In this episode of RoyOnRescue, I answer two different emailed questions. The first from Michael who asked: “I was taught you remove the object only if it interferes with CPR.” Great question Mike. As a general rule of EMS, we only remove an impaled object if it’s obstructing the airway and preventing the ability to secure an airway. Removing an impaled object will often times “un-plug: the hole that was created by the injury and may cause excessive internal bleeding that can only be controlled in a surgical environment. As a lay rescuer, the Good Samaritan will follow the directions of the 911 dispatcher. In a worse case scenario, hands only CPR can still be performed. If the object is in the chest, try and work around the object as best as possible and provide what care you can without causing more harm. A second question came in just this afternoon from Sara who asks about an “ankle popping out” and what to do if this were to happen while on vacation. It sounds as though Sara may have a chronic problem with her knee or ankle but because of a recent injury is especially concerned that it could happen while on an exciting vacation this Friday. In both cases I hope that the advice I give helps and a little tidbit about the first aid acronym, RICES could be the solution while on vacation. Watch this episode to learn more about what to do in case either of these situations arise.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Roy, RoyOnRescue

The post Ankles, Impaled Objects and CPR appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

In this video, Roy takes a moment to explain a training that he includes in his CPR videos where he checks for a carotid pulse on one side of the patients neck and then the other without moving from one side to the other physically.  Some students have asked if this is wrong, as they were taught to NEVER reach over the patients neck while checking a pulse. They were told that they could crush the patients trachea or even choke the patient! For Roy’s answer, you’ll want to watch this video.

The post Can I Choke A Patient With A Pulse Check? appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

Trick and Treating can be a very fun way to celebrate Halloween but it can also pose some dangers.  In this special Halloween episode I wanted to quickly cover a few tips on how to protect our children and ourselves this Halloween.  Be sure to check out this episode to freshen up on some easy ways to ensure a lot more treats than tricks or trauma.

Happy Halloween!

Roy

The post Trick or Trauma! Tips for a safe All Hallowed Eve. appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

Okay Rescuers,

When natural or unnatural disasters strike, the chance of getting emergency help to your doorstep fast while the EMS services are exhausted is very slim.  I wanted to take this opportunity to talk about a situation that doesn’t get discussed much.  What effect does a hurricane or natural disaster have on the rest of the community?  We sometimes forget the fact that though the rest of the world is distracted by a storm or other disaster related buzz, people still get sick, heart attacks still happen, car accidents still happen but we don’t often think about from where the next ambulance, fire truck or police car is going to be responding.  This episode of RoyOnRescue addresses this issue and urges people who may be in high risk of needing an ambulance or other EMS service to think proactively and make arrangements before the emergency happens.  Think about moving loved ones with fragile health to temporary locations that may not be effected by the hurricane.  Can the person stay with a relative until the community has recovered?  What is the back up plan if one can be found?  I hope this RoyOnRescue episode get’s everyone thinking and will hopefully help prevent a needless death due to not having the appropriate plans in place.  Stay safe, our prayers are with everyone who has been and is effected by hurricane Sandy and other storms.

The post Hurricane Sandy Is In Full Force and Now I Need An Ambulance! appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

Hello Everyone,

It’s been almost three weeks since my last episode was posted!  Just for the record…it’s partly because I’ve filled my Hard Disk and was short by about 4GB of RAM.  Seriously though, after suffering some technical problems I’m back in swing and hope to have several new posts in the next few days.  I’m also working on a new RoyOnRescue format to freshen things up and keep them moving in a direction that you would like to see them go.  In this episode, I cover a topic that was brought to me by a person who saw a road cyclist crash.  They were in bad condition and she wasn’t sure what to do.  I thought I’d take a minute to answer this while I upgrade my hardware on the old MacBook and rest before continuing work on the new style creation for the new upcoming year.  I hope this is helpful.  Keep the questions and comments coming and if you have a story that you’d like to share and get the RoyOnRescue point of view, please email [email protected].

Thanks and keep on rescuing!

Roy

The post When A Bike Crash Gives More Than A Road Rash! appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

In this episode Roy takes a look at the dangers of thunderstorms and lightning).  And where there’s thunder, there’s lightning. There was a report of a lightning striking a tree next to a home in Park Township destroyed electrical equipment and appliances in the home and caused minor injuries to a child who suffered mouth burns from her braces.  Twenty-four head of cattle were struck and killed by lightning while standing under a tree. Lightning in West plains also caused power outages and one minor fire to a roof.  A person talking on a cordless telephone in the living room of her house was slightly injured by a lightning strike.  A 29-year old man and a 14-year old child were struck by lightning at a rodeo in Lawrence Township and hospitalized. Two horses were also struck and killed by lightning.  A 34-year old little league coach was killed by a lightning strike while on the field. If you’ve ever wondered what the potential danger is regarding lightning strikes you wont want to miss this episode of RoyOnRescue and become more familiar with the dangers of lightning and how to protect yourself and survive.

The post Danger When Lightning Strikes! appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

In this RoyOnRescue, we take a look at Stephen St. Bernard, who risked his own life to save another. He caught a young girl after she fell from a third story platform and though he suffered some injuries after the rescue, he saved the little girls life. This is an episode dedicated to the neighborhood heroes that get involved and make a difference. You won’t want to miss the live footage of this heroic event.  Thank you Stephen St. Bernard, for being a true hero.

The post Neighborhood Heroes Making A Difference appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

Hello Everyone!

In this episode of RoyOnRescue, Roy takes some time to catch up on different emailed questions and comments that have come in over the last few months.  The two different emailed questions that were answered were; “won’t laying a person down while choking only make it worse?” and “I thought we were always suppose to control arterial bleeding before beginning cpr!”.   Roy takes his time to discuss these two different topics and explain the reasons why we do what we do in rescue in detail.

Be sure to join Roy in Part 1 of several parts as he works his way through a list of different topics that have been sent in by viewers like you.

Remember,  If you’ve got a question or comment that you would like Roy to answer or give  a response, please send it via email to:  [email protected].  Be sure to follow Roy on twitter at:  @royonrescue

Remember, your actions make a bigger difference than you realize and you can change the course of history.

Keep On Rescuing,

The RoyOnRescue Team

The post Email Questions and Answers Part 1 appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

Hello Everyone!

In this RoyOnRescue Video blog, Roy takes a look at the record breaking heat that most of the Country has been experiencing and gives a few tips on recognition and treatment of heat related emergencies like; heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, electrolyte problems etc.  So learn what to do, and how to survive the severe summer heat.  Don’t miss this episode of RoyOnRescue!

P.S.  Below, I’ve included some really clear signs and symptoms of heat related injuries, compliments of WebMD.  Click on the WebMD link for more information.

Heat cramp symptoms include:

Heat exhaustion symptoms include:

Heat exhaustion requires immediate attention but is not usually life-threatening.

Heat stroke symptoms include:

Heat stroke can occur suddenly, without any symptoms of heat exhaustion. If a person is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY. Any delay could be fatal. Seek emergency medical care for anyone who has been in the heat and who has the following symptoms:

The post Heat Wave! appeared first on Roy on Rescue.

In this episode, Roy answers a question that came in regarding how to remove a football helmet if a person may have a neck injury.  Roy explains that only when the person’s life depends on it, should a helmet be removed before professional rescue personnel arrive.  If the person’s life depends on a rescuer being able to remove the helmet, then it should be removed following a few guidelines.  Be sure to watch this episode of RoyOnRescue to learn when and how a helmet should be removed during an emergency.

The post Football Helmet Removal During Emergencies appeared first on Roy on Rescue.