RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Training Services

  • Let’s go to the beach! Stay safe on the sand and in the surf

    By Haley Heisley

    “Sun Bed and Beach” by Petr Kratochvil, published under CC0 Public Domain license.

    Salty air, wind in my hair and the sound of seagulls and waves crashing against the shore – the beach is my favorite place to be in the summer. With Southeasten PA being only a couple hours drive from most Jersey shore destinations, beaches are popular vacation spots in the summertime.

    If you’re heading to the beach and are not properly packed and prepared, I can almost guarantee you’ll leave with a sunburn, feeling dehydrated, hungry and exhausted. Even when it’s cloudy out, UV indexes and humidity levels can leave your body feeling weak and exhausted.

    Red Cross graphic – Stay hydrated

    Being out in the sun also dehydrates your body quicker, which makes keeping your body hydrated very important. Dehydration puts you at risk for low energy, heat-related illnesses, mental fog, weight gain, headaches, skin damage and so much more. In addition to dehydration, not wearing sun block and getting a sunburn puts you at risk for sun poisoning, skin cancer premature aging, skin discoloration, scarring and immune system suppression.

    Ways to keep your body happy and healthy while on the beach are:

    • Drink adequate fluids and water
    • Eat enough food
    • Apply sunblock
    • Stay in the shade of an umbrella as much as possible
    • Wear a hat to protect your scalp from burning
    • Pack a shirt with sleeves to put on over your bathing suit, and
    • Try to avoid being in direct sunlight during the sun’s strongest time of day – from around noon to 5 p.m.
    Red Cross graphic – How to escape a rip current: 1. Relax your body and don’t fight the current. 2. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. 3. Turn and swim toward the shore. If you can’t make it to the shore, wave and call for help.

    The sun isn’t the only thing for which we should learn safety tips; water as well. How many times have you been out in the ocean swimming and having a good time and then you find yourself so much further down the beach than you remembered? Now all of a sudden you don’t know where your stuff is or how to get back. The ocean may have strong currents without you even realizing it. It can pull you out into deeper water and to the side where you did not even plan on going. Before you know it, you can’t even swim strong enough against it.

    Being a strong swimmer, wearing a life jacket, only swimming when there is a lifeguard and always being with an adult or others is so important. Paying attention to where you are when you are in the ocean, and being aware of what sea creatures are near the shore are very important.

    So when you are packing your beach bag, don’t forget the cooler with ice water, electrolyte drinks, sandwiches and your tote bag full of sunblock, life jackets, a bright bathing suit to be easily spotted, a hat and sunglasses. 

    Red Cross graphic – If you’re stung by a jellyfish: 1. Get out of the water. 2. Remove any tentacles attached to your skin with a gloved hand or blunt object. 3. Apply water as hot as you can handle for at least 20 minutes. 4. Call 911 if necessary.

  • Trauma Awareness Month: ‘Stop the Bleed,’ donate blood

    By Alana Mauger

    When accidents happen, it’s the actions we take beforehand – like learning first aid and donating blood – that can help save lives. During Trauma Awareness Month, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to prepare for the unexpected.

    Red Cross graphic – What is life-threatening bleeding? Blood flows continuously. Blood is squirting, Blood equal to one-half can of soda on the ground. Blood is pooling.

    Stop the Bleed

    May 23rd is National Stop the Bleed Day, a call to action for people to get trained on how to stop traumatic bleeding. According to the Stop the Bleed Coalition, approximately 40% of trauma-related deaths worldwide are due to bleeding or its consequences, with hemorrhage being the most common cause of preventable death in a trauma.   

    The Red Cross encourages everyone to take three steps to help save a life:

    • Get Trained – The Red Cross offers a wide variety of First Aid courses, including  First Aid for Severe Trauma (FAST), which is being offered free of charge to high school students under age 19.
    • Get a Kit – A variety of bleeding control, first aid and training kits are available for purchase in the Red Cross store.
    • Take Action – If you see someone with life-threatening injuries, call 9-1-1, then follow the steps you learned in your first aid training.
    Red Cross graphic – Blood donations are essential for trauma patients who need immediate medical attention.

