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Pregnant person choking

Posted on 28 February, 2021

This was an interesting question that was recently asked, which we thought we would share with you.

Are pregnant Women more likely to choke?

Well as the pregnancy develops, things get moved around in the abdominal cavity. The baby’s taking up all this room, so it’s pushing downward on the bladder, it’s pushing upward on the stomach and on the lungs. It is pushing up on the diaphragm, so the pregnant person can not take as big a breath as before the pregnancy.  Because it’s compressing the stomach she can’t eat as much, and she eats more often, so pregnant females are more likely to choke.

Choking Process on Pregnant Person

  1. Well first of all ask them if they are choking with the question “Are you choking”. If YES …..
  2. Then give Back Blows. Give up to 5 blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of your hand. 
  3. If the pregnant lady is still choking, give 5 chest thrusts (instead of abdominal thrusts which is what you’d do to a non pregnant adult) . Chest thrusts for a conscious adult are like abdominal thrusts, except for the placement of your hands. For chest thrusts, place your fist against the center of the person’s breastbone. Then grab your fist with your other hand and give quick thrusts into the chest
Chest Thrusts on Pregnant Person

If they are still choking repeat step 2 and 3 until the object becomes dislodged and they can breath normally. If they are still choking and lose consciousness call for emergency services (999) and start CPR. 

The pregnant person should be checked out by their doctor or a call to 111 if ANY back slaps or chest thrusts have been undertaken. 

To learn more about choking and other First Aid, book onto one of our First Aid training courses

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Sepsis

Posted on 5 February, 2021

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning) is the immune system’s overreaction to an infection or injury. Normally our immune system fights infection – but sometimes, for reasons we don’t yet understand, it attacks our body’s own organs and tissues. If not treated immediately, sepsis can result in organ failure and death. 

It can happen as a response to any injury or infection, anywhere in the body. It can result from:

  • A Chest infection causing pneumonia
  • A urine infection in the bladder
  • A problem in the abdomen, such as a burst ulcer or a hole in the bowel
  • An infected cut or bite
  • A wound or trauma or surgery
  • A leg ulcer or cellulitis

Sepsis can be caused by a large number of different germs. Yet with early diagnosis, it can be treated with antibiotics.

Statistics

England, according to the report in the 2018 Lancet Journal of Respiratory Medicine by Prof Sir Brian Jarman had a mortality rate of 20.3%. With around 245,000 patients developing sepsis annually across the UK, extrapolating this figure would give 49,735 lives lost each year

To put this into perspective Sepsis kills more than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined

Bowel: 16,300 / Breast: 11,400 / Prostate: 11,700

Total = 39.400

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics-for-the-uk

What are the Symptoms?

Sepsis can initially look like flu, gastroenteritis or a chest infection. There is no one sign, and symptoms present differently between adults and children.

There are three stages of sepsis: sepsis, severe sepsis and septic shock.

Although sepsis is potentially life-treating, the illness ranges from mild to severe. There is a higher rate of recovery in mild cases, being able to recognise the signs and symptoms increases the patients chance of a better recovery.

Better Awareness can save lives

With better awareness lives could be saved

Symptoms in Adults

Symptoms in Baby’s and or Young Children

Maternal and Postpartum sepsis

Pregnant women and women who have recently given birth are at risk of developing maternal or postpartum sepsis. This can be caused by complications during pregnancy or birth, invasive procedures and infections (which sometimes can be unrelated to pregnancy such

Sepsis

You must have two of the following symptoms before a doctor can diagnose sepsis.

  • A fever above 38 degrees celsius or a temperature below 36 degrees celsius
  • A heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
  • Breathing rate higher than 20 breaths per minute
  • Probable or confirmed infection

Severe Sepsis

Severe sepsis occurs when there is organ failure. You must have one or more of the following signs to be diagnosed with severe sepsis.

  • Patches of discoloured skin
  • Decreased urination
  • Changes in mental ability
  • Low platelet (Blood clotting cells) count
  • Problems breathing
  • Abnormal heart functions
  • Chills due to fall in body temperature
  • Unconsciousness
  • Extreme Weakness

Septic Shock

Symptoms of septic shock include symptoms of sever sepsis, plus a very low blood pressure

Treatment

Don’t wait, especially if you seem to be deteriorating. If someone has one or more of the symptoms, call 999. If you are concerned about an infection call 111 or Contact your GP and just say “I am concerned about sepsis”

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Mental Health Really does matter

Posted on 7 January, 2021

Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch Butterfly is a majestic butterfly which has been chosen as a symbol for people affected by mental illness. In the early

The cocoon-like condition of the butterfly resembles the depressed and withdrawn feelings, which are commonly shared by people whose lives are affected by mental illness.

