First Aid Sitemap - Page 4 2013-05-19

Massive Fracture Xray - : Pictures of Injuries and Burns
It's hard to know what some injuries look like just from their descriptions. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures submitted by About.com First Aid readers help illustrate different injuries.

Hot Wax Burn on Fingers - : Pictures of Injuries and Burns
It's hard to know what some injuries look like just from their descriptions. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures submitted by About.com First Aid readers help illustrate different injuries.

Mountain Bike Road Rash - : Pictures of Injuries and Burns
It's hard to know what some injuries look like just from their descriptions. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures submitted by About.com First Aid readers help illustrate different injuries.

Burn Blisters from Hot Oil - : Pictures of Injuries and Burns
It's hard to know what some injuries look like just from their descriptions. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures submitted by About.com First Aid readers help illustrate different injuries.

Sesamoid Fracture - : Pictures of Injuries and Burns
It's hard to know what some injuries look like just from their descriptions. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words. These pictures submitted by About.com First Aid readers help illustrate different injuries.

: How's that AED? Share Pictures of AED's and Review them>
AED signs and colors are different everywhere you go. Here's an opportunity to see how AED's are placed and share pictures of the AED's you find.

First Aid Phraseology: Fracture or a Break?
Ever showed up to work with a plaster cast on your arm? Twenty bucks says one of the first things your coworkers asked was whether you broke it or if it was

Computer Injuries - Reader Stories of Computer Injuries
Have you been attacked by a computer at home or at work? What's your most embarrassing or dangerous scuffle with a snapping laptop? Were you caught by the power cord spiderweb?

Wii Accidents - Reader Stories of Wii Accidents
Wii accidents can lead to some serious Wii injuries. The most common are to the hand, but many other Wii accidents can happen.

Healthy Kids Back to School - School Health Stories
Got a story about keeping your kids safe at school? Have your kids gotten hurt? What did you do to protect a child with allergies or a special medical condition? Share your experiences keeping kids safe and healthy at school.

Healthcare Discrimination - Readers Respond on Healthcare Discrimination
Studies have shown that people of different races get care differently. Has that happened to you? Do you think you've experienced discrimination from those in healthcare, either because of your race or your social class? Share your story with others here.

Fainting Stories - Readers Share Fainting Stories
Fainting can be from a near death experience, the sight of blood, a medical condition known as syncope or a host of other causes. Have you fainted? What happened? Share your story of fainting and read what has happened to others.

Baseball Injuries - Reader Stories of Baseball Injuries
From little league to company softball team, share your baseball and softball injuries with readers at About.com First Aid.

Reader First Aid Skills - Must Know First Aid Skills
About.com First Aid readers weigh in on what they think are the most important first aid skills everyone should know.

Pneumonia Symptoms - Readers Share Pneumonia Symptoms
Not all pneumonia feels the same to all victims. Pneumonia symptoms often come with shortness of breath, but since pneumonia comes from an infection, there are often other symptoms as well. These readers share their symptoms of pneumonia.

Diarrhea Remedies - Readers Share Their Diarrhea Remedies
Besides taking medication, what are your diarrhea remedies? How do you stop diarrhea without a visit to the drug store?

Bee Sting Symptoms - Readers Share Bee Sting Symptoms
Not all bee stings feel the same to all victims. Bee stings often come with shortness of breath, but since bee stings come mostly from an allergic reaction, there are often other symptoms as well. These readers share their symptoms of bee stings.

Fainting Stories - Readers Share Fainting Stories
Fainting can be from a near death experience, the sight of blood, a medical condition known as syncope or a host of other causes. Have you fainted? What happened? Share your story of fainting and read what has happened to others.

Fainting Stories - Readers Share Fainting Stories
Fainting can be from a near death experience, the sight of blood, a medical condition known as syncope or a host of other causes. Have you fainted? What happened? Share your story of fainting and read what has happened to others.

Broken Bone Stories - Readers Share Broken Bone Stories
Have a story about a broken bone? Is it funny or sad? How'd you break it? Did you have surgery? Share your stories and read what others say about the joys of broken bones.

Broken Bone Stories - Readers Share Broken Bone Stories
Have a story about a broken bone? Is it funny or sad? How'd you break it? Did you have surgery? Share your stories and read what others say about the joys of broken bones.

Broken Bone Stories - Readers Share Broken Bone Stories
Have a story about a broken bone? Is it funny or sad? How'd you break it? Did you have surgery? Share your stories and read what others say about the joys of broken bones.

Broken Bone Stories - Readers Share Broken Bone Stories
Have a story about a broken bone? Is it funny or sad? How'd you break it? Did you have surgery? Share your stories and read what others say about the joys of broken bones.

Broken Bone Stories - Readers Share Broken Bone Stories
Have a story about a broken bone? Is it funny or sad? How'd you break it? Did you have surgery? Share your stories and read what others say about the joys of broken bones.

Readers Respond - Should Health Care Providers Be Able to Say No
Sometimes, ambulances respond to 911 calls only to find that there's not an emergency. The current rules from medicare discourage ambulance providers from denying transport to the ER. Should they be able to? Have you been denied? Readers share opinions and experiences.

What Readers Keep in Their First Aid Kits
What's in YOUR first aid kit? If you have a first aid kit, tell other readers what's in your kit and where you keep it. Come and see what others keep in their first aid kits.

Scariest Weather Stories - Readers Respond with Their Scariest Weather Stories
What's your worst weather story? Were you trapped in a blizzard for days? Did you have to hunker down in the cellar through several twisters? Come share your stories with readers of About.com First Aid and read how others have weathered the worst.

Hard to Find AED - Readers Tell About Tough to Find AED Units
Just because an AED is placed on the wall of a public building doesn't mean it's going to get used. Have you needed to find an AED and couldn't? Have you seen an AED at an airport or a school that you don't think anyone will spot when the pressure's on? Sound off about poorly marked and hidden automated external defibrillators.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Share Your Home Remedies for Coughs and Colds - Tell Us Your Favorite Home Remedies
About.com readers share their favorite home remedies for cough and cold. No guarantees here, but maybe the next cure for the common cold has been in someone's family for years.

Halloween Horror Stories
Readers share their Halloween horrors and the lessons learned from them.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Head Lice Stories
Head lice is a bane to any grade school student and her parents. Do you have a story of head lice that wouldn't go away? How far have you had to go before the head lice went? Share your story with other readers and see how others have felt your pain.

