Prestan Professional or Ultralite? Which do I want to use in my training?

View the original here.

Both styles of Prestan CPR training manikins are in stock and available now from MCR Medical Supply. We're happy to discuss CPR manikins and all of our products either over the phone at 614-782-2100 or email sales@mcrmedical.com.

We look forward to speaking with you and fulfilling your CPR Training needs!

       

Working here at MCR has been a blast these past few months. Time truly does fly when you are having fun! It’s not just been having fun though, I’m also educating myself and others every day, which I consider a blessing. With that education comes knowledge and since I’ve had quite a few inquiries about various products, I would like to share some updates with you.

As we’ve fielded a lot of calls about the elastic bandages that we once carried, here now is the low down on them. While inspecting the product, the quality control team noticed that many of the bandages showed poor manufacturing quality.  As an organization that stands behind their quality, these particular bandages did not meet our exacting standards. For that reason they were removed from the product line. 

Quality is a top priority. And part of our company philosophy is one of distinction from the competition. One way we do that is to stock products that are above and beyond what our competitors sell. Another differentiating factor is that MCR Medical Supply endeavors to provide you with a quality product at an amazing price.

Our elastic bandage product was a very popular item and because of that we have been working hard to find a manufacturer who can meet our exacting standards of quality and price. That’s not as simple as it sounds and a lot of research and tests need to be run to ensure that it is a quality product that is importantly, latex free and safe for distribution. For our loyal customers who are constantly reaching out to us regarding these elastic bandages, fear not! We have an estimated delivery of our new and improved elastic bandages for -- Spring 2016!

Another hot topic item is our MCR Re-Inflatable training mask. Here, we have taken a CPR training staple and improved it. On-the-go trainers who constantly use their masks, you will understand how a re-inflatable air bladder on our training masks provide tangible benefits.

Being able to form a tight seal with your hands around the mask so that it conforms well to the manikin’s face is necessary; air won’t enter the lungs, the chest won’t rise and valuable training time is wasted if students struggle to see the chest rise.

When using one of our MCR Re-Inflatable masks you are able to customize the mask to better fit your training manikin, deflating or inflating the mask to form a tighter seal around the manikin’s nose and mouth. With appropriately inflated masks, students will find it easier to make a proper seal and spend more time perfecting this life saving technique.

Another benefit of MCR Medical Supply’s Re-Inflatable CPR training mask is longevity of use. With training budgets stretched to the max, this is one piece of equipment you won’t discard nearly as often. Find a bladder that has gone flat before a big class? No need to panic, simply re-inflate it to your specific volume need with the included air syringe!

The ten-pack training masks, available in both adult and infant sizes, come complete with the air syringe and a complementary pack of ten training valves.

Thanks for checking in with us and be sure to peruse all the budget-saving deals at mcrmedical.com. We’re looking forward to a New Year of expanded inventory, new product offerings, and as always all with our standard, “Wow! That was fast!” shipping.

Ashley

Reintroducing MCR keychain mask and glove kits!

CPRkey-G

They're back --we are proud to announce the release our new CPR keychain with nitrile gloves!

A while ago MCR Medical Supply offered a CPR key chain pouch kit with gloves, but quality manufacturers stopped making the kits a couple years ago and good, pre-made kits became hard to find. The pouches in the market became a little shoddy and the masks started showing up from unknown parties. We decided then that we would not offer a kit, rather than offer one of the available but lower quality kits. Even the big name kits on the market today leave much to be desired.
  
As a result, last year we decided to start assembling the kits ourselves and have been working on the project since. Finally, we found a manufacturer willing to make us a nice pouch, then convinced Ambu to provide the masks in bulk, and ultimately decided to include a pair of Adenna nitrile gloves to both complete and compliment the contents. 

The compact, easy to use Ambu CPR Res-Cue Key mask in the kits feature a CPR face shield with one-way valve that prevents contamination of the outer surface of the mask and has elastic bands to secure the mask to the patient. The Ambu mask also includes a handy instruction card that illustrates how to apply the mask and a reminder of the CPR basics.

The gloves are 4mil nitrile, which out perform the vinyl gloves found in most other kits. The texture on the gloves provides a strong grip in both dry and wet applications. The Adenna Precision Nitrile Gloves ensure maximum dexterity as well as superior puncture and tear resistance making these an overall excellent choice in barrier protection.