The Statistics

It is estimated that around 1 in 4 people in the UK will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. Lockdowns make that much more likely

For many, work is a major source of stress, 1 in 6 employees experience common mental health problems in the workplace.

The Stigma remains

Unfortunately, despite recent campaigns and advances, there still remains a level of stigma and fear of discrimination around mental health conditions.

Employees and school children may feel that mental health conditions will not be greeted with the same compassionate approach as physical illness. In fact could they and you actually recognise the signs and symptoms of a mental health issue?

Mental Health and Mental Illness are not the same

There is a difference between Mental illness and Mental health. Mental illness includes a range of conditions for which there are standard criteria used to diagnose them, such as depression, anxiety and substance use disorders. A mental illness significantly affects how a person feels, thinks, behaves and interacts with other people

New Year – New You

Every year, people set New Year’s resolutions that can be fuelled by unhelpful self-criticism. ‘A festival of finding ways in which we are not enough’, so this year we hope you can :-

  1. Accept who you are;
  2. Nourish your body;
  3. Bring intention into your actions; and
  4. Take time for yourself

New Year self-improvement can be a positive thing with benefits for your mental and physical health.

So, this year when thinking of self-improvement, find things that work for you, irrespective of what others are doing. And remember to ask for support if you need it.

Peppers

If you find yourself wanting a friendly face to face then why not visit Peppers on Oakham High Street. Peppers is A Safe Place, there is no charge, no agenda and no pressure. Just an opportunity to break the cycle of isolation and meet a friendly face, take a chance to heal and reconnect.

Find Out more about Mental Health

The Mental Health awareness course is only half a day of your time and is all about demystifying mental health conditions and empower workplaces, friends and family members to provide the support needed by those struggling with their mental well-being.

This course is currently being ran virtually and can be ran at times to suit you, your workplace and or your family.

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Will I Break Ribs when doing CPR?

Posted on 26 November, 2020

This is a common question during our First Aid courses. The simple answer is yes, they can fracture as the result of CPR chest compressions.

Is CPR important?

Without CPR then the casualties brain is deprived of blood, and brain damage begins to occur within a matter of minutes and so YES CPR is important.

The CPR Process

During CPR you are applying compressions to the depth of 5 cm / 2 inches and at a rate of 100 – 120 compressions a minute. Chest compressions must be at the correct depth and speed in order to be effective. Shallow or slow chest compressions are unlikely to provide any benefit to the casualty.

When under taking CPR you are placing your hands on the sternum (breast bone) this is the thick place of bone that protects the heart and the upper portions of the lungs.

Ribs are attached to the sternum by cartilage. This gives ribs a certain degree of flexibility and explains why our chest wall can move when we breathe in and out. The connective tissue may pop or crack as a result, it may even break away a little from the bone and this will create a louder pop and crack sound.

But the CPR process is allowing the heart to continue to pump vital blood to the brain, allowing the casualties organs to function. Stopping compressions, stops this life saving blood supply

Unfortunately ribs can fracture as the result of CPR, but it isn’t always the case. It is not a pleasant experience for you the rescuer but keep going as it is important to continue to deliver high quality chest compressions. Ensure your hands are in the correct position and carry on.

According to the statistics, about 30% of those who survive CPR wake up with a cracked sternum and / or broken rib.

I think the key words there are ‘wake up’. Broken bones are a small injury that can completely heal within a couple of weeks – painful yes but that is a small price to pay if compared with loss of life.

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Gain CPD Credits on EFAW and FAW courses

Posted on 6 November, 2020

We are pleased to announce that the CPD Certification Service has accredited the EFR First Aid at Work and Emergency First Aid at Work course for the purpose of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credit.

Our course participants, now have the opportunity to receive a CPD certificate of recognition as follows : –

  • First Aid at Work = 24 Hours
  • Emergency First Aid at Work = 6 Hours

The key features of the CPD process are that it is required to

  • be documented (can be through certificate);
  • be self-directed; not driven by the employer;
  • focus on learning from experience, reflective learning and review;
  • help set development goals and objectives; and
  • include both formal and informal learning

CPD is often a requirement of membership of a professional body. It can help to reflect, review and document learning and to develop and update professional knowledge and skills. It can also serve to:

  • provide an overview of professional development to date;
  • act as a reminder of achievements and progression;
  • direct a career and help keep focus on goals;
  • uncover gaps in skills and capabilities;
  • open up further development needs;
  • provide examples and scenarios for a CV or interview;
  • demonstrate professional standing to clients and employers; and
  • help career development or a possible career change

On completion of either of these courses with us here at Rutland First Aid Training we will complete your CPD certification registration for you (on request).

There is no better time to start planning your ongoing development. If you want to see what courses we have scheduled then have a look at our calendar or get in touch to discuss

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