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Bad Reasons to Call 911
Have you got a bad idea for 911? Have you heard of a silly story about 911? Share it with us.

Bad Reasons to Call 911
Have you got a bad idea for 911? Have you heard of a silly story about 911? Share it with us.

First Aid Myths from Readers
Readers weigh in on first aid myths. Tell us about your first aid myths and legends.

Bad Reasons to Call 911
Have you got a bad idea for 911? Have you heard of a silly story about 911? Share it with us.

First Aid Myths from Readers
Readers weigh in on first aid myths. Tell us about your first aid myths and legends.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Strange Side Effects - Readers Share Their Side Effect Stories
Readers share their strangest, funniest and scariest side effect stories.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Emergency Room Horror Stories - Readers Share Their Emergency Room Horror Stories
Readers share their emergency room horror stories. How long did you wait? Were you the emergency that was missed? Tell your story.

Bad Reasons to Call 911
Have you got a bad idea for 911? Have you heard of a silly story about 911? Share it with us.

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Nausea Remedies
What are your favorite home remedies for nausea?

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Spider Bites - Real Spider Bites
About.com readers share their experiences with spider bites. Bites and treatment -- share your story and read what others have endured.

Bad Reasons to Call 911
Have you got a bad idea for 911? Have you heard of a silly story about 911? Share it with us.

Heart Attack Symptoms - Readers Share Heart Attack Symptoms
Chest pressure and arm pain are not the only symptoms of a heart attack. Readers share their own experiences to help others recognize the most important medical emergency of all.

Disaster Preparedness Tips - Readers Share Disaster Tips
Getting ready for when disaster strikes means different things to everyone. See how others prepare and leave tips of your own.

Cheerleading Injuries - Reader Stories About Cheerleading Injuries
Cheering is often disregarded as a sport, but it's as dangerous and demanding as any other. Readers share their experiences with cheerleading injuries and treatment.

Football Injury Reader Stories - Readers Tell About Football Injuries
Football is responsible for more injuries than any other sport except track. Readers share their stories of football injuries and football treatment.

Cheerleading Injuries - Reader Stories About Cheerleading Injuries
Cheering is often disregarded as a sport, but it's as dangerous and demanding as any other. Readers share their experiences with cheerleading injuries and treatment.

Head Injury Symptoms - Readers Share Head Injury Symptoms
Head injury symptoms can vary from victim to victim. About.com First Aid readers share their head injury symptoms.

Cheerleading Injuries - Reader Stories About Cheerleading Injuries
Cheering is often disregarded as a sport, but it's as dangerous and demanding as any other. Readers share their experiences with cheerleading injuries and treatment.

Nervous Parents Might Expose Kids to Unnecessary Radiation
Nervous Parents Might Expose Kids to Unnecessary Radiation

What's the Difference Between a Fracture and a Break?
One of the most common questions I hear about broken bones is whether it's a fracture or a break. The difference between the two might surprise you.

: Medical Alert Systems - Reviews of Medical Alert Systems>
These readers have shared their experiences with medical alert systems. Whether it's the low-tech version with nothing more than a bracelet and a phone number to the full-blown radio box with a button hanging around Grandma's neck.

: CPR Classes - Reviews of CPR Classes>
CPR classes teach participants life-saving skills. CPR classes are unregulated, so the only way to know you're getting a quality education is to take a reputable class.

: Camping First Aid Kits - Reviews of Camping First Aid Kits>
First aid readers review their first aid kits to let you know which first aid kit is better than others.

: First Aid Kits - Reviews of First Aid Kits>
First aid readers review their first aid kits to let you know which first aid kit is better than others.

: Hiking First Aid Kits - Reviews of Hiking First Aid Kits>
First aid readers review their first aid kits to let you know which first aid kit is better than others.

: Sports First Aid Kits - Reviews of Sports First Aid Kits>
First aid readers review their first aid kits to let you know which first aid kit is better than others.

Medical Alert Systems - Reviews of Medical Alert Systems
These readers have shared their experiences with medical alert systems. Whether it's the low-tech version with nothing more than a bracelet and a phone number to the full-blown radio box with a button hanging around Grandma's neck.

: Reviews of First Aid Apps - Smartphone First Aid App Reviews>
Have you tried a first aid app for your smartphone? What do you think? Review your smartphone first aid app and read others' reviews of smartphone first aid apps.

CPR Classes - Reviews of CPR Classes
CPR classes teach participants life-saving skills. CPR classes are unregulated, so the only way to know you're getting a quality education is to take a reputable class.

Reviews of First Aid Apps - Smartphone First Aid App Reviews
Have you tried a first aid app for your smartphone? What do you think? Review your smartphone first aid app and read others' reviews of smartphone first aid apps.

First Aid Kits - Reviews of First Aid Kits
First aid readers review their first aid kits to let you know which first aid kit is better than others.

Don't Know What to Do? Call 911
A story about a motorist who did CPR on a newborn shows the power of keeping calm during an emergency and of calling 911. So often, folks hesitate during an

Why does 911 ask so many questions?
When calling 911, don't get frustrated by the number of questions. That's just the call taker trying to help you.

Frequently Asked Questions About 911
911 seems like a simple concept: have an emergency, call 911. To make something that simple to use, however, is very complicated. I have folks asking me questions about 911 all the time, here are the most common.

Understanding Shortness of Breath: What Causes Trouble Breathing?
To understand why we get short of breath from certain medical conditions, it's important to learn how all the body systems work together to make us breathe.

Johnson and Johnson Recalls Blood Sugar Meters
Johnson and Johnson Recalls Blood Sugar Meters

First Aid Phraseology: Tourniquet
If all is going well, blood is supposed to stay inside the body. When things go awry, blood will sometimes leak out. Luckily, blood has self-sealing properties

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Only You can Prevent Bad CPR Training
This is more of a cautionary tale about getting scammed than first aid, but since first aid is the ruse I think it belongs here. According to an article in the

Nurse Refuses to Do CPR on Dying Bakersfield Woman. Tragedy or Not?
Nurse Refuses to Do CPR on Dying Bakersfield Woman. Tragedy or Not?

How Long Does It Take for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
There's a theme in the questions I get about carbon monoxide poisoning. Here's part of an email I received recently: For four months we have been renting

How to Electrocute Santa
How to Electrocute Santa | Twitter | Facebook | Newsletter Signup |

Always Be Prepared to Make Decisions
Always Be Prepared to Make Decisions

Ambulances at Sporting Events Not Always Part of 911
Ambulances at Sporting Events Not Always Part of 911

Submit Your First Aid or CPR Class
Have a CPR or first aid class you'd like to appear on About.com? Submit your classes for us to share with the public.

