitch your tent in a safe spot. Make sure your tent is made of a flame-retardant fabric, and set up far enough away from the campfire. Keep insects out of your tent by closing the entrance quickly when entering or leaving.

• Dispose of trash properly. Remember to recycle – use the proper recycling bins if available.

• Be cautious when using butane stoves. Read the instructions that come with the stove and butane cylinder. Use the stove as a cooking appliance only – never leave it unattended while it’s burning.

• Watch out for bugs. Bees, wasps, and spiders are a problem at many campsites. Avoid attracting stinging insects by wearing light-coloured clothing and avoiding perfumes or colognes. Should such an insect approach, do not wave wildly and swat blindly – instead use a gentle pushing or brushing motion to deter them.

• Beware of poisonous plants. Familiarise yourself with any dangerous plants that are common to the area. If you come into contact with a poisonous plant, immediately rinse the affected area with water and apply a soothing lotion such as calamine to the affected area.

• Practice good hygiene. Make sure you wash your hands, particularly after using the toilet and before handling food, to prevent everyone in your group becoming ill.

To be ready for all camping emergencies book in to attend Regal Security and Industry Training Provide First Aid and Provide CPR Course

Here’s some hot tips to help reduce the risk of becoming the next Gold Coast burglary victim.

1. LOCK IT UP

Gold Coast Security & Police suggest many opportunistic thieves take advantage of unlocked homes. Even if you are going out for a short time, lock-up your house and windows. Locksmiths can provide advice on appropriate door and window locks, and key all the windows to a single key.

Also, ask your electricity supplier about locks for your power supply to prevent tampering, and keep your car locked. Queensland Police, for instance, have reported a case of a garage door opener stolen from a car, later used to burgle the owner’s property.

2. DON’T PROVIDE COVER

Deter thieves from targeting your house by ensuring a clear line of sight from the street. Cut back trees and bushes that obscure your front door, look into installing movement sensor lights and report broken street lights straight away. Police also suggest making sure your house number is visible for the fastest response if you need to call for help.

3. UPGRADE YOUR DEFENCES

A high number of victims (60 per cent) in the ABS research cited a door or window had been damaged or tampered with in attempted break-ins, so it pays to invest in strengthening these defences. A solid core door with a deadlock, for example, is harder to force, grills and shutters prevent burglars from breaking in through windows, and a peep hole or lockable security screen can help keep burglars out.

4. LIGHT IT UP

Garages and garden sheds are often targets for burglars who can then use your tools or ladders to gain access to the main house (police even report wheelie bins used to smash windows). An automatic light, for instance, fitted to the shed or garage can be a useful deterrent, along with keyed locks.

5. SECURITY DOESN’T TAKE A HOLIDAY

Ask friends to collect your mail and to stop junk mail from building up in your letterbox while you’re away from home. A neighbour parking in your driveway can also help signal the house is not unoccupied. Other measures could include internal lights or a radio set on timers and organising for someone to mow your lawn.

6. KEY WISE

Most people know not to hide keys somewhere about the house but are you also aware that lending your keys to tradespeople and acquaintances can pose a risk? Keys are easily copied and can provide burglars with fast, no-fuss access to your belongings.

7. STORE VALUABLES IN A SAFE

According to the ABS Crime Victimisation Survey 2009-10, money and jewellery are most often stolen in break-ins. Installing a small safe in your home is a relatively low cost way to protect those items.

8. DON’T TEMPT A CRIMINAL

Break up packaging for expensive new gear before tucking it into the bin or recycling. Also, take a look at your house from the outside. With most thieves looking for cash, even a wallet or iPod left on your hall table can make your home a target. Speaking of valuables, police advise making an inventory of your belongings to have at hand in case of a break-in. Mark your property using an engraver or ultra-violet markers and take photos of precious, one-of-a-kind possessions.

9. INSTALL AN ALARM OR DETER THIEVES WITH A DOG

Add another layer of defence to your home with an alarm system. A barking dog can also provide effective security for your home. Even installing a “Beware of the dog” sign can make thieves pause before targeting your home.

10. MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR NEIGHBOURS

In tight knit communities, people look out for each other. Neighbours can report suspicious activity at your home and help when you’re away – and you can return the favour.

Everyone should take 5 minutes to read this. It may save your life or a loved one’s life. In daylight hours, refresh yourself of these things to do in an emergency situation… This is for you, and for you to share with your wife, your children, & everyone you know. It never hurts to be careful in this crazy world we live in.

1. Tip from Tae Kwon Do: The elbow is the strongest point on your body. If you are close enough to use it, do!

2. Learned this from a tourist guide. If a robber asks for your wallet and/or purse,
DO NOT HAND IT TO HIM. Toss it away from you… Chances are that he is more interested in your wallet and/or purse than you, and he will go for the wallet/purse.
RUN LIKE MAD IN THE OTHER DIRECTION!

3. If you are ever thrown into the trunk of a car, kick out the back taillights and stick your arm out the hole and start waving like crazy. The driver won’t see you, but everybody else will. This has saved lives.

4. Women have a tendency to get into their cars after shopping, eating, working, etc., and just sit (doing their hair, or making a list, etc.
DON’T DO THIS!) The predator will be watching you, and this is the perfect opportunity for him to get in on the passenger side, put a gun to your head, and tell you where to go. AS SOON AS YOU GET INTO YOUR CAR, LOCK THE DOORS AND LEAVE..

If someone is in the car with a gun to your head DO NOT DRIVE OFF, Repeat:
DO NOT DRIVE OFF! Instead gun the engine and speed into anything, wrecking the car. Your Air Bag will save you. If the person is in the back seat they will get the worst of it. As soon as the car crashes bail out and run. It is better than having them find your body in a remote location.

5. A few notes about getting into your car in a parking lot, or parking garage:

A.) Be aware: look around you, look into your car, at the passenger side floor, and in the back seat.
B.) If you are parked next to a big van, enter your car from the passenger door.
Most serial killers attack their victims by pulling them into their vans while the women
are attempting to get into their cars.

C.) Look at the car parked on the driver’s side of your vehicle, and the passenger side. If a male is sitting alone in the seat nearest your car, you may want to walk back into the shopping centre, or work, and get a guard/policeman to walk you back out. IT IS ALWAYS BETTER TO BE SAFE THAN SORRY. (And better paranoid than dead.)

6. ALWAYS take the elevator instead of the stairs. Stairwells are horrible places to be alone and the perfect crime spot. This is especially true at NIGHT!)

7. If the predator has a gun and you are not under his control, ALWAYS RUN!
The predator will only hit you (a running target) 4 in 100 times; and even then, it most likely WILL NOT be a vital organ. RUN, Preferably in a zigzag pattern!

8. Women are always trying to be sympathetic: STOP it may get you raped, or killed. Ted Bundy, the serial killer, was a good-looking, well-educated man, who ALWAYS played on the sympathies of unsuspecting women. He walked with a cane, or a limp, and often asked ‘for help’ into his vehicle or with his vehicle, which is when he abducted his next victim.

9. Water scam! If you wake up in the middle of the night to hear all your taps outside running or what you think is a burst pipe, DO NOT GO OUT TO INVESTIGATE! These people turn on all your outside taps full blast so that you will go out to investigate and then attack.

Stay alert, keep safe, and look out for your neighbours!