L I F E & S T Y L E | F YI
STAYING PREPARED
THE IDEAL FIRSTAID KIT:
Medical emergencies are common, and Oklahomans can arm themselves with the knowledge to help.
“
made for a more high-risk work The best way to be prepared environment. They include everyfor a medical emergency is thing that the Class A kits have to have the basic training,” to offer but in a higher volume. explains Kali DeYager, an instructor at Heartland CPR in Oklahoma They also come with some extras including roller bandages, splints City. “We highly recommend that and tourniquets.” everyone know CPR. Injuries and heart probIn fact, we are so paslems are two common sionate about this that types of emergencies. But we offer a free first aid what if you’re eating at and CPR course every home or in a restaurant quarter.” and someone starts to Heartland CPR ofchoke? fers classes for lay res“Knowing how to deal cuers called “HeartsavF FACE DROOPwith a choking emergency er.” This course teaches ING – Is one could be the differfirst aid basics, along side of the ence between life and with hands-on training face numb or death,” says DeYager. “We for CPR and the use of drooping? absolutely recommend an automated external A ARM WEAKthat everyone know how defibrillator (AED). NESS – Does to perform abdominal According to one arm seem thrusts, formerly referred DeYager, first aid kits weak or feel to as the Heimlich maare divided into two numb? neuver. This technique categories: Class A and S SPEECH – Is is also taught in our free Class B. speech course, as well as the “The Class A first aid slurred? Heartsaver courses and kits are the most basic T TIME – Phone more advanced classes for and are appropriate 911 and note medical personnel.” for use at home or in the time of a small office environHere’s a tip from the onset of ment,” she says. “Class DeYager if you suspect symptoms. B first aid kits are someone is having a heart
SIGNS OF A STROKE:
FAST
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Gloves Scissors Band-Aids Sterile pads Antibiotic ointment • Cold packs • Treatments for burns • Barrier for rescue breaths
attack: Always call 911 first, then give the victim a dose of aspirin to chew up (so long as there is no known allergy to aspirin). Aspirin can thin the blood and possibly reduce the risk of a heart attack turning into a sudden cardiac arrest. DeYager also mentions that seizures can vary widely in their severity. “A key first aid measure for someone experiencing a seizure is to protect the victim from further injury,” she says. “It’s best to move furniture or other objects out of their way. Put something soft underneath the victim’s head, if at all possible, and never hold the victim down or put anything inside of their mouth. If fluids are coming out of their mouth, ensure they are on their side.” DeYager says most seizures only last a few minutes. Once it’s over, be sure the victim is breathing and responsive.
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DEBI TURLEY
OKLAHOMA MAGAZINE | AUGUST 2021
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7/23/21 4:52 PM