    Donate Blood

    When a trauma patient arrives at a hospital, it’s the blood already on the shelf that saves his/her/their life. And in major trauma situations, like car accidents, a single patient can require as many as 100 transfusions. Having O negative blood on hand is especially critical for trauma patients. As the universal blood type, it can be transfused to all patients, saving the medical staff precious time when seconds count.

    The Red Cross strives to collect more than 13,000 blood donations of ALL blood types every day across the country, including an average of 600 donations daily right here in Southeastern Pennsylvania. You can help by scheduling an appointment to donate blood today.

    You can take immediate action now by downloading the free Red Cross First Aid App or Blood Donor App.

  • Get heart smart this February

    By Zain Ahmad

    Red Cross graphic – 1. CPR. 2. AEDs. These 2 things can mean survival for someone in cardiac arrest.

    February is designated as American Heart Month to raise awareness about heart related illnesses and measures to prevent them. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US but often preventable. From the American Red Cross, here is important information about heart disease, and key points to protect yourself from it.

    The main theme for this Heart Month is centered around shedding light on heart related illness among women. Symptoms of heart disease can be different for men and for women. Often women do not recognize that they have heart problems because they may not have typical signs of heart disease; for example they may not have chest pain for heart attack but instead have jaw or neck pain. Educating people about these differences can save their lives.

    Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack: The Difference

    Among the most important terms to differentiate are cardiac arrest and heart attack. Many of us refer to them as the same thing. The main difference is that in cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops, and CPR is vital in saving a victim’s life. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart malfunctions and is not able to pump blood to the other crucial organs in the body.

    A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, and this may cause chest pain. Seeking immediate medical care can result in faster treatment and saving lives. Heart attack can be one of the reasons for cardiac arrest.

    Red Cross CPR, AED and First Aid Training

    Another very important aspect of American Heart Month is learning about CPR, AED and First Aid; all of these skills if performed on time in someone with cardiac arrest can help in life-or-death scenarios. The Red Cross has courses for all of these skills, which and can be accessed at redcross.org/takeaclass. The skills only takes a couple hours to learn and can save lives. Courses can be taken for Adult CPR, Child CPR, and more.

    Risk Factors for Heart Disease

    High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Other factors include smoking, having diabetes or high cholesterol, being overweight, and not leading an active lifestyle. Seeing your doctor can help you manage these conditions.

    Heart Healthy Tips

    Here are some tips to prevent heart disease-

    • Stop smoking.
    • Eat healthy with less added sugar and fat in your food. This will help you maintain your weight.
    • Stay physically active. The American Heart association recommends 2 hours and 30 seconds of moderate intensity exercise, like walking, every week.
    • Get enough sleep for 8-9 hours every night.
    • Manage your stress level.

    Practicing the above habits will protect you against heart disease and will keep you healthy.

  • National Burn Awareness Week – Focus on flammable liquids

    By Sanaya SinhaRoy

    Red Cross graphic – How to treat a burn: 1. Eliminate the cause of the burn. 2. Cool it under cool running water for 10 minutes or apply a cool compress. 3. Loosely cover it with a clean dressing if it needs medical care. 4. Call 911 if needed.

    National Burn Awareness Week, observed February 4th-10th, serves as a crucial reminder of the potential dangers associated with burns. This year’s theme is flammable liquids, which emphasizes the understanding of how flammable liquids can ignite in the air and travel considerable distances, posing risks that require awareness.

    In the culture of safety, the American Red Cross promotes knowledge and preparedness for any situation that puts one’s health in jeopardy. Offering comprehensive First Aid classes, the Red Cross ensures that individuals are equipped with the skills needed to respond effectively in burn emergencies. These classes cover various topics, including immediate burn care, wound management and the importance of swift action.

    Moreover, in an era dominated by technology, the Red Cross provides a free First Aid App, a useful tool that empowers individuals to access any information instantly. This app serves as a valuable resource during National Burn Awareness Week and beyond, offering step-by-step instructions, safety tips, and emergency resources.

