Charles Omondi, Author at CPR and AEDCPR and AED

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What Is The Procedure For One To Become A Certified Cpr Instructor?

August 22nd, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in First Aid Traning - (0 Comments)

i) Get CPR certification at the basic level

First Aid and CPR tools used for Live presentation in a CPR and First Aid Class

This is a mandatory requirement for anyone looking to train as an instructor. There are a number of organizations that offer these training sessions for individuals who want to become a certified CPR instructor. Some of the organizations include the Red Cross (look out for the local office in your locality), the National Safety Council as well as St. John’s Ambulance. The courses may specifically be offered for professionals working in the health sector, individuals working in other sectors but who require certification at their workplace as well as those who want to get knowledge in the field and require no certification.

ii) The second step involves getting to do the exam that is designed for pre-instructors. The good news with this option is that you can also choose to do the exam online prior to the training. In case you decide to use Red Cross as a training organization, this is a requirement if you have to pass your exam. If however, you plan on using other organizations, then this exam does not come as a pre-requisite.

iii) The third step that forms an integral part of the process of becoming a certified CPR instructor is the completion of the First Required Course. The purpose of this course is to prepare the student for the course ahead as well as formulate appropriate methods of instruction, assessment as well as take into account the cultural aspect of the course. The advantage of this stage is that it can be done online as well as completed through a number of training chapters.

iv) The instructor course is the fourth step in the procedure of becoming a certified CPR instructor. Just as the name suggests, this stage provides an individual with exposure to other first aid courses which will cover the following areas: Basic Life Support, advanced cardiac life support as well as Pediatric Advanced life support. The importance of this is made manifest by the fact that there are select target audiences for select courses, making the course tailored to different careers.

v) Depending on the training organization that you use, it may be imperative for a newly certified CPR instructor to be monitored on their first class to make sure that they have it altogether and that they will yield ideal results. To make sure that you get the most of this experience, make sure that you make use of the instructor material that is readily available for you.

vi) The last step as far as the procedure of attaining the level of certified CPR instructor is concerned involves taking the recertification course as often as is required. Take note that in many cases, the CPR certificate may be renewed provided the instructor has taught at least a single course during the period when the certificate was in force. The purpose for recertification, as may be made obvious by the name, is to ensure that instructors remain on top of their game.

certified, CPR instructor

Defibrillation As A First Aid Technique

August 19th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in First Aid Traning - (0 Comments)

Child AED Pads

Defibrillation makes reference to the use of a special device pin order to send electric shock waves to the heart with the aim of restoring its natural rhythm. Unlike many first aid techniques that can be carried out in the absence of equipment, this procedure requires the use of a defibrillator. The gadget used is commonly known as an AED, in full, automatic external defibrillator. It is because of the use of this gadget that many training centers provide CPR and AED training. What makes defibrillation important?

The sudden increase in persons with cardiac arrest across the world is what makes it important for individuals to undergo AED training where skills required for proper defibrillation will be taught. One of the factors that users would cite in previous years as far as first aid for cardiac arrests is concerned was the cost of getting gadgets such as AEDs. The good news is that in recent years, the cost of getting such has decreased significantly with many more brands available at the disposal of clients. What’s more, the availability of AED’s has eased so that you can always place your orders whether online or at a chemist store.

Even if you are not in a position to get an AED to allow you to carry out defibrillation in case of an emergency, it is still imperative to undergo this training so that you are adequately prepared should an emergency arise. Part of the reason for this is that these days you are likely to find an AED at business premises, shopping malls, schools and hotels among many other public places. You are better off well trained and an emergency does not arise than for an emergency to occur and you have no idea where to start even with the gadgets required for defibrillation.

How exactly does the use of the AED work during first aid?

When a victim’s heart stops beating, the only solution lies in the use of devices that will cause electrical heart activity to cease before it can be set in proper rhythm. The process of stopping electrical activity in the heart is known as depolarization. So vital is this technique that scientists have come up with gadgets that can be used by just about anyone.

To understand how the AED works and what role it plays during defibrillation, one would have to understand the functioning of the heart. Since the work of the heart of to pump blood, the dual modes of action are both mechanical and electrical in nature. The mechanical function is influenced by electrical functionality of the heart. This electrical aspect on the other hand, works due to the exchange of electrolytes thus allowing for electric current to flow. When the heart stops beating, this current ceases. To resuscitate someone, it is imperative to introduce a current that will restore the normal functioning of the heart with regard to the electrical functionality. AEDs will often come with instructions to use depending on the manufacturer, but all of them use the same principle.

defibrillation, first aid

Causes and Treatment of Hair Loss

July 7th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Hair Problems Treatment - (0 Comments)

Also known as alopecia, hair loss is a problem that is encountered by people from all backgrounds, gender and age. To help with the situation, there are a number of measures have been used. These include, medication, hair replacement and hair restorations. There are several other hair problems that many live with other than the hair loss. This article seeks to highlight the hair problems as well as some of the remedies that have worked against these problems.

