CPR training

Bear Cub Scout Ajdin here! Today, I'm going to show you something beary important that could save someone's life. It's called CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it's often used to help someone who isn't breathing in an emergency situation.

Before we get started, I've been advised by my attorney to add the following disclaimer to this post:

"This information is for entertainment purposes only. The creator of this content accepts no liability and/or responsibility for any actions and/or decisions any individual chooses to take or make based on the information offered. Readers should consult their local Red Cross for official CPR training."

Ok, now that we got the boring stuff out of the way, let's learn some CPR!

And we have a special guest today who will be helping us out - Uncle Tibbs!

I've asked Uncle Tibbs to lie down, simulating an unresponsive patient. I've already checked the scene to make sure it is safe for me to assist.

Now I'm going to tap him while I loudly shout, "ARE YOU OKAY?" This will help me make sure that he is indeed unresponsive and needs help, and is not just taking a nap.

"You've woken me up from naps before," said Uncle Tibbs.

Oh no, he doesn't appear to be breathing! Someone - that's you - call 9-1-1 right away!

In an emergency, you should always ask a specific person to call 9-1-1 due to the bystander effect.

Now I will prepare to give some chest compressions. For an adult stuffie or human, you want to locate the center of the chest.

Now, if Uncle Tibbs actually needed help, I would interlace my paws and push down on his chest at a rate of about 100-120 times per minute, for 30 chest compressions. I would also push down hard going down at least 2 inches.

"Oooh, this tickles!" he said.

For lighter stuffies, well, I guess you could try jumping on the chest as well...

After you've completed the chest compressions, follow this up with 2 rescue breaths. I'll show you how to use a CPR mask, like the one I have here.

This kit comes with a mask, some sterile gloves, and alcohol wipes.

It has a strap that goes around the head of the patient, and the whole thing goes over the nose and mouth. After tilting the head back and opening the airway, you want to give 2 rescue breaths, watching the chest rise each time.

Oh look, he is breathing again!

"Uh, thank you... for uh, rescuing me, Ajdin," said Uncle Tibbs.

We hope you and your loved ones stay safe with these tips!

Please consider signing up for a First Aid or CPR class at your local Red Cross organization.

A helping paw

I was having trouble finding someone to help for my Helping Paw badge.  It seemed like everyone was doing just fine.

So I decided to take a nap.  I should be hiBEARnating right now anyways.  *yawn*

"Help!" a voice chirped.

Wait, what was that sound?  Did you hear something?

"Please help!" it said again.

It sounded like it was coming from over here.

It was...

...a bird!

(Hey guys, how come you didn't tell me there was a bird behind me?)

"Hello," I said.  "Do you need help?"

"Yes!" she replied.  "My wing... I think it's broken.  A bird that can't fly... oh, I am done for!"

"Don't worry," I said.  "I am Bear Cub Scout Ajdin and I can help you."  I went to get my first aid kit.

"Now, if you will just hold still, I'll have you fixed up in no time," I said.

I took out some bandages and carefully tied them around her right wing.

"There," I said, helping her sit up.  "You'll need some time to heal but it should be better soon."

"But I cannot fly south!" she said.  "It is winter here and so cold.  I will surely freeze to death."

"You can stay with my friends and I," I offered.  "You can be our guest, Miss...?"

"Feathers.  My name is Feathers.  Thank you so much Ajdin.  You are a very kind bear."