Spider Bite Cures Paralysis?
A man from Manteca, California claims a spider bite was responsible for curing his paraplegia. He'd been paralyzed since crashing his motorcycle in 1988. He

Are You a Disaster Hero?
Are You a Disaster Hero?

Tired of Mosquitos? Take a Pill
Researchers from the University of Arizona in Tucson hope someday to kill mosquitos with a pill. Close-up of an Aedes aegypti female mosquito

Make a Set of Ice Claws
It may look like fun, but driving on ice can be dangerous© Jimmy Racoon If you don't know what ice claws are,

Taco Bell Closes 9 Stores in Food Scare
From Yahoo! News: Taco Bell on Tuesday raised to nine the number of fast-food restaurants it had closed in New York and New Jersey after a suspected

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES: Carbon monoxide poisonings up
From Jim Ritter, health reporter at the Chicago Sun-Times: Carbon monoxide poisoning is way up this year. The Illinois Poison Center is on track to get

Do You Need a Gun for Disaster Preparedness?
Do You Need a Gun for Disaster Preparedness?

The Dog Did It
The Dog Did It

First Aid Phraseology: Heart Attack
Heart attack is probably the most misunderstood medical term still regularly used. It represents different things to people with different levels of medical

First Aid Phraseology: Food Poisoning
All this talk of the YMCA kids getting sick got me to thinking: this would be a good topic for First Aid Phraseology. Food poisoning is not really poisoning at

What Causes the Most Food Poisoning? You Might Be Surprised
What Causes the Most Food Poisoning? You Might Be Surprised

'Tis the Season to be Sick
'Tis the Season to be Sick

Is It Frostbitten?
Is It Frostbitten?

The Most Common Questions Asked of Paramedics
The Most Common Questions Asked of Paramedics

The Storm's Over...for Now
The Storm's Over...for Now

Indiana Ambulance Crew Killed in Crash
Indiana Ambulance Crew Killed in Crash

Why Does 911 Put You on Hold?
Being put on hold is always frustrating, but in the case of an emergency it can be devastating. Why does it happen?

Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac: Treatment and Prevention
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all part of the toxicodendron family. They are the most toxic plants in North America.

Poison Ivy Treatment
Treatment for poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Each plant produces the same toxin and causes the same symptoms.

Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac: Treatment and Prevention
Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are all part of the toxicodendron family. They are the most toxic plants in North America.

Getting Help on the Road
Today's workers commute farther than ever before. We're on the road and on our cell phones all day long. If we need help, we're going to call for it on our

Working Under Pressure
You can't always wait for an ambulance to arrive when blood is spilling. It's important to know the steps to stop hemorrhage. Learn what to do to stop

Liability During Emergencies
Everything we do today is affected by laws and the possibility of litigation. Performing first aid is no different. Each time you stop at an accident to help a

Be Prepared With Medical Information
The midst of a medical crisis is not the time to try remembering your doctor's name and phone number. It's not easy to recall the contents of your medicine

A Good Case for Public AED
Howard County Times There is CPR and then there is AED. CPR helps keep the patient going until an AED can restart the heart. We need to see more AEDs in public

Disaster Preparedness on the Move
This is the monster truck of ambulances. It will respond to all national disasters. Unveiled at Loma Linda University, it is called the MTV - Mobile Telemedical

Know the Basics of First Aid
Knowing first aid basics is enough to take care of most emergencies. Stay safe, call for help, and check the ABC's.While they're no substitute for a certified

Before You Take a CPR Class
CPR training is probably the most important class you can take for your family and friends. Not all classes are created equal, however. To find the right CPR

Facts About Early Defibrillation
Have you heard about early defibrillation, but don't really understand it? Learn about early defibrillation and automated external defibrillators.

Misconceptions About Heart Attacks
The term heart attack brings different images to different people. If you or a loved one have experienced a heart attack, you know how devastating it can be.

Are you a Good Samaritan?
Every state has a law intended to protect those inclined to stop and help during a medical emergency. While each law is unique, there are similarities that

Time to Sneeze, Time to Wheeze, and Time for Bees
Ahhh, springtime. Time for sunshine, barbecue grills, beautiful flowers, and allergies. Pollen from the blooms of spring bring sneezes, wheezes, and bees. The

Time to Barbecue Means Keeping Safe in the Kitchen
Now that the sun is out and the days are getting longer, it's time to break out the grill. Preparing food for the BBQ means cutting and chopping, and the

When Waiting Could be Dangerous
There are times when waiting for the family doctor to answer a phone call could mean the difference between life and death. To make the transition from

Women Just as Good as Men in EMS
Women perform just as well as men in emergency medical services. To prove it, the team of Kristin Werner and Carrie Rush, both paramedics, and emergency medical

Want To Be a Paramedic?
If you have ever wanted to be a paramedic, here are some important tips to get you on that path. Know the pitfalls and the steps before you embark on a journey

EMS: Where We've Been and Where We're Going...
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national association for emergency physicians.Every year, ACEP celebrates emergency medical services

Tour the Respiratory System
Tour the Respiratory System with About's Guide to Lung Diseases. This tour shows the anatomy and explains the process with full-color illustrations.

How Long is Too Long to Wait?
How long is too long to wait for an ambulance? In Stoney Creek, Ontario, Canada a mother is angry about a 34 minute ambulance response to her son's seizure. The

The Development of Post WTC Lung Disease - How Post 9/11 World Trade Center Lung Disease Develops
The development of Post 9/11 Lung Disease from the World Trade Center collapse has resulted in the deaths of several paramedics, EMTs, law enforcement officers,

First Aid for Sunburns
Courtesy of A.D.A.M.Blisters indicate a burn is deep enough to cause complications.Now that the sun is out (with a vengence in California) it's time to consider

OSHA's New Guide for Workplace First-Aid Programs
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has released a guide to help businesses develop a functional first-aid program. Workplace first-aid

OSHA Requirements for First Aid in the Workplace
OSHA recently released Best Practices Guide: Fundamentals of a Workplace First-Aid Program to help employers develop and utilize a first aid program. My

Where You Go Determines What You Need
Being on the road means taking your first aid supplies with you. The complexity of the first aid kit depends on where you're going. Look at your needs when

Indonesian Earthquake Gets International Emergency Response
An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.2 struck the Indonesian island of Java on Saturday, May 27, 2006. As many as 2,800 people are believed dead. The quake was

Important Personal Medical Information
Ambulance crews will need certain information when treating victims of emergencies. It's very hard to recite important medical information accurately during

Recognize Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is a nearly undetectable gas capable of killing in very small amounts. Treatment requires emergency services or a visit to the emergency

How to Treat a Snake Bite
North America is home to several different species of venomous snakes. The most common is the rattlesnake. It's a common misconception that rattlesnakes will

Do Ambulance Boundaries Risk Lives?