Gray hair.

In many societies, the graying of hair is something that has been associated with a distinguished stature. To many, it is just a sign of the sunset years. Regardless of how one feels about grey hair, it is quite inevitable as it has to come at some point in life. The only common factor about grey hair is that it comes with age.

In the quest of determining the root cause of grey hair, a number of studies have been conducted with most convinced that they have unraveled the mystery. Hair color is as a result of the pigment from the melanin. The melanin is produced by the melanocytes that exist in the hair follicles. With age, the melanocytes loose their ability to produce the pigment hence the growth of grey hair. Some people do however get to start growing the grey hair way early in their lives. Some people as early as in their teen ages. The graying of hair is genetically determined hence inherited through generations. If you hate your grey hair, you can cover it with dye of your choice.

Hair loss.

Hair has a defined pattern of growth or a cycle if you may. Hair has continuous growth for the first three to four years. This period is known as the anagen phase. The phase is followed by telogen phase and this normally lasts about three months. During this period, the hair gets o rest from growth. The last part of the cycle is where the grown hair falls and gets replaced with new hair.

Other than through the cycle, hair loss can also be due to a number of reasons including diseases or use of drugs. With age, men get to lose the hair on top of their heads leaving behind an interesting shape with hair at the sides of the head. This is what is known as the male-pattern baldness. This is caused by the genes of the individual and catalyzed by the hormone testosterone.

There are disorders that also cause hair loss. An autoimmune condition known as alopecia has its sufferers losing hair on the scalp as well as other parts of their bodies. Other conditions known to cause hair loss include;

Medications
Severe infections
Major surgery
Overactive or underactive thyroid.
Stress
Hormonal problems.
Pregnancy
Autoimmune diseases.
Fungal infection on the scalp.

Hair damage.

Some activities that we subject our hair to can pose great threats in terms of damaging the hair in an extent that will eventually lead to hair loss. Highlighting, straightening, perming and blow drying can leave the hair weak and thin, brittle and unmanageable. To treat split hair, one will need to

Avoid over brushing. Use a soft flexible hair brush.
Avoid towel drying.
Use conditioner.

Hair, loss

Treatment For Ear Infection

July 4th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Ear Infections Treatment - (0 Comments)

However mostly common in children, ear infection is one condition that may affect anyone at any stage of life. It has the general symptom of an ache to the ear or a swelling around it. Most cases are solved by the use of painkillers, and a number of cases also see some antibiotics prescribed.

Definition of ear infection.

Ear infections are categorized into two groups. There are those infections that take place in the ear canal and those infections that take place in the middle ear. The middle ear is the area behind the ear drum and the infection to it is normally known as acute otitis media. This article seeks to explain the infection that takes place in the middle ear.

How does ear infection take place?

The middle ear is usually filled with air. A tiny channel connects it with the back of the throat and the channel is known as Eustachian tube. During a cold, the middle ear has the tendency of filling up with mucus. The mucus in a number of times is infected by bacteria and viruses. When one especially a child has the mucus in their middle ear they are more than likely to get an ear infection. Sometimes, an ear infection can occur without the presence of the mucus in the middle ear.

Symptoms of an ear infection.

Ache to the year. This is a common symptom; however it is not always evident in every case of an ear infection.
Poor hearing. This may set in after a couple of days.
Fever
Nausea or vomiting in children.
Eardrum may burst to release the collected and infected mucus.

Recommended treatments for ear infections.

In most cases, an ear infection fades away in a couple of days. The human immune system has the ability to rid the body of the germs that are causing the ear infection. However, if need be, the following are some of the ways that ear infections can be dealt with.

This is the best remedy in the case of an ear infection that causes pain to the individual. The painkillers will also help lower the temperature of the person or child hence relieving the fever.
Rarely prescribed for ear infections, antibiotics normally come with side effects that may harm the person. They are normally prescribed in severe cases of infections to the ear that do not clear in two to three days or cause complications, and to children of two years or younger.

Possible complications caused by ear infections.

