Anne Arundel County and City of Annapolis

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First Aid

Frist Aid, CPR, AED, Basic Life Support

Chemical Suicides Create Dangerous Environments for First Responders

/ News and Alerts / , ,
Three law enforcement officers in Georgia were hospitalized in May after being exposed to toxic fumes at the scene of a possible chemical suicide. Chemical suicides involve people mixing easily-attainable chemicals to produce a toxic gas, which can kill rather quickly. Often this is done in an enclosed space such as a car; occasionally people use “exit bags”: plastic bags placed over the head, connected to a gas supply. Instructions are,  unfortunately, readily available on the internet.

car in dark alley

In many but not all chemical suicide incidents, the victim leaves a written warning for whomever will find them. Typically, the first instinct when faced with an unconscious person in a car is to open a door or break a window; in a home or hotel, rushing in after gaining access is also the norm. Though well intended, these actions also endanger first responders or anyone else attempting to render aid.

It is important to gain situational awareness and take time to perform a quick evaluation of the scene for responder safety — even if time is critical:

  • Look for signs taped to doors or windows warning of any danger.
  • Look in the windows for chemical containers or chemical fog.
  • Take notice of any faint chemical odors.
  • Look for tape sealing the edges of doors, windows or vents.

For more information, see the Chemical Suicide Case Study and training for first responders offered by HazMatNation.com. The International Association of Fire Chiefs also offers resources and a webinar on chemical suicide response.

This article appeared in the May 24, 2018 InfoGram PDF ~160 KB. |  Subscribe to the InfoGram

Other articles include:

  • Emergency management planning for schools
  • Coordination between emergency management and water utilities
  • EMS Week: Stronger Together

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Symptoms of Depression Among First Responders

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I’ve seen it among my co-workers, depression and PTSD. Working in a high stress environment where one sees the worse of the worse will take it’s toll! We are not superhuman. Recognize some of  the symptoms. Talking to others is NOT a sign of weakness. Many, myself included, find that talking to others that have “been here, done that, bought the t-shirt” is a great way to deal with the stress.

Additional information for first responders / first receivers can be obtained from American Addiction Centers

Depression manifests itself differently in every individual but as a whole it can affect one’s ability to work, sleep, eat and enjoy once pleasurable activities. Symptoms of depression can include:

  • Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings
  • Feelings of hopelessness
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or helplessness
  • Irritability, restlessness
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, including sex
  • Fatigue and decreased energy
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
  • Sleep issues including insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping
  • Overeating or appetite loss
  • Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
  • Persistent aches or pains, headaches or other physical distress

 

Symptoms of Depression Among First Responders Read More »

American Heart Association First Aid / CPR / AED

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The Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED course is designed to prepare students to provide first aid and CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner. Heartsaver courses are intended for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory (e.g., OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting.

After successfully completing this course, students should be able to:

  • list the priorities, roles, and responsibilities of the first aid rescuer
  • describe the key steps in first aid
  • describe the assessment of and first aid actions for the following life-threatening conditions: heart attack, difficulty breathing, choking, severe bleeding, shock, and stroke
  • use an epinephrine pen
  • control bleeding
  • recognize elements of common injuries and illnesses
  • recognize the legal questions that apply to first aid rescuers
  • describe how high-quality CPR improves survival
  • explain the concepts of the Chain of Survival
  • recognize when someone needs CPR
  • perform high-quality CPR for an adult alone or as a team member during multi-rescuer CPR (child and infant CPR modules are optional)
  • give effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or a barrier device for all age groups
  • demonstrate how to use an AED on an adult (child and infant AED modules are optional)
  • describe when and how to help a choking adult or child (infant choking module is optional).

Upon successful completion of the course, including a first aid skills demonstration and a CPR and AED skills test, students receive a Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course completion card that is valid for two years.

Each student will receive:
– AHA HeartSaver CPR/AED First Aid Training Manual
– First Aid training material
– Certification (upon successful completion)

This course is normally $125.00 but is being offered to CERT MEMBERS ONLY for $31.00 plus fees.

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Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) Training

/ Training Beyond Basics /

Registration is now open for a Basic Disaster Life Support (BDLS) training being conducted specifically for Medical Reserve Corps members in Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.

The class will be held on March 31, 2016 at the Prince George’s County Fire Service Building at 6820 Webster Street in Landover Hills, from 8:00am until 5:00pm. Lunch will be provided.

Register soon, as space is limited. Please let Ms. Molineaux know if you have any questions.

ceecee.molineaux@maryland.gov

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Medical Preparedness and Response for Bombing Incidents (MPRBI)

/ Training Beyond Basics / ,

Overview: This course will equip pre-hospital and hospital medical personnel with the skills needed to deliver and sustain a safe and effective response to bombing incidents. Utilization of case studies as well as tabletop exercise will reinforce course material.
This Course will enable participants to:
– Identify terrorist targets
– Understand explosives and characteristics
– Identify pre-attack indicators associated with bombing incidents
– Recognize bombing incident-related injury patterns and treatment

This course will be held:
Northwest Hospital
5401 Old Court Road
Randallstown (Baltimore County), MD 21133
2016 January 13 – 14
08:00 – 17:00 (Both Days)
Registration 07:00 – 08:00

Registration will begin in October 2015. Download Flyer here.

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