First Aid for Insect Bites and Stings - Spider Bites - Scorpion Stings
Getting out and about as summer approaches means hitting the great outdoors. It's important to stay safe and be aware of the creepy-crawlies trying to take a

How to Recognize and Treat Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
The weather is getting warmer, and with the sunshine comes activity and celebration. It's important as we go outside and play that we stay hydrated. Dressing

Law Gives Those Trained in First Aid Protections
A new Illinois law will give immunity to those trained in first aid when they help victims with a medical emergency. Take a look under Laws & Liability (column

First Aid Skills Save Son's Life
If you need any more convincing to get first aid training, here it is.

First Aid for Southwest Vacations
Thinking about taking a vacation to the Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, or Lake Havasu? Here are some tips to keep safe on your Southwest vacation. The high deserts

New York Daily News - Unsung Heroics of EMTs
The praise that goes with other public safety services sometimes gets lost on its way to emergency medical services (EMS). The New York Daily News shows how

First Aid Burn Treatment - How to Treat a Burn
Sunshine and summer, can't you just smell the grills firing up? With grilling dinner sometimes comes grilling fingers and faces.Burns destroy skin and lead to

Public First Aid Training in Iraq
Reuters reporting on public first aid training needs in Iraq. Many of the cities have taken delivery of ambulances, but there is no one to staff them yet. The

Saved: Are You Feeling It?
TNT is premiering Saved on Monday, June 12 - 10/9c Emergency medical service has had a difficult time with television and movies in the past. ER and Third

First Aid Quiz
Think you know a lot about first aid and CPR? Try your hand at this quiz on basic first aid topics.Whether you score well or not, follow the links to find more

Learn CPR - Today
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the most important first aid skill you can learn. It's a vital tool to care for loved ones during the worst medical

Bradenton Herald: Ambulance crashes to save man's life
The life-saving actions of paramedics and emergency medical technicians usually happen in the relative obscurity of the back of an ambulance. This time, the

Very Special Delivery!
Baby's have a bad habit of coming whenever they feel like it and not necessarily following anyone's schedule. For that reason, if you know someone who is

Pasco: Ambulance shields man from unmanned truck
I know I already mentioned this incident, but Mark Nero, About's R&B Guide, had his eyes open and found another article on the accident. This one includes a

Tell Me What You Want
First Aid has been live for almost two months now, and I need some input on what you are looking for when you visit. Take the poll below to help guide the

Cleaning Mishap: Bleach and Ammonia
When you moved into your first apartment, mom told you not to mix products containing bleach with products containing ammonia. She was right.Mixing bleach and

Know the Signs of a Heart Attack
One of the medical conditions that always warrants calling an ambulance is a heart attack. Heart attacks are usually caused by blockages in the coronary

First Aid Quiz: Burn First Aid
During this time of year, there's a significant danger of burns. Grass and vegetation get dry, barbecues are fired up, and campfires are going all over the

Pool Safety Tips
Now that summer is fully upon us - it's hot out there - you may be thinking about getting into the pool. That refreshing dip can be invigorating. It can also

Water Safety Tips
Staying safe around the water is usually about using common sense and staying sober. It's hot and water draws us near.We've already seen how to make the pool

First Aid in Summer - Summertime Safety Tips
Summer is a great time to play outdoors. Getting out and getting active means more potential to get hurt. Here are some tips and tools to help you stay safe in

Recognizing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Contrary to popular belief, carbon monoxide poisoning is not simply a winter problem. While it's true that the misuse of stoves and ovens in the winter

AED Study in College Athletes
This is an article from the LA Times about a study of nine college athletes suffering sudden cardiac arrest. This is the kind of reporting that really bugs

Gas Leak Kills 2 at Ocean City Hotel
Gas leak kills 2 at Ocean City hotel; 2 others hospitalized; carbon monoxide blamed; building evacuated as officials probe source. Read the story in the

Search efforts for drowned man continue
Dateline, Casper Wyoming: A man drowned in the North Platte River while riding an inner tube through the rapids. These rapids, however, were engineered. Just

Remember to Have a Safe Home Fireworks Display
Chances are good that you or your neighbors are planning a home fireworks display this Fourth of July. It's important to be safe and use good judgement when

Hot, hot, hot!
Toronto is going through a heat wave right now. Click on the headline to read the story. I found it ironic that Toronto's newspaper is called the Sun! Heat

How to Remove a Tick
How to remove a tick and look for Lyme disease.It's important to check for ticks regularly during the summer. Ticks carry Lyme disease - not to mention they're

Heart Attacks Myths
There are several misconceptions about heart attacks. Each may delay recognition of potentially fatal heart attacks and life-saving treatment.Take a look at

Worst Reasons to Call 911
When my wife (an EMT) and I visit kindergarten classes in the ambulance, we always ask the kids what number they should call in an emergency. 150

Be a Good 911 Caller
First aid is only called first because something comes after it. Usually, getting the help you need starts with a call to 911. It's important to stay calm and

Paramedic Training Scholorships
The News-Democrat & Leader reports that the Community Foundation of Louisville is accepting applications for the Brian Jennemann Memorial Scholarship Fund. This

First Aid Facts on Shortness of Breath
Many conditions cause shortness of breath. Many of the worst culprits show up in the lazy and very hazy days of summer. In the hot and stagnant air of late

Dehydration: What a Pain! from About.com Headaches and Migraine
A great discussion about dehydration. One of the many reasons to get enough fluid -- especially on hot days. From Teri Robert, About's Guide to Headaches and

First Aid Facts About Stroke
Strokes are the third largest cause of death in the U.S. Strokes can leave a victim paralyzed or weak on one side of the body. Victims can have difficulty

You're Never Too Young for CPR Training
12 year old Sonya Roca used her CPR training to dislodge an airway obstruction on her 9 year old brother, Louis. It's proof that you're never too young to get

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places
911 answers the calls, but the dispatchers might not like the questions. A man in Texas was arrested for calling 911 looking for a date. Read the whole story.