It is a common occurrence for the mucus in the middle ear to remain lodged in there. This has the impact of creating the poor hearing for a while after the infection. After a period of a week or so, the mucus eventually clears and proper hearing is regained. If the mucus does not clear properly, a condition known as glue ear is then developed by the person. When this occurs, it is advisable to seek medication from a doctor. The bursting of the eardrum also normally heals fast, within weeks, but may also take longer. Doctor’s advice is equally recommended in such a situation.

Ear, infection

All You Need To Know About Hair Loss

June 7th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Hair Problems Treatment - (0 Comments)

Hair loss happens as a result of numerous factors. The situation can be quite embarrassing; affecting the physical appearance of a person which consequently lowers self-esteem. Apart from practicing basic hygiene, it’s advisable to seek medical treatment for severe cases. Dermatologists conduct tests in order to establish the exact cause, which enables them to determine the most appropriate treatment method.

It’s also important to note the following:

When the problem starts
Whether it’s sudden or gradual
Medication you may be taking
Diet
Pregnancies, menopause and periods (for women)

In some cases, dermatologists may need to take a sample from the scalp to establish the cause. The scalp tests may be combined with other tests for comprehensive results. The doctor may schedule several appointments.

What Are the Hair Loss Treatments?

Treatment becomes much easier when you treat this condition as soon as it appears. Acting early means seeking medical assistance before you lose plenty of hair. There are several options including:

Minoxidil- It’s available over-the-counter without prescription. Minoxidil works its way through the scalp when applied and prevents thinning of the hair. In addition, it also rekindles growth thus enables you to recover from hair loss much quicker. This product is approved for both women and men by the FDA.
Laser Products- These are generally gadgets, like combs and brushes, which are hand-operated. They release laser light which combats the loss by accelerating the growth process. Some people may experience better results than others. Although it’s possible to enjoy youthful hair in short time duration, safety must always be considered.
Finasteride- This is a prescription drug specifically designed for men. It’s available as a pill with an efficiency rate of 88%. Finasteride inhibits the production of the DHT hormone that leads to loss of hair in men.
Corticosteroid- Some people suffer from hair loss as a result of irritation. To curb this occurrence, doctors can inject the patient with corticosteroid. The medicine is administered through the scalp and helps in accelerating growth immensely.

What Are the Medical Procedures?

The amount of damage suffered will be a major determinant of the procedure. Dermatologists will try to restore the hair to its initial state through one of the following techniques:

Hair Transplantation- Inflammation on the scalp can be treated through this procedure. Healthy skin is normally removed from another part of the body and then transplanted onto the scalp.
Scalp Reduction- This is one of the most common hair loss procedures. In this option, the area of the scalp affected by baldness is cut out and the remaining skin is tightened. The surgery can work on its own or in combination with the transplant.
Scalp Expansion- This procedure takes approx 4 weeks. An apparatus is inserted inside the scalp and removed after the time period. The skin will stretch thus enabling the doctor to get rid of the balding areas easily.
Scalp Flaps- Doctors remove an area of the scalp that has plenty of hair and insert it in the problem area. The surgical procedure is quite effective in correcting hair loss.

Hair, loss

Dealing With An Egg Allergy

June 6th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Uncategorized - (0 Comments)

Eggs are tasty and act as a great source for protein. However, people suffering from egg allergy are incapable of consuming this type of food. The greatest challenge of staying away from eggs is the fact that they’re contained in numerous other foods. It’s important for those with this type of allergy to adopt a healthier lifestyle to enjoy a fuller life.

For cases involving kids, parents should stay calm because the phase will soon pass. Studies reveal that children outgrow this type of allergy when they’re five years or older.

The material posted in this article on food allergies is for learning purposes only. If you think you are having a severe allergic reaction contact medical help immediately. To learn to recognize and manage serious medical emergencies including allergic reactions / anaphylaxis enrol in a first aid course near you.

What Are the Symptoms of Egg Allergy?

Just like in other types of allergies, there are some symptoms to be on the lookout for. Bear in mind that the allergic reaction to eggs could be as a result of either the yolk or the egg white.

The signs normally take a few hours to start showing. Some of the symptoms that the patient will exhibit include:

Swelling of skin in different areas
Eczema
Hives on the skin
Itchiness in the mouth
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pains
Difficulty in breathing
Runny nose
Low blood pressure (hypertension)
Rapid heartbeat

What Are the Ways of Managing Egg Allergy?

Living a more fulfilling life with this condition is still possible. Once you’re capable of recognizing the signs, you’ll be able to handle the situation in a better way. Learning the essential precautionary steps will then come in handy for success to be realized in the task.