    Here are some general guidelines in first aid procedures to attend to a burn situation:

    1. Assess the Situation – Prioritize your safety and the safety of others. Ensure that the area is safe and free from potential hazards before approaching the burn victim.
    2. Call for Help – In case of severe burns or if the victim is in distress, immediately call for medical assistance.
    3. Remove the Source of Burn – If the burn is caused by a hot liquid or object, carefully remove the source to prevent further damage.
    4. Cool the Burn – For minor or first-degree burns, cool the affected area with cold, running water for 10 minutes. Avoid using ice as it can further damage the skin.
    5. Cover up the Burn – Use a sterile, non-stick bandage or clean cloth to cover the burn.
    6. Do not Pop Blister – If blisters form, do not pop them, for blisters act as a protective barrier and popping them can increase the risk of infection.
    7. Seek Professional Medical Attention – For second and third-degree burns, seek immediate medical attention. Do not attempt to treat these burns at home.

    This National Burn Awareness Week, let’s commit to learning, sharing knowledge, and utilizing resources like First Aid Classes and the free First Aid App. By doing so, we collectively contribute to creating safer environments for ourselves and those around us.

  • The Red Cross has an app for that!

    By Kyra Cummings

    Red Cross First Aid App on a smart phone. Photo by Alana Mauger/American Red Cross

    You may be surprised to learn that the American Red Cross offers several mobile apps, ranging from emergency and every day apps to apps for kids and parents to a specialized app for hospitals and medical professionals. National App Day, observed on Dec. 11th, is a great time to discover (or rediscover) these outstanding Red Cross resources. All these apps can be downloaded free of charge from your favorite app store. You can also text codes to get direct download links to many of the apps from your phone.

    Emergency App

    The Emergency App provides guides to help you stay safe during an emergency through notifications, weather alerts, and step-by-step directions to prepare for natural disasters. Text “GETEMERGENCY” to 90999 to get the app.

    Every Day Apps

    Every day apps provide access to valuable Red Cross resources.

    • The First Aid App is equipped with videos and interactive quizzes to help you prepare for an emergency. Text “GETFIRST” to 90999 to get the app.
    • You can find advice from veterinarians on topics ranging from ordinary pet care to emergencies on the Pet First Aid App. The app is filled with videos and interactive quizzes. Text “GETPET” to 90999 to get the app.
    • In the Blood Donor App, you can find blood drives, schedule and manager blood donation appointments, complete your Rapid Pass® and get notified when your blood reaches a patient. Text “BLOODAPP” to 80880 to get the app.
    • The Hero Care App provides information and resources for military members and their families. The information and resources provided on the app aid in emergency and non-emergency circumstances. Text “GETHEROCARE” to 90999 to get the app.

    Apps for Parents and Kids

    This category of apps are designed to be interactive for children and adults.

    • The Swim App has interactive activities for kids to learn water safety. Text “SWIM” to 90999 to get the app.
    • Pedro’s Fire Safety Challenge is a game for kids ages 4-8 years old to guide children on home fire safety and coping in stressful situations. Enable this skill on your Alexa device.

    Hospital & Medical Professional App

    The Red Cross offers a Transfusion Practice Guidelines App, which provides blood usage best practices to improve care. Download this app directly from your favorite app store.

    Visit our website to learn more!

  • National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month: Your chance to make a life-saving difference

    By Terri Seydel

    American Red Cross video – Signs & Symptoms: Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack

    Every year, thousands of lives are affected by sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), a life-threatening condition that strikes without warning. October marks National Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, an occasion to illuminate the importance of learning life-saving techniques, particularly cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

    This month offers an opportunity to raise awareness and recognize the crucial differences between sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and a heart attack, empowering us to make a life-saving difference. Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and heart attacks are distinct medical events requiring different responses.

    Sudden cardiac arrest is a life-threatening condition where the heart suddenly stops beating, cutting off the blood supply to vital organs, and generally caused by heart arrhythmia, electrolyte imbalances, drug overdoses, or severe trauma. Immediate intervention through CPR and defibrillation is crucial to restoring a regular heartbeat during SCA. In fact, CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival.