Who's in Charge?
There is a belief among healthcare providers (all of them, not just physicians) that patients should just listen and do what we say. However, caregivers are

USATODAY.com - Parents should plan ahead for emergency procedures
Make sure you are ready when your kids need emergency medical help. That's the message from an article in USA Today by Kim Painter. To help you get prepared,

Heat Related Emergencies
Temperatures around the country are climbing to a dangerous level. Temperatures in my hometown have reached 106 degrees this week. Luckily, humidity on the West

Hypothermia is Not Just for Winter
Swimming in lakes and rivers during the summer is a cool and refreshing pasttime. Unfortunately, it can sometimes be too cool. In many parts of the country,

As the Saying Goes: Break a Leg
Many parents have school and fall on their minds. With school comes sports and now is the time to brush up on your injury treatment skills. As the kids hit

Rescue Me: Another Troubled Representation of EMS & Fire Services
Douglas Larson, About's Guide to Incest and Abuse Support, touches on a recent controversy over the TV show Rescue Me. A husband forces himself on his wife in

Fake Blood, Real First Aid | LJWorld.com
First aid training is about reacting to situations. It takes repetition and immersing the student into scenarios to teach that type of reaction. First aid

Asthma Screening Quiz -- Is Your Home Asthma Friendly?
Is your home asthma friendly or is it aggravating your asthma? Does your asthma get worse when you're at home? Your home may be causing you undue respiratory

Incredible Kids, Incredible Camp
My wife and I went to camp last week. We provided an ambulance standby for the most amazing summer camp I'd ever been to. Camp Taylor is in the East Bay

Fundamental First Aid Basics - the ABC's
During the heat of summer (it's definitely been hot in California) or preparing a meal in the kitchen, accidents and sudden illness happens. It's important to

National Night Out!
National Night Out is a wonderful opportunity to meet your neighbors and get acquainted with local emergency services. Tuesday night, August 1, 2006 is National

African Americans Have An Increased Risk of Stroke
African Americans are twice as likely to die from a stroke as Caucasians and one half of African American women will die from stroke or heart disease. Why are

News-Record & Sentinel: Paramedic Shot in Chest
Tami Stephen, a paramedic with Madison County Emergency Medical Services in North Carolina, was shot in the chest by a patient on Sunday night, July 30, just

Recognizing Dehydration Symptoms
One of the most common problems with the type of heat we have been experiencing this summer is dehydration. Dehydration is simply not having enough fluid -

MAOI Antidepressants - Side Effects - Bipolar Disorder Medications
MAOIs are a family of antidepressant medications. Due to their mechanism of action they can have dangerous side effects. Some of these side effects can have

Back to School - Allergies in the School Environment
Judy Tidwell, About's Guide to Allergies, suggests for parents of children with allergies to arrange a meeting with the school staff to discuss the well-being

Splinting a Broken Arm
Most of the time, a broken arm is best treated by calling an ambulance. If an ambulance is not available or very far away, it may be necessary to splint the

Back To School With a Chronic Illness from About.com Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and Migraines Guide Teri Robert writes about sending kids with chronic illnesses to school. Many of the suggestions Teri makes for kids with

A Stiff Neck After Going Back to School - Meningitis
Preparing to go back to school includes being prepared for new infections and injuries. As kids start to interact, they bounce their infections back and forth.

Images of Mississippi One Year Ago - Hurricane Katrina Remembered
August 29th marks the first anniversary of Hurricane Katrina - the most destructive hurricane of this generation. Many know how the storm ravaged New Orleans.

Bad Food Suspected After 8 are Stricken - Times Union - Albany NY
Food poisoning is really not poisoning but rather a foodborne bacterial illness. We think of food poisoning happening only at family picnics where Aunt Edna's

Your Rights To Your Medical Records Under HIPAA
Maintaining accurate medical records is essential for continuity of care. If the only place you seek care is at your primary physician's office, then

Kidney Injury From Trauma
From Dr. Brian Lipps, About's Guide to Kidney Disease: The kidneys are located deep in the abdomen and well protected by back muscles and the rib cage.

Lubbock, TX - Two Year-Old Drowns In Grandparents Pool
This tragic case makes it clear that summer is not over and pool safety is still very important. In Lubbock, Texas, a two year old drowns in her grandparents'

EMTs Survive Roll-Over Crash and Attend to Other Driver
These Texas ladies embody professionalism in emergency medical services. I applaud their actions. None of us really knows what will happen next, the trick is to

Medicines and Air Travel
All of the new restrictions on flying with liquids and other substances may make it difficult to travel with medications. About's Guide to HIV/Aids, Mark

The Difference Between an EMT and a Paramedic
The media regularly interchanges the terms EMT and paramedic in stories. I always cringe when I see those terms used interchangeably. So, what's the

First Aid Kits on Airline Flights
Some items commonly found in first aid kits may no longer be allowed on airline flights due to new restrictions to carry-on luggage. First aid kits carried on

Blood Pressure Medications for Stroke Prevention
From Suzanne Ryan, About's Guide to Stroke: High blood pressure is considered to be the number one risk factor for stroke. It is also a significant risk

Common Medical Symptoms
Folks often think of first aid as being for minor cuts or performed at the scene of an accident. While that is true, medical emergencies are much more common.

Images From Hurricane Katrina in Mississippi
I responded to Mississippi within 1 week of Hurricane Katrina. These are the images that will be with me forever. The people of Mississippi showed amazing

Quick Thinking by Police Saves the Life of Bee-sting Victim - Sparta Independent
Severe allergies can be deadly quite rapidly. In fact, they are one of the most dangerous conditions, while being one of the easiest to fix - with the right

Theft of Morphine on Fire Engines Leads to Removal of the Drug
The Sacramento Bee is reporting that the discovery of morphine theft has lead to the removal of the drug from fire engines and trucks in the City of Sacramento.

Crocodile Hunter Killed by Stingray - New York Times
Steve Irwin, known internationally as the 'Crocodile Hunter,' was killed after being stung by a stingray off the coast of Australia. Read the Associated Press

Saving a Life on the Eighth Hole - Daily Pilot
CPR and defibrillators really do work. This story in the Daily Pilot from Newport Beach, California, shows how proper training can make all the difference.