The kits are assembled here in Ohio by our staff.  We understand that some folks want to supply their own preferred gloves, so the CPR keychain mask kit without gloves is also available.

Thank you for your patience while we worked to develop and manufacture this new product.  We're especially excited to reintroduce our own kit, and appreciate the opportunity to once again be your supplier of CPR keychains with or without gloves!

If Goldilocks taught CPR...

MCR refillable training mask

Do your pocket training masks make you feel like Goldilocks?  'It's too full! It's not full enough.  It needs refilled!'   Get ready to feel that way no more. We listened to what our instructors were saying and have manufactured (what I think) is the first CPR training mask that has a re-inflatable air bladder!

As an instructor, it's hard for my new students to get the hang of how to position the mask correctly on the manikin's face, let alone make a good seal with their hands and give a breath sufficient to create a visible chest rise.  Some folks say their mask isn't full enough, but I remind them that in order to create a good seal, you'll need that mask to conform to the contours of your patient's face.  If your mask's air bladder is overinflated it won't work any better than if it was completely deflated. 

MCR Medical Supply’s re-inflatable training masks allow you to customize or refill your training mask’s air bladder! With the included syringe, you can add or remove air from the bladder, individualizing the CPR training pocket mask to best fit the contours of your manikin.

The non-collapsible CPR training mask is a cost-effective solution for teaching CPR without using a more expensive rescue mask. The mask’s stems are fully compatible with all brands of universal CPR valves and because the washable trainers are capable of being decontaminated per CDC guidelines, they’re reusable and help maximize your training dollar!

The set of individually packaged masks includes a FREE pack of ten MCR Medical Supply disposable CPR training valves. These valves give your student the most realistic rescue mask training experience possible as they duplicate field-use rescue valves in form and function. 

MCR Medical Supply’s training CPR masks should be inspected and disinfected after use, replacing as necessary. The masks do not have an oxygen port and are designed for training purposes only.

A YouTube video on how the masks function is in production, so stay tuned!

Front line First Aid

FAK28-MCR

Welcome Summer!

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of Summer.  In addition to fresh lemonade, taking a dip in the pool and having outdoor sunlight past 7pm, summertime can also means stings and scrapes -- sometimes worse.

The latest 2015 statistics show accidents as the 4th leading cause of death in America. That's why it's important to not only keep current with your CPR skills, but to revisit your basic First Aid training as well. While the basics remain the same, like applying direct pressure to stem bleeding and splinting an injury in the position you find it, it is still necessary to practice what you've learned and keep the supplies you need on hand to best utilize those ingrained skills. 

Having a first aid kit is a step in the right direction. There is, however, no substitute for preparedness. We all need to examine our lives, busy as they are, and see what accidents or illnesses we're most likely to encounter. Our warehouse personnel need to be cautious when handling boxes as a mishandled cardboard box cuts just as easily as paper. And office workers can attest to how painful and inconvenient a bad paper cut can be. Little league coaches, do you know how to care for a child after they slide into second base and nick a fielder's cleat?

Scrapes and scars are part of life's adventure. Congratulations to everyone reading this as I bet at some point you've faced  a situation where you required some first aid care, but no one was around. Your excellent administration of self-care is allowing you to read this article now - I applaud your efforts!

I must confess that one common practice often portrayed on TV and in movies makes my husband and I cringe every time we see it. Please, please do not worry about cleaning a wound when it is still bleeding profusely!!! If you're soaking dressings with fresh blood, there's no need to worry about washing germs away -- the bleeding is going to kill you faster than any perceived infection. So please, get that bleeding under control first, then worry about cleansing, dressing and bandaging, that way you'll stick around long enough to worry about infection!       