The most important thing to do is to seek assistance from a medical practitioner as soon as possible. It’s advisable to take a child to the hospital if rashes appear around the neck after consuming eggs. The doctor will then conduct comprehensive tests to establish whether or not this type of allergy is present.

The main types of tests conducted are skin and blood tests. For the skin test, sample of the patient’s skin will be taken for further observation. This will chiefly be from the area affected most by the egg allergy. On the other hand, a blood test will only be performed when the skin test gives inconclusive results. Blood sample will also be taken for the chemical test.

The best way of managing this situation is by avoiding eggs. This means that you should not eat the food or even come into contact with it. Read the package when purchasing processed food, like raising flour for instance, to ensure that the ingredients do not contain eggs.

Important Tips:

Eat plenty of other protein sources to maintain a healthy diet. A patient of egg allergy misses the nutritional value of this food which is why replacements are mandatory.

Formulate a diet plan that will guarantee recommended protein intake in the absence of eggs. Consult a nutritionist for the best solution for your case.

When eating out at restaurants, inform the waiters of your allergic reaction to eggs. This will prevent a situation whereby you ingest food containing the ingredient unknowingly.

allergy, egg

How To Plan for Floods and Flooding

June 4th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Environmental Emergencies - (0 Comments)

Floods cause unimaginable damage with loss of lives being the main one and it is why it is important to plan for floods. It’s imperative to ensure that you plan for floods in ample time for the natural disaster to be properly managed. Millions of people living around areas prone to floods ignore the pending danger. They resort to waiting for the disaster to occur so that they can act instead of acting first. Read on to learn more on what needs to be done.

Before the Flooding Starts

The most important thing should be to check warnings issued in your local area. You’ll be in a much better position to plan for floods when you’re aware of the no go zones. Furthermore, you will be able to receive helpful information for home protection during floods. Barricade the house using sandbags. The bags can be purchased from hardware stores. Move swiftly and purchase the bags sooner rather than later because their demand will rise when flood arrives.

An emergency kit should be used to carry vital items such as a first aid kit. Plan for floods by making sure that the kit is assembled beforehand. Other items to include in the kit are: Water, torch and insurance policy. Since floods often affect power lines, have extra battery packs ready. Valuable items such as personal documents must be kept in sealed bags.

When Flooding Starts

Safety should be the number one priority once flooding starts. Forget about salvaging belongings as this can easily lead to your own peril. When vacating the area, opt to swimming through rather than walking. It will be much easier to move from one area to another this way. Use bridges for crossing rivers. Do not walk close to riverbanks to avoid getting swept away by the current.

The best way to plan for floods is having an evacuation strategy ready. Such a strategy will help you to establish the most appropriate time to leave the house. Remember, floodwater may be contaminated and this is why you must avoid contact with it. This can only be achieved when you vacate in ample time.

After Flooding Stops

There are numerous types of dangers present even after the flooding stops. On that note, avoid using electrical appliances and gas awaiting clearance from the relevant authorities. They must be checked for safety before they can be used again. All foodstuffs that contain traces of floodwater are contaminated and should, therefore, be thrown away. An effective plan for floods will include access to clean, safe water. If you don’t have bottled water, boil water from the tap.

Floods are quite depressing mainly because of the huge losses that they bring. Call 911 and talk to the operator for instructions when the disaster strikes. The line is usually operational on a 24-hour basis which means that you can get help at any time. Report to designated relief camps if you do not have relatives nearby to live with until the crisis passes. Having adequate food and supplies is an important part of your plan for floods; you never know how long the floods may take.

floods, plan

Dangers Posed by Sleep Positioning Devices For Babies

April 7th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Infant / Child Emergencies - (0 Comments)

Infant CPR

Do you use sleep positioning devices for your baby at home? It is good to know that in as much as they offer great benefits to the baby; they also have negative effects to the baby too. Therefore, it is advisable not to use it for a long time to avoid such complications to your baby.

Dangers Associated with Sleep Positioning Devices

One of the major problems caused by sleep positioning devices is sudden infant death syndrome. This is a condition in which an infant dies suddenly for unexplained reasons as they sleep. In Canada, it is estimated that more than five thousand infants die every year for no obvious reason, with about a half being due to this condition. The major cause related to this death is the use of the positioning devices. This problem can be minimized by allowing the baby to sleep on his or her back. Do not use the devices too much to make the baby comfortable while sleeping.

Flat Head Syndrome

This is another problem common among infants who are younger than six months. The sleep positioning devices prevent the babies from rolling over on his or her stomach or wiggling to close to the edge of the crib by trapping the baby. The flat head syndrome is a deformation that results from pressure that is put on one part of the skull. More babies also roll and get suffocated after rolling from side to the stomach. It is advisable for parents to ensure that the crib is free of pillows, quilts, comforters and toys.