    A heart attack, on the other hand, occurs when there is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This blockage occurs from the build-up of fatty deposits and cholesterol, causing to reduced blood flow. The heart muscle can become damaged or even die during a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack often include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and pain radiating down the left arm or jaw. Prompt medical attention is essential for heart attack victims, and treatment may involve medications or procedures to open the blocked artery.

    Understanding the differences between SCA and a heart attack is essential because a swift and appropriate response to each condition can save lives. In the case of a heart attack, calling 911 and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial since rapid medical intervention can minimize heart muscle damage.

    The American Red Cross offers comprehensive CPR training to equips people with the skills and confidence to respond to SCA effectively. By learning science-based advancements in life saving techniques, you’ll be ready to act and save another person’s life.

  • International Overdose Awareness Day

    By Kyra Cummings

    International Overdose Awareness Day – Pennington Institute graphic: #ENDOVERDOSE

    August 31st is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day. Acknowledging this day reduces the stigma of lives lost due to an overdose and gives recognition to grieving families and friends. This year’s campaign theme is “Recognizing those people who go unseen” to recognize not only grieving families and friends but also healthcare workers and first responders.

    The opioid epidemic has become an increasing public health crisis that seeks a systems-based approach. However, you too as an individual, can actively drive change by learning more about opioid overdoses, prevention strategies, support for those suffering from substance use disorders, and getting trained in administering naloxone.

    An overdose can present itself differently depending on the drug used. In particular, depressants, opioids, and stimulants react differently whether taken alone or in combination with another type of drug. For instance, depressants typically slow down breathing and heart rate and opioids calm the central nervous system. If taken together, chances of breathing and heart rate slowing and stoping completely are increased. On the other hand, stimulants, when taken in excessive amounts cause increased risks of heart attacks, strokes, and psychosis.

    In general, signs and symptoms of an overdose include difficulty breathing, chest pain, unconsciousness, paranoia, gurgling, seizures, and headaches. To reverse the effects of an opioid overdose, naloxone can be administered to the individual.

    Do you want to engage in this year’s campaign? The American Red Cross offers an online First Aid for Opioid Overdose course. In this 45-minute course, you’ll learn the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose, how to administer naloxone, and how to assess care based on an individual’s breathing and responsiveness. The class format allows you to work at your own pace, and have access to all course material even after completion. The cost is $20. Ready to begin? Register here!

    While completing the First Aid for Opioid Overdose you’ll learn that opioid overdose often leads to cardiac arrest and how to recognize when CPR is necessary. Are you CPR certified? If not, find a class here to save a life potentially!

    Do you want to learn more? Visit the links below:

  • Red Cross presents Lifesaving Awards to Montgomery Township employees and first responders

    By Alana Mauger

    Laura Burke, interim executive of the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, presents Certificates of Extraordinary Personal Action to Montgomery Township employees and first responders at the Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 14, 2023. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross

    The American Red Cross recently presented Certificates of Extraordinary Personal Action to 11 Montgomery Township employees and first responders for steps they took to save a resident’s life in March 2023.  

    The incident began when Montgomery Township Recreation Center employee Angelina Capozzi discovered that a guest who had been playing pickle ball was sitting in a chair unconscious. She immediately activated the 9-1-1 system and began offering care.

    The guest went into cardiac arrest as Montgomery Township Police Officer Pete Byrne arrived on the scene. He and Angelina moved the person to the ground and began CPR. Police Captain Andrew Backland arrived while CPR was being administered and began directing patient care.

    Next, firefighters from Squad 18 arrived on the scene and took over CPR. Jake Weltman managed the patient’s airway, while Eoghan Lowry and Harry Reese took turns doing chest compressions. Anthony Rubas attached the AED and delivered one shock, restoring the patient’s pulse before the ambulance arrived.

    Paramedics Amanda Csanady, T.J. Stressman, Jon Schwartz and John Ardiff took over patient care and transported him to the hospital. Thanks to the collective efforts of everyone involved, the patient survived.