With that said, a personal first aid kit ensures you've got your essentials at hand.  MCR Medical Supply's compact kit is small in stature but big on utility. Measuring just 4” x 4”, it’s chock full of components to treat minor injuries. Plus, it’s our smallest kit which still includes the popular ice pack. The compact first aid kit is made from durable nylon, stores easily in a briefcase, purse, glove compartment, or desk drawer, and has a loop for easy carrying on a duty belt or backpack accessory strap. The kit comes with: 

• 1 Instant Cold Pack
• 2 BZK Antiseptic Towelettes (alcohol-free towelettes to cleanse without stinging)
• 1 Non-Adherent Bandage
• 1 First Aid Tape 1/2" x 2.5yds.
• 1 Rolled Gauze 2" x 4yds.
• 10 Adhesive Bandages 3/4" x 3"
• 5 Adhesive Bandages 3/8" x 1 1/2"
• 1 Fingertip Bandage
• 1 Knuckle Bandage
• 1 Pair Vinyl Gloves
• 1 Triple Antibiotic Pack 0.9gm
• 1 Hydrocortisone Pack 0.9gm
• 1 Hand Sanitizer Pack 0.9gm
• 1 First Aid Instruction Guide

Not everything you need in your kit?  (Because you've assessed your daily living situation and found you really don't need the hydrocortisone, but could really use some extra gloves.) Personalize it!  Make it fit your lifestyle.  That's good advice for any first aid or 72-hour disaster prep kit you buy. It has been assembled with what someone thinks folks will need, but I always think of things I'd like more of and some items I don't need at all. Always open the pack to see what's in there and where it is. Don't waste precious minutes rummaging through an unfamiliar pack searching for a dressing. Keep sterile packaging in its original condition, but absolutely rearrange, add or remove things from the kit. A rescue medic friend says you should be able to close your eyes, reach into your kit and know what's where. We'll work on it, Mike!

In the meantime, I welcome you to peruse the MCR Medical Supply website, our Amazon or eBay store to see items you can use to personalize your own kit. Have a happy and safe Summer!

Rub-a-dub-dub, but don't put that manikin in the tub!

A question I receive quite often is:

How do I clean and disinfect my CPR training manikins during and especially after class? 

Protecting our students from disease transmission is always important, now more than ever, with the rise in antibiotic resistant strains of bad bugs. The importance of using PPE (vinyl or nitrile gloves and CPR masks) during practice, as well an emphasis on effective hand washing must be a part of everyone's class, all the time.  These simple steps are the first line of defense against various types of diseases, even life threatening respiratory illness and intestinal distress.

Some professional CPR training manikins can be cleaned and disinfected according to CDC guidelines. Instructors should carefully follow all manufacturers’ recommendations and verify the products used to clean / disinfect are appropriate for their particular manikin and will not damage it. While the risk of infection from CPR manikin training is very low, it is still present. Help further minimize the risk by using proper cleaning and disinfection procedures.

If students are sharing a manikin during class:
Between each student, encourage vigorous wiping of the manikin's face, mouth and chest with a gauze pad wet with 70% isopropyl alcohol or a comparable disinfecting product. Leave the surface wet for at least 30 seconds before wiping dry.

After class:
Scrub and wipe the entire manikin with either Clorox®-type disinfecting wipes or a mixture of ¼ cup of non-scented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of water. Leave wiped surfaces wet with the solution for 10 minutes. 
Internal surfaces can be cleaned using rubbing alcohol which will both decontaminate surfaces and aid in drying, preventing fungal growth.

Disinfection protocols change. Stay up-to-date by viewing current CDC guidelines. 

Ultralite™ and ultra affordable!

Admittedly, I'm not as young as I use to be. Carrying 30 pounds of Laerdal Little Annes up four flights of stairs sure was taking a toll on my knees and back. By the time class started, exhaustion had already stolen most of my strength.  I love teaching and didn't want to abandon my passion, but the arduous journey to reach some client's classrooms forced me to consider this option.

 Enter the Prestan® Professional Ultralite™ manikin. A godsend at only 13 pounds for the 4-pack! But what about the quality? At  $340 for the 4-pack, how good can they really be?  Not surprisingly, I found them to have the same quality and durability we've all come to expect from Prestan® Professional products. The CPR training manikins have neither a compression depth clicker, nor LED rate monitors, but truthfully, I don't miss them. Especially if we're doing a recertification class where the students are experienced CPR practitioners. 

Fellow instructors who currently use other portable manikins such as Actar, CPR Prompt and Basic Buddy will prefer the quality of the Ultralite™ for their CPR training-on-the-go. And you can ditch that lung bag insertion tool!

Schools, aquatic centers, mass training centers as well as general work place trainers will appreciate this latest offering from Prestan. The vinyl and latex free Ultralites, while only available in medium skin tone, offer a quality choice in CPR training manikins for budget-conscious organizations.    