Ripping out Poisonous Spike May Have Been Fatal - NEWS.com.au
Despite conventional wisdom, which says to remove poisonous stingers, when the stinger is eight inches long with a serrated edge, it might be better to leave it

Preparing for Flu Season
Now that the kids are heading back to school, the infections are flying around the classroom. Flu season is just around the corner. Take a look at what Vince

Commentary: Amid Dust of Sept. 11, EMS Chief Sensed Trouble in the Air (EMSResponder.com)
As we consider the events of five years ago. It's important to think about those who are still feeling the effects of responding to the disaster. Many of those

Boy Earns Hero Award for Saving Dad
Swimming safety is important for adults as well as kids. This story from Australia about a dad saved by his son while swimming is a good example of how

Heart Attack Symptoms
A new study published in Circulations: The Journal of the American Heart Association shows that sudden cardiac arrest may not be as sudden or as silent as

Stingray Killings May be Irwin Revenge
Officials in Australia report that as many as ten dead stingrays have been found following Steve Irwin's death. Speculation is that people may be killing the

Before You Take a CPR Class
According to a study published in Circulations: The Journal of the American Heart Association, cardiac arrest is a concern in any person experiencing classic

Top 6 Items Every First Aid Kit Needs
Good first aid kits don't just happen - they evolve over time. Items get added or removed as we see what we need and what we don't need. However, building a

Guidelines for Flying with Heart Disease
About's Guide to Heart Disease - DrRich - discusses guidelines for flying with heart disease. With the holidays approaching, many cardiac patients may want or

FDA Warning on Serious Foodborne E.coli Outbreak
A multi-state outbreak of E.coli contaminated spinach has killed at least one person and hospitalized many others. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

Hypoglycemia Symptoms
Recognizing hypoglycemia is important for friends and family members of people with diabetes. If left untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to seizures, coma, and

FDA Statement on Foodborne E coli O157:H7 Outbreak in Spinach
The latest reports of spinach contaminated with E coli 0157:H7 have reduced the number of states affected from 20, as reported yesterday, to 19. The states with

E Coli O157:H7 & Kidney Failure
About's Guide to Kidney Diseases, Dr. Brian Lipps, explains how E coli 0157:H7 causes kidney failure. The FDA announced that another food processor, River

Another Distributer Orders Recall of Spinach
The FDA has announced another recall of bagged spinach products made from spinach originally supplied by Natural Selections, LLC of California. RLB Food

Medication Safety Tips - Taking Medications Safely
Medication errors are a common reason for emergency medical service providers to respond to homes. It's important to keep track of your medications as well as

FDA Announces Two More Recalls
The FDA announced more voluntary recalls on Saturday, September 23. Two companies in the Pacific Northwest are recalling products that may contain spinach

Latest E coli Update from the CDC
As of 1:00 pm on Sunday, September 24, Escherichia coli 0157:H7 had infected 173 people in 25 states. Over half have been hospitalized and 16% have contracted

First Aid Forum: Discussion on New CPR Guidelines
A discussion on the 2005 AHA CPR Guidelines is happening right now on the First Aid Forum. I think the new 30:2 recommendations for chest compressions are

Fall Sports Injuries
Fall sports are in full swing. High school football will be over in a few weeks, but there is much more to come. The scholastic sports season will last through

Stroke Victim Receives Florida's Highest Ever Malpractice Award
This is proof that poor assessment can lead to a liability judgment. Suzanne Ryan, About's Guide to Stroke, reports on a 50 year old stroke victim from

Top 5 Items for Home Fire Safety
Now that the weather is turning cool, heaters and fireplaces will be getting a workout. With the use of these items comes an increased chance of a structure

How to Spot Pharmacy Errors
Medication errors can have deadly consequences. As the saying goes, caveat emptor, or in English: buyer beware. The most diligent protector of your health is

Moms Wake Kids Better Than Fire Alarms
Using recordings of a parent's voice, researchers were able to wake children better than when using a traditional fire alarm tone at the same decibel level,

EMT Card Scam
I originally posted this story on August 10, 2006. I recently received a communication from a law firm in Arizona claiming to represent EMT Alert. They deny all

First Aid Basics
There is no substitute for hands-on first aid training. But just in case you are challenged with someone in need and haven't had CPR or first aid classes,

Review of Hypothermia Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
Hypothermia Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries by Gordon G. Giesbrecht, Ph.D. and James A. Wilkerson, M.D. provides a fact-filled discussion of extreme cold

Teaching Kids to Fight Back Against Classroom Invaders - CNN.com
Teaching Kids to Fight Back Against Classroom Invaders - CNN.com

Review of Behavioral First Aid
Behavioral First Aid: Managing Emotions During Emergencies by Virginia J. Duffy, PhD, RN covers behavioral emergencies from the first responder point of view.

What Do You Give a Paramedic for Christmas?
I worked in emergency medical service for more than five years before I got my first personal stethoscope. I was in the minority. Most of my peers think of

Again with the Stingrays!
James Bertakis is an 81 year old man with a small boat. On Thursday, a stingray jumped into the boat and spiked Bertakis as he was trying to remove it. Matthew

Even Lay Rescuers Should Follow Universal Precautions
Hepatitis - HIV - tuberculosis - meningitis. These are all diseases that make folks shudder. All of these have gotten their fair share of press coverage in

How to Do CPR
As a paramedic, I've done CPR more times than I can count. Interestingly, many of those have been when I was not on-duty in an ambulance. There's no way to

Official: Deadly Wildfire was Deliberately Set - CNN.com
A 10,000 acre fire in Southern California lead to the deaths of four federal firefighters. CNN reports that officials are declaring the fire deliberately set.

Cold Weather Brings Hypothermia
Now that the weather is getting colder and winter is coming on, hypothermia is a concern. It doesn't take snow or ice to cause hypothermia. It's very possible

How to Treat a Burn
With all the candles burning on Halloween, there is plenty of opportunity for getting burned. Having a fun and safe Halloween means making sure we keep

Assessing a Victim with Alcohol Intoxication
Assessing a medical condition or complaint is difficult under the best circumstances. In the prehospital environment, where most rescues take place, there are

Wintertime Safety
Winter brings storms, cold weather, ice fishing, skiing, black ice, and many other things that can be fun or scary or both. Staying safe isn't always about

Symptoms of Hyperventilation Syndrome
Hyperventilation syndrome is a nonmedical cause of shortness of breath. Hyperventilation syndrome is very scary, but not life-threatening. It can be hard to

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month
The Epilepsy Foundation is celebrating National Epilepsy Awareness Month during November. Check out the Epilepsy Foundation Website for a list of activities.

