5/4/12
Today was my third lifeguarding class. I'm just starting to get used to the routine of coming home and scarfing down dinner and driving straight to lifeguard class for an evening full of fun! I actually do enjoy it and it's nice to take a class that isn't purely academic every now and then. On the other hand, it is up to me to make sure I pass this class and the responsibility is starting to weigh down my shoulders a little bit. But enough rambling, class is starting!
I came in today, not really knowing what to expect because I was absent last class and I was a little nervous to be informed that we had done "tons of stuff" (in Imani's words) while I was away. I still at this point, felt confident in my ability to catch up on my missed skills.
At the beginning of class, we sat around like we normally did watching videos and listening to lectures from the book. The big new skill they were introducing today was CPR. I don't really know how I expected CPR to be, but it was actually probably my strongest skill I had learned so far. It's basically just memorizing certain things you do at certain times and it just seemed to click with me right away. Before I get into all the specifics I just want to show one of the more exciting parts of the class:
getting this little guy!
And it's all mine! Forever! Well, until I have to save somebody. But still, exciting! Anyways, inside, it contains 1 breathing barrier protective mask (which is fancy talk for a plastic mask that has a one way air flow), 1 pair of gloves, 1 alcohol wipe (for cleaning), and 1 set of directions. Fun, right? Any and every lifeguard is supposed to own one of these and have them close by at all times when they're on duty.
I came in today, not really knowing what to expect because I was absent last class and I was a little nervous to be informed that we had done "tons of stuff" (in Imani's words) while I was away. I still at this point, felt confident in my ability to catch up on my missed skills.
At the beginning of class, we sat around like we normally did watching videos and listening to lectures from the book. The big new skill they were introducing today was CPR. I don't really know how I expected CPR to be, but it was actually probably my strongest skill I had learned so far. It's basically just memorizing certain things you do at certain times and it just seemed to click with me right away. Before I get into all the specifics I just want to show one of the more exciting parts of the class:
getting this little guy!
And it's all mine! Forever! Well, until I have to save somebody. But still, exciting! Anyways, inside, it contains 1 breathing barrier protective mask (which is fancy talk for a plastic mask that has a one way air flow), 1 pair of gloves, 1 alcohol wipe (for cleaning), and 1 set of directions. Fun, right? Any and every lifeguard is supposed to own one of these and have them close by at all times when they're on duty.
So after we all got our pocket masks, we proceeded to learn how to use them. It's pretty easy, actually. You just place the mask over the victims' mouth and nose (with the pointy side up) and make sure you have a firm seal. Then, place your mouth on the valve and give two initial breaths. If used correctly, the breaths should make the victim's chest clearly rise and fall.
Pretty much all you need to know everything about CPR and other breathing emergencies, is on this handy dandy chart.
We practiced choking, rescue breathing and CPR for about an hour on all types of mannequins. We had to master all the skills on adults, children, and infants. For children and infants there are only a few major differences. First of all the mask placement on an infant is different if you don't have a specific infant mask. You can make the standard adult mask work on an infant by simply flipping it inside out so that the pointy side is facing down. This provides a better seal on a smaller face. Also for both a child or infant, a lifeguard must obtain parent consent before assisting them in any way. There are also some differences as far as breathing ratios go.
At the end of class we got in the pool and practiced mostly just the passive submerged victim rescue. Like I mentioned before, this was the really challenging skill that I missed during the past class and I was having a really hard time with it. However, one of the instructors went over it lots of times with me and even though I felt like I was going to pass out after all that lifesaving, I think I finally wrapped my mind around the idea and theory of it.
Til next time, faithful readers!
No comments:
Post a Comment