Prestan Professional's most portable manikin training kit includes: 4 Manikin Torsos, 4 Manikin Heads, 4 Compression Pistons, Nylon Piston Bag, 50-pack Lung Bags, Nylon Carrying Case with Detachable Shoulder Strap and an Instruction Sheet. 

Features of the Prestan® Ultralite™ manikin:

• Uniquely fast and easy set-up.
• Stackable torsos and heads generate a compact package for transporting multiple units.
• Clamshell torso opening provides quick access for the easy-to-insert lung bag.
• Realistic skin resists dirt, grime and grease.
• Adequate upper chest sizing facilitates AED pad placement and training.
• Visual anatomy landmarks reinforce proper hand placement for compressions.
• Head-tilt illustrates how to open the airway and allows each student to observe a true chest rise when proper head-tilt chin-lift technique is used.
• Life tested to a half-million compressions.
• Manikins are easy to clean and capable of being decontaminated per CDC guidelines.
• Three-year factory warranty against defects in workmanship.

The MCR Medical CPR mask drought is finally over!

BVM-3081

 Summer sales have been especially brisk this year.  I suppose that's true for the season too. I distinctly remember telling someone, "you know, it's just six months til Christmas!"  Now, it's a little more than four months!  Lamentably, where has the time gone?
 
Looks too, like everyone is having their previously strangled training budget-belts slightly loosened. They can replace their 15+ year old CPR training manikins with new Prestan ones. I know I for one am getting much too old to lug those Laerdal Annes up and down flights of stairs. 

I'm looking forward to having one of my favorite products back in stock, our Adult/Child Training BVM in a hard case. The infant is great too, but as an old CPR rescuer, I never learned to resuscitate using a truly infant sized BVM.  We worked with what we had and nine times out of ten, that was an adult Ambu bag.  

The carrying case that holds the training BVM's contents is awesome.  Roomy enough to add other training necessities and sturdy enough to last through a couple drops - oopsie!  My students get a real feeling for what can be described as the art of resuscitating using a bag valve mask; without fail they say it's not as easy as it looks on TV!  That comment always makes me laugh.

Our restocking shipment is set to arrive this Monday, August 18, 2014.  In that shipment will be our training masks (MCRTM-I / MCRTM-A) and yes, they will still come with free training valves (MCRTV)!  Also coming are RM-2033s, RM-2071s and our adult/child as well as infant training BVMs.      

Thank you everyone for your patience during our supply drought.  It is very much appreciated as is your continued shopper loyalty.  We promise to keep bringing you great CPR and First Aid supplies! Now, if we could only get the American Heart Association to let us stock their books and DVDs.....

Great for general hand protection, vinyl gloves are a household and training staple!

SPFV1104

Looking for general purpose medical and/or training use gloves? Surecare offers quality soft, supple beaded-cuff examination gloves for single use in non-sterile environments.

Sold in a dispenser-ready box that holds 100 gloves, they are also available by the case. The case contains 1,000 gloves packaged as 10 boxes. 

100% latex and powder-free exam gloves comply with US ASTM standards.  That means you can use them to refill your OSHA required first aid kits!
  
The smooth finish gloves, made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are manufactured with sensitive individuals in mind as they contain no protein. Why are protein and powder free gloves recommended for sensitive persons? This answer from the CDC:
 
      Proteins responsible for latex allergies are attached to glove powder. When powdered gloves are worn, more latex protein reaches the skin. Also, when gloves are put on or removed, particles of latex protein powder become aerosolized and can be inhaled, contacting mucous membranes. As a result, allergic health care personnel and patients can experience symptoms related to cutaneous, respiratory, and conjunctival exposure. Health care personnel can become sensitized to latex proteins after repeated exposure. Work areas where only powder-free, low-allergen (i.e. reduced-protein) gloves are used show low or undetectable amounts of allergy-causing proteins.

Whether teaching a CPR/AED and First Aid class, coloring your hair, or working in food preparation, vinyl gloves work well for general hand protection. Shop our store and stock up today!

Responding without hesitation

Ambu^® CPR Res-Cue Key^® Keychain, CB-3021

CPR masks are necessary while performing CPR or rescue breathing as they help prevent transmission of harmful bacteria.

While we now train predominately with rescue or pocket masks, these aren't always practical to carry around with us on a lanyard, on our key ring, or even in our purse.