    Laura Burke, interim executive of the Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, presented the 11 awardees with a certificate and pin during a Montgomery Township Board of Supervisors meeting on Aug. 14, 2023.

    Lifesaving Awards program

    The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is awarded to people who step forward in an emergency situation to help save or sustain a human life. It is one of four awards given as part of the Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program. To nominate and recognize a person or group who has taken action to save or sustain a life, visit LifesavingAwards.org.

  • James Mascaro receives the Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving his aunt’s life

    By Alana Mauger

    James Mascaro received an American Red Cross Certificate of Merit for saving his aunt, Dawn Mascaro, from choking last December. Photo by Alana Mauger / American Red Cross.

    Dawn Mascaro was attending a biannual customer appreciation open house last December at J.P. Mascaro & Sons in Audubon, Montgomery County, when a piece of food became lodged in her throat. Among the hundreds of people in attendance, she spotted her nephew James Mascaro across the room and quickly approached him for help. Dawn and James had taken their American Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED certification training together in that very room two years prior.

    When James realized his aunt was in distress, his training kicked in. He started by asking, “Are you choking?” When she affirmed, “Yes,” he moved her a few feet to a side room and began abdominal thrusts. After three light thrusts, Dawn started to lose consciousness. James recalls thinking, “I have to go harder and hope I don’t hurt her.” After four large thrusts the food was dislodged, and Dawn was able to breathe.

    For his efforts, James received the Certificate of Merit, the oldest and most prestigious American Red Cross Lifesaving Award. It’s hand- signed by the President of the United States – in this case President Biden – who traditionally serves as the Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross. In addition to the certificate, James received a medal and lapel pin.

    “James’ actions exemplify the highest degree of concern of one human being for another who is in distress. He is a hero and steward of the Red Cross mission,” said Laura Burke, interim executive director, Red Cross Delaware Valley Chapter, who presented the award alongside Board Chair John Susanin in July.

    The presentation took place in the same room where James’ actions saved his aunt’s life. It’s also the room where James, Dawn and their colleagues were recertified in Red Cross First Aid and CPR/AED this past May.

    Lifesaving Awards Program

    The Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program is comprised of four awards. In addition to the Certificate of Merit, the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals is given to trained people who respond to emergencies as part of their work. The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action goes to people who lack Red Cross training but who step up during an emergency. Finally, the Lifesaving Instructor Award is given to instructors who teach the skills that help save or sustain lives.

    You can nominate and recognize a person or group of people who have used the skills and knowledge gained in Red Cross training courses to help save or sustain a life. Visit LifesavingAwards.org to get started.

  • CPR Week: Get familiar with hands-only CPR

    By Nathan Fligelman

    Video: The American Red Cross and Howcast have teamed up to teach you how to perform the potentially life-saving hands-only CPR technique.

    As part of its diverse preparedness programming, the American Red Cross encourages everyone to learn hands-only CPR class – designed to empower those without official CPR certification to step in and help someone who is experiencing a cardiac emergency. By completing this 30-minute program, participants can increase someone’s chance of survival before medical professionals arrive.

    These are the key steps in protecting and aiding a person experiencing a cardiac emergency:

    • Have someone call 9-1-1 and locate an AED.
    • Position the person onto their back on a hard, flat surface.
    • Kneel beside the person. Your knees should be near the person’s body and spread about shoulder-width apart.
    • Employ proper hand positioning. Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and make sure they are up off the chest.
    • Position your body correctly. Your shoulders should be directly over your hands. Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight.
    • Give chest compressions. Push hard, fast and continuously – at least 2 inches, 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the person’s chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
    • Use an AED as soon as it’s available.

    In Southeastern Pennsylvania, the Hands-Only CPR class is available to schools and organizations free of charge. Those interested in bringing the program to their site should email ryan.gaul@redcross.org. There’s also lots of great material on our website, including the video (posted above). If you’re interested in obtaining full CPR/AED certification, visit our Training Services webpage.

    Learning CPR is recommended for everyone, as such a practice can help save lives in the case of an emergency. The process of learning these skills is both highly informational and extremely rewarding!