First Aid

Statistics show that the majority of accidents happen in the home, and I can say with hand on heart, in our family, we appear to prove the numbers to be true. Over the years we have had to deal with an assortment of accidents requiring quick correct action, whether it be burns, scalds, cuts, bruises, sun stroke, sun burn, and many others for the list is long. Several years ago, my husband and I attended a first aid course, where amongst other things, we learnt CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). I had wanted to take this course for years, as I believe everyone should have some first aid knowledge. You never know when or where you may need to apply first aid to yourself, family or friends, and complete strangers which has happened to me on several occasions. In many cases simple common sense will get you a long way, but learning first aid gives one the knowledge and confidence to deal with most accidents.

I remember one particular unpleasant incident which seems to stick in my memory as if it happened yesterday. I was attending to a young woman who was in shock after being beaten violently by her husband. Whilst seeing to the woman, I told my mother to call the police immediately, who soon arrived on the scene. The police woman took over from me and I was relieved from duty, as she was passed into professional hands and taken to hospital.

One hopes to never use what is taught in first aid courses, but it's reassuring to know what to do in the event of something happening.

I spend much of my time writing these days, and find that the publishing world has changed very much. My article this week on The Huffington Post addresses this issue.