For a great any patient, any place alternative, Ambu manufactures this CPR mask and pouch. Ambu, a worldwide leader in professional rescuer equipment is a name synonymous with quality resuscitation supplies Their products can be found anywhere patient care is being performed - from the ambulance to the OR, Ambu is designed, used and trusted by those in the emergency response and patient care field.  

This individually packaged CPR key chain is branded with the Ambu logo. The 2" x 2" ultra-compact, easy to use CPR Res-Cue Key features a CPR face shield with a one-way valve that prevents contamination of the outer surface of the mask. The woven nylon pouch even has a standard key ring hook so you can easily take it with you - on a keychain, belt, or on a lanyard.

Resuscitation is simplified as the latex free mask secures over the patient's ears for hands-free rescuer operation. Essential operating instructions are printed on the semi-transparent barrier, which also allows the rescuer to monitor the patient's color and response. It's great as an all around CPR mask, as one size fits children to adults.

We all learned in class to wear our PPE during CPR. Now you can respond with greater confidence knowing you'll be protecting both you and your patient as you work toward ROSC - a successful resuscitation!

Introducing the most realistic CPR training valve on the market today!

MCRTV

Bringing innovation to the world of CPR training, MCR Medical Supply introduces the most realistic CPR training valve on the market today!

Teach your students with what they will be using out there in the field, and they'll be even more ready to respond. 

The trainers feature an integral air filter and valve that obstruct the flow of contaminants. These valves give your student the most realistic rescue mask training experience possible as they duplicate field-use rescue valves in both form and function.

They are packaged as 10 valves per box, and while they do not include a training rescue mask, those can be found in our store. 

Shop today to see these, plus our CPR training pocket masks, available in Adult, Child and Infant sizes. There's even a collapsible adult mask!   

Whether it's training BVMs, Prestan CPR manikins or First Aid student training kits, MCR Medical Supply is your premier source for CPR and First Aid Instructor supplies. 
 

Just 9 minutes?!

I read this article today, finding it fascinating. 

During class, I always tell my students to "just keep going" as you'll be tired (CPR is exhausting!), or even start to think - what's the point.  Now, looks like the research is confirming what we've been telling students all this time. Press On! 

The article does point out that prolonged resuscitation is not suitable for every case, but "...found that patients have a better chance of surviving in hospitals that persist with CPR for just nine minutes longer, on average, than hospitals where efforts are halted earlier."

Just nine minutes?!?!  Wow. 

Dear Resuscitation Team,
Keep going!

And in even more encouraging news, senior study author, Dr. Nallamothu who's an associate professor at the University of Michigan and a cardiologist at the Ann Arbor VA Medical Center found that "neurological function was similar, regardless of the duration of CPR."

That's always been the main argument against prolonged resuscitation. That the cost outweighs the benefits. Diminished neurological function, lessened quality of life - all valid concerns and still something that should be kept in mind during extended resuscitation efforts. But, perhaps after more medical professionals review this data they'll think twice before ceasing care.

My directorial debut

I'm so excited!

Last Thursday, we shot the video for the new Prestan Professional AED trainer.  What a great learning experience!  It was so cool to see the behind the scenes - to see what it really takes to make, what looks to us, a seamless one-take video.  One take ..ha!  How many times can the talent point to that button?! Or close that lid?!  I admire their patience and perseverance.

We're working with the folks at Jumpstart Video Productions and the voice talent of Theresa Seiders at That's All She Read Voice Overs.  What a great group of professionals. I can't wait to see the finished product, feeling now like a kid on Christmas Eve.

I hope to share the video with you all soon - sometime around the first of December.  We're doing something else rather cool too.  Shooting an introductory video, kind of a,' Hey, check out this new product' thing as well as instructional segments on how to put the unit together, work the buttons and such.  I've been getting quite a few calls lately from customers who want to see it in action.  Patience grasshoppa, patience.

So!  Make sure to stay tuned as I'll be posting the videos soon.

Pocket Mask 101

Feeling intimidated by the new standard in resuscitative care, the pocket mask? If you answered yes, rest easy knowing that you are not alone.

But, there's nothing to fear. A pocket mask employs the same principles as any other resuscitation barrier or mask, it just has the convenience of being re-usable. While the valve you breathe into must be replaced after each use, the mask itself can be cleaned and decontaminated per CDC guidelines. 

