Alberta is a beautiful province with beautiful cities like Calgary and Edmonton and many tourist attractions like Banff National Park and Maligne Canyon. It is full of numerous activities and destinations to explore. With an influx of tourists visiting the province all year round and engaging in activities like skiing, kayaking and hiking, the chances of occurrence of accidents and other emergencies are also increased.
Thus, basic knowledge of First aid and CPR in Alberta can make a huge difference and save lives in many situations where medical assistance is delayed. While a proper certification in First Aid and CPR training equips a person with the requisite and adequate knowledge of what to do and how to do it in situations where First Aid and CPR are required, being savvy of certain basic tips can prove to be very beneficial.
What is First Aid and CPR
First aid is the primary medical care that is provided for an injury or an illness. This is followed by advanced medical care if necessary. For example, if someone starts choking or having an allergic reaction, if someone suffers a fracture or a sprain, or if someone goes into cardiac arrest. First aid can greatly aid in relieving the patient and also ensure their well-being till the arrival of medical assistance. First aid entails certain crucial life-saving techniques which a person can use in a medical emergency to stabilize the condition of someone who is experiencing a health crisis.
CPR refers to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is an important part of first aid. The primary purpose of CPR is to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs because the person’s heart is unable to do so. It comprises of chest compressions and rescue breaths that combine to maintain sufficient levels of oxygen and blood flow in the person’s body until medical help arrives. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can also be used during CPR to help restart the heart. CPR is mainly used in cases of cardiac arrest to ensure blood flow and maintain oxygen levels in the victim’s body.
Basic Tips for First Aid and CPR
While it is imperative to state that a proper certification from the Canadian Red Cross is required to enable a person to administer proper First Aid and CPR, having proper knowledge of certain basic tips might come in handy and be a vital factor in saving a life in case of an emergency. With that being said, here are some basic tips (in no particular order):
Call for Emergency Medical Assistance
In case of a medical emergency, typically, the first step always is to call for medical assistance. Be sure to dial 911 or the local emergency assistance number.
Ensure the Safety of the Scene
Awareness of hazards such as unstable structures, fires, and traffic is very important. Alberta is very well known for its hiking trails. There may be potential hazards in the form of wildlife, poisonous plants or any other factor that might be causing an allergic reaction to the victim. Also, heat-related illnesses like heatstrokes are common illnesses that are known to affect hikers. Ensure your safety, the safety of the victim and any other bystanders before providing any assistance.
Avoid Moving the Person Unless Necessary
Alberta is known for its skiing resorts in the winter. Injuries related to winter sports like skiing and snowboarding can occur, causing fractures and damage to the bones, muscles and ligaments of the victim. The person might have potential neck or spine injuries and movement can aggravate the same. A person should only be moved in case of certain emergencies.
Checking for Responsiveness
It is always a priority to obtain consent from the victim before assisting them but in certain scenarios, the victim might not be in a state to provide consent. There are certain legal issues like this that are associated with First Aid. However, in cases where the victim is not responding, one should tap gently on the victim’s shoulders and speak loudly to check for responsiveness. If the victim is not responding, then they may be unconscious.
ABCs
ABCs refer to the airway, breathing and circulation. It is important to ensure that the person’s airway is clear. If the person is not breathing, commence CPR. If the person has no pulse, i.e. circulation, chest compressions should be started immediately. After 30 chest compressions, 2 rescue breaths should be delivered while ensuring that the victim’s chest rises up effectively with each breath.
It is also important to note that CPR procedures vary for adults, children and infants.
Control Bleeding
Bleeding might be internal or external. While internal bleeding requires advanced diagnosis to be identified, external bleeding can be identified easily. In case of external bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wounds to control the bleeding and use sterile dressing, if available, to treat the wound.
Use an AED
Use an AED by following the prompts that are provided by the device. An Automated External Defibrillator works by delivering an electric shock that disrupts the heart’s electrical activity long enough for it to develop an effective rhythm on its own spontaneously. Using an AED as soon as possible (along with starting CPR immediately) gives the victim the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Winter-related Injuries in Alberta
As winter’s season passes across Canada, Alberta’s ski resorts and lodges welcome visitors ready to enjoy their vacations and play winter sports. This carries with it certain risks associated with the cold weather. The most common of them are slipping and falling on ice, which can lead to broken bones and concussions, among other injuries. Being wary of certain First aid tips for winter related injuries is very important, especially in a province like Alberta, where winters can get extremely cold and harsh.
The frigid temperatures also increase the risk of frostbite and hypothermia for people in Alberta who are outdoors in very low temperatures. Covering oneself properly and wearing proper winter gear is necessary to prevent being affected by these afflictions.
First Aid and CPR Training in Alberta
While the aforementioned tips about First Aid and CPR offer a general overview and some helpful information, if one is properly trained and equipped with the skills to deal with such situations, the likelihood of saving lives increases dramatically.
At Coast2Coast, we offer comprehensive First Aid and CPR training courses that equip you with the skills and knowledge that will enable you to act promptly and properly in case of a medical emergency, which is enough to make all the difference in saving a life. We offer blended (half class, half online) and online course delivery methods. With accessible and convenient locations in Calgary and Edmonton, we look forward to seeing you in Alberta.
Why Trust Coast2Coast
Elevate your preparedness for unexpected situations and arm yourself with vital life-saving skills by considering enrollment in standard First Aid training at Coast2Coast. This training will give you the knowledge and skills to respond quickly to emergencies. The acquired expertise enhances your personal safety and contributes significantly to creating a secure environment for both yourself and those in your immediate surroundings. Taking the initiative to enroll in first aid training is a proactive step toward being well-equipped and confident in facing unforeseen challenges, ensuring a safer and more prepared community.
