First Aid

[lordtariel]

I just recently finished a first aid/CPR training course in my dojo. It got me thinking. We practice a contact sport, shouldn't we all make sure we have some fundamental first aid training? I even feel it wouldn't hurt to make it a requirement in some of the later belts as by then you are often helping to teach. How many of you guys have taken such training? I've been renewing my Red Cross card for years so it was really just brush-up for me, but I found the use of AEDs absolutly facinating. Those things tell you everything.

For those of you who don't know, an AED(Automatic External Defibrulator, and I'm sure I'm not spelling that right) is a portable version of the shockey thingie you see in hospitals when they are trying to resusatate someone. You basically stick the pads to the person's chest and the machine analyzes the person's heart rate and determines if they need a shock. If they do, it instructs you when to use the shock. Some of the more advanced ones will actually tell you if you're compressing their chest during cpr hard enough or if you're rythyms off, and when to stop compressions and give breaths.

[Sohan]

I have to be certified in CPR/AED and first aid for my Strength Coach certification. I think every dojo should require their instructors to be certified, though I know many don't.

This is a great point you bring up!

With respect,

Sohan

[bushido_man96]

Hey, cathal, this is a very good point, indeed.

When I was certified as an instructor in the ATA, I was required to be certified in CPR/first aid as well. I do think it is important, and I will be the first to admit that I need to get it renewed. I have also considered it as well for my current occupation.

The AED machine sound very nice. Being able to see those readings would make CPR even easier.

[baronbvp]

I've had quite a bit of first aid training, from Boy Scouts to the military. I think it should be required for everyone. But in MA it certainly helps when someone goes down with a dislocated shoulder, compound fracture, finger in the eye, sprained ankle, or whatever.

If you're circulating a petition, I'll sign it.