When used with the head-tilt, chin-lift airway opening method, the rescue mask allows two avenues of entry during resuscitation.

And with two avenues of entry, each rescue breath delivers life saving oxygen your patient desperately needs. When not connected to an external oxygen source, exhaled air from the rescuer can still provide sufficient oxygen to live, up to 16%. Most masks (including ours) also have a built-in oxygen inlet, allowing for administration of 50-60% oxygen from an oxygen cylinder.

The portability of the mask is an added benefit. In contrast to the bag valve mask, which requires two hands to operate (one to form a seal and the other to squeeze the bag), the pocket mask allows for both of the rescuer's hands to be on the patient's head. This hand placement makes for a superior seal of the mask's pliable bladder to the patient's face, meaning less oxygen escapes from around the mask border and more goes to where it's really needed.

A question I often field is, "How do I know if my mask is still ok to use?" Unfortunately, there's no one size fits all answer. Depending on how the masks are stored, anywhere from one to many years. Best to inspect your equipment on an annual basis. In short, if the mask is still pliable and the air bladder full, it's still a good mask. Look for cracks in the body of the mask. Will the air bladder make a good seal to your patient's face? Is the head strap still stretchy? Is the mask's valve still working? Is it missing altogether? A good question to ask is, "Would I feel confident in providing care with this equipment?" If the answer is anything but a resounding, "Yes!", better to throw it out than risk it failing while responding.

It really is, just that easy! So whether you are instructing students or participating in a CPR class, this is the mask you want. Keep one with your AED, in your car, home, camper - anywhere you might be since you never know when an emergency situation might occur. At least for me, when I carry an umbrella, it never rains. If I forget it, I'm sure to get soaked. It's always better to have the tools and not need them, than to need the tools and not have them.

Now that you see there's nothing to fear, click here to shop our store for 100% latex-free CPR pocket masks. Be Ready with the Right Tools!

Great video, catchy tune - now you'll be humming it all day too!

video produced by CHE

                                         Click here to watch!

This month's featured product is the AED Practi-TRAINER!

 CPR, while an integral and crucial component of the resuscitation process, often isn't enough to convert your patient's heartbeat to an effective rhythm. Dramatically increase survivability rates of your patient during a cardiac emergency by performing CPR in conjunction with the use of an AED.
Early defibrillation is a critical component to master in the cardiac chain of survival.

An introduction, even a brief one, coupled with training increases bystander confidence and improves performance in AED usage. Equip yourself and your staff to increase survivability rates for persons in sudden cardiac arrest knowing that no device other than a defibrillator has consistently improved long-term survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

WNL's Universal AED Practi-TRAINER has been completely updated and features many functional improvements from their last version. They gathered feedback from customers, worked with both a designer and a manufacturer to produce an incredible product. Fully compliant with the new 2010 ECC CPR guidelines, this AED training unit includes a replaceable scenario/language module - making it the most unique and cost effective unit on the market today.

As an instructor, a few of the features I love include the built-in metronome with audible tones and a flashing light to help students time their compressions to 100 per minute. The clear voice prompts, even when the unit is at low volume, guide students through each step of the defibrillation process. As for the training pads, they conform perfectly to the torso and leave no sticky residue on my Prestan CPR manikins!

With training comes confidence. Participants will actively embrace both their and the AED's role in the cardiac chain of survival. And that confidence is what saves lives.

Worried that when ECC guidelines are updated, you'll need to buy an entirely new unit or send it out for costly re-programming? Not with this model – to upgrade to the newest guidelines all you have to do is replace the inexpensive plug-in firmware module!

The AED training package includes:

• 1 complete unit with 8 English and Spanish pre-programmed scenarios installed
• 1 remote control
• 1 power adapter
• 1 set of child pads and connector
• 1 set of adult pads and connector
• 1 manual
• Zippered, nylon-lined, fabric carrying case with handle

Dimensions of the unit are 7.5" x 6" x 1.75"
Carrying case dimensions are 11" x 8.5" x 3"

Remote requires 2, AAA batteries (not included)
Training unit requires 3, AA batteries (not included)


This unit is for training purposes only and cannot be used for patient defibrillation.

Click here to view purchase options for the AED & additional training pads.

Read on for a great save story from today's guest blogger - Robin



 FIRST AID LEARNED TOGETHER LASTS FOREVER!!

