A bit of a scare / PSA

So last night I crashed the Anytime Fitness Conference -- not to cause any trouble, but to hang out with Stephen/@WhoAteMyBlog and Tony/@TheAntiJared (very nice meeting you both!) in what Stephen called "a FatGirl sandwich":


I hung around to watch Stepehen get an Anytime Fitness "running man" tattoo. While we were standing in line (on a bit of a stage with lights and 3 tattoo artists) waiting, I took a moment to chat with Tony about various blog topics, when all of a sudden.... Stephen fainted. 

I had my back to Stephen at the time (I had taken a knee on the floor in front of him to be able to talk to Tony standing on the conference room floor 3-4 feet below).  According to some people who witness this happen, Stephen slid along a railing, slid off my back (I fell forward and into a table, but that slowed the fall), and then on to the floor face first.  I'm thankful to have been there for two reasons -- one, he could have fallen 4 feet below if I hadn't been there, and two because of these:

Not pictured is First Aid/First Responder, as it has lapsed. 

Time and time again I will tell people to get these certifications.

Luckily Stephen didn't require these skills, but the training helps you stay clear minded and in control in a sometimes-chaotic situation.  Unfortunately, people don't always listen to the young person there and did a few things that I wouldn't have recommended except that Stephen regained consciousness fairly quickly.  But luckily all turned out okay, and Stephen is fine. 

The bottom line is to go to your Red Cross -- get AED/CPR and First Aid certified.  It's such a small fraction of your time to be able to help someone else if they need it.

(It has come in handy time and time again -- I have first responded a car accident where a friend's father hit a tree and was going into shock, been able to make a sling out of a t-shirt for someone that dislocated their arm (twice), helped a coworker through labor pains, helped a coworker having a cardiac situation, helped a boxing classmate splint a finger that had ruptured a tendon, etc.  In other words, having the training gave me the confidence to step in and say "I can help" when other people just stood by not knowing what to do.)

PS:  Please read this as well, as a reminder that (1) you can drink too much water and (2) giving water/a drink to someone that doesn't feel well isn't advisable

6 comments

I am so thankful that Stephen is ok. You have definitely reminded me to do something I have wanted to do for so long, to get certified. I am putting this on my immediate things to do list. Thanks for the reminder.

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Ya I think I will do this too especially with my Samantha! I'm so glad that Stephen is ok!

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You know, it's a blessing if you NEVER have to use it. But it's a good skillset to have if you ever do.

I'm glad Stephen is okay too :P

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I was certified a while ago, but it has since expired. Luckily I never needed to use it, but I did feel empowered to handle situations that might otherwise have me freak out.

Good for you for being able to assist.

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My job as a security officer requires that I have a current CPR certification as well as AED training, we use them here on site. I agree it is so worthwhile to learn these skills.

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LF -- there's a certain amount of calm you get when you're recalling all the steps and putting your knowledge to use. Luckily you never have to use it, but it's good to renew. A few things have changed.

Christa -- I'm glad that you are trained. The more people that are certified, the better!

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