Should You Pee on a Jellyfish Sting?
Should You Pee on a Jellyfish Sting?

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is a Winter Concern
The cold weather of winter brings out the warming devices. Fireplaces, gas heaters, and many other burning appliances are capable of creating carbon monoxide.

It's Never a Good Idea to Mix Bleach and Ammonia
Getting ready for the holidays often means deep-cleaning before your mother-in-law comes over. In your rush to beat the white glove inspection, be careful not

More on Jellyfish Stings
They're pretty, but boy do they hurt! I've been stung once, in the Gulf of Mexico nearly 20 years ago. Luckily, I'd never heard the advice to urinate on a

Use Common Sense to Stay Safe In the Holiday Kitchen
Food is a big part of the holidays. My family likes the traditional roast turkey for thanksgiving. Christmas dinner is all about cioppino. With all this

Several Batches of Acetaminophen Recalled
On November 9, 2006, the Perrigo Company of Allegan, Michigan issued a voluntary recall of 383 lots of acetaminophen 500mg caplets that may contain small metal

This Week in Health
Wash your handsafter touching a newt.© Sam Pullara The recent salmonella outbreak had me wondering about salmonella and reptiles. I found an article by

I Know CCR - Can I Help?
Dr. Gordon A. Ewy presented a study to the American Heart Association's 2006 Scientific Sessions in Chicago on November 12, 2006. According to Ewy, survival

Ladder Safety Tips
Where I come from, it's about time to clean fall leaves out of the gutters before the winter rains really start coming down. While you're up there, you may also

Top 5 Ways to Spend Thanksgiving in the Hospital
Keep food prep area cleanto avoid infectionPhoto © Rick A. I love Thanksgiving - mostly, I guess, because I love to eat. Thanksgiving is one of those

Tips for Wintertime Safety
Winter brings storms, cold weather, ice fishing, skiing, black ice, and many other things that can be fun or scary or both. Staying safe isn't always about

Protecting the Public from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
The Illinois General Assembly has passed the Illinois Carbon Monoxide Alarm Detector Act. That means if you live in Illinois and you don't have a carbon

Happy Thanksgiving!
These guys have somethingto be thankful for...Photo © Alan L I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving today surrounded by family and friends. As you

Down Goes the Turkey, and Up Goes the Tree
Down Goes the Turkey, and Up Goes the Tree

Sign Up for First Aid 101: a Free Email Course
Basic first aid concepts and tips. Although not a substitute for first aid training, this course will provide a refresher to those who've not had training in a

Do I Need Stitches?
Wounds on the faceusually warrant stitches© Sean Mason When evaluating a wound to decide if it needs stitches, there are several questions that need to be

Candle Safety
Candles are asdangerous as theyare beautiful© Rob Milsom The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that candles were responsible for an

You Told Me Who You Are - Now Tell Me What You Want
You Told Me Who You Are - Now Tell Me What You Want

Christmas Light Safety
Christmas lights are safewhen used correctly© Brian Teutsch Christmas lights are beautiful, but all that electricity can cause problems if not used

Wintertime Safety
I'm in Northern California, and man is it cold outside! There's no comparison between a California cold snap and a Minnesota winter, but for me this is PDC

Poisonous Holiday Plants
Poinsettias:safe or deadly?Photo © Andrew Semansco Holiday decorations often include flowers and shrubs. Unfortunately, while these items are pretty,

Multiple Hornet Stings Causes Kidney Failure
From the Kidney Diseases Guide, Dr. Brian Lipps: Hornets are more likelyto cause anaphylaxisthan kidney failure© kumon While sitting under a tree, an

It's Getting COLD Out There!
Milwaukee starts December with a blizzard© Purple Slog The Associated Press reports that Milwaukee got almost a foot

Carbon Monoxide Kills Two In Unheated St. Louis Home
From Fox News in St. Louis: Carbon monoxide poisoning killed two people in St. Louis City on Sunday and sent 13 others to area hospitals. The deaths

I Hope They Didn't Charge by the Mile!
I've said for years that technology makes us stupid. If we count on automated blood pressure monitors to take vital signs, we'll forget how to do it right. If

Autopsy Shows Kim Died of Hypothermia
James Kim, his wife, and their two daughters became stranded on their way home from a Thanksgiving road trip to Oregon. The San Francisco man had tried to find

FDA Investigating E. Coli O157 Infections Associated with Taco Bell Restaurants in Northeast
Taco Bell is removing green onions from its restaurants in response to the E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak at it's stores in the Northeast. The FDA says in a statement

UPDATE: FDA Continues Investigation of E. Coli O157:H7 Cases Associated with Taco Bell Restaurants
From the FDA: The Food and Drug Administration is continuing its investigation of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to eating food from Taco

All About Blood Pressure
We often hear the term blood pressure, but may not understand what it means. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted against blood vessel walls by the blood

Over 250 sick after eating at Indiana Olive Garden
Nichola Groom from Reuters is reporting that more than 250 people have developed symptoms of illness after eating at a single Olive Garden restaurant. According

A Different Way to Cut
One of the needs of a complete first aid kit is a good cutting tool. Usually, the best bet is a pair of cutting shears or bandage scissors. But there's a

Should Ambulances be Allowed to Say No?
It's no secret that emergency rooms are overcrowded. The question has always been what to do about it. One of the suggestions has been to allow

Are You Prepared for Holiday Visitors?
The holidays bring families together, but are you prepared for Uncle Joe's diabetes or your second-cousin's seizure disorder. Guests bring medical conditions

Carbon Monoxide Takes 7 More
Kirksville Daily Express (Missouri): KIRKSVILLE - Preliminary results from an autopsy show the seven people found dead in a duplex Sunday were exposed to

Check Your Symptoms - What to do for a Fever
Got a fever? Check your symptoms. Find out what you should do for your fever, when to see a doctor and how to treat it. About's Guide to Cold/Flu, Kristina

Principles of Managing a Medical Emergency
The principles of leadership used by professional rescuers can be used by lay rescuers as well. Planning for an emergency should include defining the roles of

Using a Thermometer to Check a Fever - How to Use a Thermometer
You need to know how to use a thermometer if you or your child has a fever. It may be harder than you think and there are quite a few options out there. Find

Blood Pressure 101
This free email course gives you the basics about blood pressure and how it relates to first aid. If you want to purchase a blood pressure monitor for your