While on a camping trip many years ago, 12 year old Carl tripped while playing. A toy gun he had been holding stabbed into the side of his head. His 13 year old brother Chris made him lie down and stay still, and immediately applied pressure in order to stop the bleeding. While protecting the wound, Chris radioed for help. (They were in a remote area). Help arrived in the form of brother #3, Charlie.

Charlie quickly inspected the wound. The skull was exposed, which is truly frightening, but they knew what to do. Charlie and Chris bandaged Carl's head and headed for the nearest hospital. Carl walked into the emergency room with a brother on each side, and as is frequently the case, had to wait....and wait....

When the Dr. finally decided to treat Carl, he was astonished at the severity of the injury, and complimented Chris and Charlie on the expert care and bandaging job. They had superficially looked at Carl upon arrival, and due to the good bandaging and the fact that he had walked into the hospital, they did not think that the wound was serious (even though they had been told differently).

Now for the life lesson: Always carry a severely  injured person into the emergency room. If you carry the injured person, he or she will get treated much more promptly!

Don't be a deer in the headlights!

During my First Aid classes, I ask my students, "After witnessing a car accident, you choose to take action. During your scene survey and triage (prioritizing care for the injured individuals), you see three victims. A young woman screaming her head off about her broken arm, a middle-aged man standing quietly over by the curb looking disoriented, swaying, clearly having vomited, and an fidgety child playing with his PSP still securely strapped in his car seat.

Who needs your most immediate attention?"

Answers range from the amusing, "What PSP game is he playing?", to "the screaming chick obviously needs the most help. She's noisy." Still, most are surprised by the answer.

In this case, the squeaky wheel doesn't always get the grease. When prioritizing care for your patients  remember that if they're screaming, they're breathing. That simple fact is a crucial determining factor during triage since well, breathing is important. 

So, now we know the screaming women is breathing. Where should we look next? Some might turn their attention to the child. Pediatric patients can distract caregivers as we always want to save the kids first. While yes, their bodies are small, kids are resilient - they "bounce". They might not be as fragile as we think they are. Children haven't had the occasion to abuse their bodies as much as us older folks have, so no, don't neglect the injured child, but also don't let them draw your attention away from a possibly more injured person. 

Despite his unassuming stance, the gentleman standing by the curb needs our attention first. Barring drunkenness, his unsteadiness and expulsion of stomach contents are both telltale signs of head injury. A condition we, as lay responders or spontaneous rescuers, cannot successfully treat by ourselves. We need to care for this patient within our level of training and get them to definitive medical care pronto. 

Always, when you're checking your patient, keep this question in mind. What's going to kill them first? Rescuers, even seasoned professionals, can see severe bleeding and focus solely on that condition. But if they aren't breathing and have no pulse, is the application of the best pressure bandage going to save them?  Yes, severe bleeding must be addressed. We all stop bleeding - eventually, so let's treat before the system empties itself, but get it dressed and move on. 

Additionally, manage the scene through utilization of available resources. That will aid in the stabilization of both you, your patient and the situation. Ask bystanders to, "Please hold this here", to help apply direct pressure to bleeding wounds while you begin CPR. You'll find most people want to help, they just aren't sure what to do. Use them! 

Importantly, make sure someones called 911 or the local emergency assistance number.  How many times have I happened upon an accident scene minutes after the incident only to find everyone paralyzed by indecision. I ask, "Who's called 911?"  Silence. That's not a good feeling. Your patient's life depends on those precious minutes, and the clock starts ticking not when the ambulance arrives, but at initial injury. Give them the best chance for a positive outcome. If you do nothing else, make sure help is on the way.  

True, we won't always make the right triage decision. All we can do is think, act, and do our best with the knowledge we possess. Something is always better than nothing. Simply comforting the patient; letting them know you're there and that help is on the way does a world of good. So arm yourself with knowledge and the physical tools to perform your skills; the feeling of empowerment is amazing. You really can save lives.  

Learn to care for these conditions by participating in a CPR and First Aid class. Here are some useful links:
American Heart Association's Find a CPR class link. 
American Red Cross's Take a class link.
or Find a CPR class in your area by clicking here.

And to make sure you're ready with the right tools, visit our store.

It doesn't have to be a textbook save....

Ohio mailman has saved 3 lives

A perfect example of being in the right place at the right time ...with the right tools (knowledge) under your belt.