Back Pain

Back pain is not only a problem that affects adults, but also young children. It mostly affects babies who are used to sleeping on the sleep positioning devices. Due to the soft feel on the pillows and comforters, most babies do not straighten their bodies as they sleep. This causes the babies to develop back pain. Therefore, it is advisable that even if you use the sleeping device at home, ensure that you alternate the devices with hard mattresses that can allow the baby to sleep.

It is, therefore important for parents to be careful when buying the sleeping devices to avoid causing problems to the baby. There are many safer and effective ways that parents can use to allow the babies have a better sleep. For instance, you can burp the baby after eating and make them sleep on their backs.

Infant CPR, Sleeppositioning

Importance of AED in the Workplace

March 28th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Automated External Defibrillators - (0 Comments)

Have you ever thought of having an AED in workplace? If not, this is the right time that you ensure the device is readily available because it can help save life in case of an emergency. Just like an electrical pump, the heart work without stopping in order to pump blood to all parts of the body. However, there are instances when the heart fails to beat. This is a health situation that is referred to as cardiac arrest in which the heart cannot pump blood to the brain or other parts of the body. Cardiac arrest is a fatal problem and in many cases, victims die before emergency help can be provided. This is a situation that can occur at any time or place. This is why automated external defibrillator is a crucial device as it can help solve the problem immediately it occurs.

How it Works?

An AED assist in normalizing the heart working condition. It has the ability to find whether the victim need shock or not. It discharges electric current and normalize the uncoordinated contraction of the muscles of the heart. The good thing about the device is that it is easy to use for everyone.

Why Have an AED in The Workplace?

In Canada, heart problems act as one of the major cause of deaths in workplaces. It is, therefore important for employees to ensure that they have AED in workplace and train employees on how to use it, so that any emergency that occurs can be dealt with immediately. It ensures that any employee who suffers from cardiac arrest gets the basic treatment and makes the heart to keep on functioning effectively until an emergency service provider arrives or until the victim reaches the hospital for advanced treatment. Employees need to be trained on the best practices when using the device to ensure they are efficient when giving AED first aid. There are many organizations in Canada that offer AED first aid training, thus it is easy to have the employees trained.

AED Pads on a Manikin

It is hard to predict when the heart can stop functioning and getting treated using AED in workplace is the same as having first aid treatment. The device increases the survival rate of a patient by almost 75 percent, unlike the popular CPR that only increases the rate of survival by 5 percent. Thus, having AED in workplace and employees who are trained to use it is a great asset to any organization.

Know More About AED’s – Facts

March 28th, 2014 | Posted by Charles Omondi in Automated External Defibrillators - (0 Comments)

It is estimated that hundreds of people die each day because of sudden heart problems in Canada. AED first aid can be carried out by any person as long as one has undergone training on how to use the device effectively.

Automated External Defibrillators or AED refer to computerized devices that help people save the life of a victim of cardiac arrest. The device has the ability to monitor the rhythm of the heart and can deliver electric shock to the chest when required just like the paddle defibrillator that was used in the hospital. One of the major causes of cardiac arrest is abnormalities of the heartbeat that makes it unable to pump blood to body organs and the brain.

CPR is a Must with AED

One important point that should be noted is that AED first aid cannot be used as a substitute for CPR. Any person who has undergone training on how to use AED must be trained in CPR. This is because CPR is a key step in helping establish blood circulation and oxygen delivery to the body. The device may also instruct the first aider to continue with CPR as it analyses how the heart of the victim is beating. Studies have shown that even when CPR is given, there are higher rate of death if defibrillation is not done immediately.

How to Setup an AED

The first step when using defibrillator is to check the condition of the victim to find how he or she responds and then call emergency service providers. If the victim does not show any signs of breathing or has abnormal breathing, you should start CPR. Then you need to check if there is pulse and in case there isn’t, you should turn on the AED. A second rescuer should move on to use CPR until the defibrillator is attached.

AED Trainer for First Aid and CPR

An AED contains patches or electro pads that are applied to the chest of the victim. They are connected to a computerized monitoring device that delivers the electric current. There are a wide variety of AED’s, but all of them work in the same way. After application of the patches to the chest of the patient, it records and makes an evaluation of the rhythm of the heart. You just need to follow the instructions through text messages, lights and verbal prompts given by the device. The good thing is that with proper training, it is easy to carry out AED first aid without having to take the patient to the hospital.

AED first aid, CPR, defibrillation, first aid