New Weekly Features
To help you get the best out of About First Aid, we're starting weekly features here in the blog. Mondays will feature a How-to article designed to help

Aw...the Thanks We Get!
In June, the Governor of Illinois signed a Good Samaritan Law into affect. The law begins in January of 2007. Good Samaritan Laws provide a measure of

Merry Christmas!
Have a Merry Christmas!© Andrew Semansco To all those celebrating Christmas today, here's wishing you a Merry and

Tales from the Street - Pat Him Down
Tales from the Street is a new weekly feature of About First Aid. All of these stories are true, though the names may be changed to protect the innocent (or the

What Was Your Favorite?
The 10 Most Popular First Aid Articles of 2006 About First Aid went live in April of 2006. Since then, certain articles emerged as the leaders. Here is the

First Aid 101: a New Year's Resolution
I suggest including First Aid and CPR training in your list of New Year's resolutions. Although not a substitute for a certified training course, get started

Carbon Monoxide Alarms Mandated in Illinois and North Carolina
By ROB STROUD Journal Gazette/Times-Courier Online Charleston and Mattoon firefighters are spreading the word about a new state law that will require

Tales from the Street - Gravity Games
Tales from the Street is a weekly feature of About First Aid. All of these stories are true, though the names may be changed to protect the innocent (or the

Case of the Week - Bad Pastrami
Each week, About First Aid looks at a case of illness or injury and the proper first aid for the victim. This week we look at a case of bad pastrami. The

Top 5 Ways to Ruin Your New Year's Resolutions
Brush up on your splinting skills and get ready to recognize busted bones or broken hearts. Sudden exercise is a good way for a bad beginning to the new year.

Weekly Review - First Voice Self-contained Emergency Treatment System
The First Voice first aid kit system provides a unique way to help non-trained rescuers respond to emergencies. Unfortunately, I think the value of the First

Do You Wash Your Hands Long Enough?
Washing your hands with soap and water is still king. According to the Harvard Health Letter, washing your hands with soap and water for just 15

New Year's Gunfire Causes Close Call for New Orleans Medics
From www.emsresponder.com by SUSAN NICOL KYLE: Ironic. That's the only word two New Orleans paramedics keep repeating to describe the unbelievable

Mouth Guards and Sports
Mouth guards keep these young men's smiles intact© Jackie From your About Guide to Dental Care, Tammy Davenport:

Can You Get HIV from CPR?
A police chief in Welch, West Virginia blocked a lay rescuer from performing CPR on a victim the chief thought was HIV positive. The victim died

Are Car Seats Safe?
From Vince Iannelli, MD, About Guide to Pediatrics: Even if you are using your car seat correctly, there are some new concerns that it may not be as safe

Weekly Review - Hypothermia Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
Hypothermia Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries by Gordon G. Giesbrecht, Ph.D. and James A. Wilkerson, M.D. provides a fact-filled discussion of extreme cold

This Week in Health and EMS
BERLIN (Reuters) - A German retiree who wired up a high-voltage cable to try to wipe out the moles digging up his garden killed himself instead, police said

It's Still Cold
Winter isn't over yet© Justin Russell California is getting pretty cold this weekend. There's talk of snow in the

Can You Die from Too Much Water?
Can drinking too much water kill you?© shrff14 SACRAMENTO - A woman who competed in a radio station's contest to

How Many Shocks are Enough?
Chest compressions are more important than previously thought.© Shad Bolling A study published in December 2006 in the

Monday Tip: Recognizing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Symptoms
Even a new boiler can leak carbon monoxide© Tugboat Printshop As cold as it is out there (at least on the West

Tales from the Street - Lucky Crash
If you have to get into a crash, the best place to do it is in front of an ambulance and two off-duty firefighters. We were sitting at an intersection late

They're Not Dead Until They're Warm and Dead!
Case of the week: A man found in an open lot long before dawn on a very cold morning was examined by law enforcement and an ambulance was called. When the

Weekly Review: Behavioral First Aid
© Virginia J. Duffy, PhD, RN Behavioral First Aid: Managing Emotions During Emergencies by Virginia J. Duffy, Ph.D.,

Self Defense or Assault?
What can you do to protect yourself at the scene of a medical emergency? A Portland, Oregon man is accusing firefighters of tackling and

Duct Tape Fixes Everything
Ask any paramedic or EMT what his or her favorite piece of equipment is, and you're likely to hear the virtues of duct tape. Well, here's more proof that duct

Monday Tip: New Essentials at About First Aid
New features can be found in the Essentials at the top of the left column on every page of About First Aid. There are plenty of everyday bumps and bruises

Tales from the Street: Rollover, the Baby's Coming
Newborn hands are amazing little sculptures© Shivakumar Jayashankar Emergency medical service is a strange and

Case of the Week: Pop
This week's case is just one of the many conditions that can lead to shortness of breath. John was a very popular high school student. His father and

Review of Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care
Cover of Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care© NOLS Backcountry First Aid and Extended Care 4th Ed by Buck Tilton

Health and Emergency News of the Week
From Reuters: Suspected stomach flu hits QE 2 More than 300 passengers and crew aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 were struck by a suspected stomach flu in recent

Monday Tip: How to Treat a Black Eye
Black eyes are fairly common and the first aid for a black eye is very simple. However, black eyes can indicate serious injury, especially if there are two

Tales from the Street: Bee Quick
When a bee stings my partner, the shift is over. Her anaphylaxis takes less than 20 minutes to develop. Mary and I had responded to a vehicle accident in

Case of the Week: Broken Heart
Heart attacks can be severely painful - or they can be silent killers, striking without warning or pain. When pain struck in this case, Larry was lucky his

Planning on a Super Bowl Party?
Super Bowl XLI is this Sunday. If you're planning a party, don't forget to review your first aid plans. Nobody wants to be the object of the annoying guy

Top 5 Tips for Everyday Emergencies
By definition, emergencies happen without warning. Calling 911 can be scary and overwhelming, especially having uniformed strangers in your home during a

Tales from the Street: A Dark Night
February is Heart Awareness Month. This month, all the Tales from the Street will have a cardiac twist. A Dark Night Walking the class back from a

Valentine's Day Tip: Candle Safety
You're looking to give your husband or wife a quiet evening at home. You want her to burn with desire - not just burn © Rob Milsom

New Video from About First Aid: How to Choose Pain Medication
Dr. Mona Khanna explains how every pain killer is not created equal. Find out the differences between common over-the-counter medications and discover what's