Splints, Cravats, and Gauze: Oh My!

2014-11-06 21:37:35.000 – Kaitlyn O’Brien, Weather Observer/Education Specialist

 

Aside from learning about the preliminary signs of hypothermia, shock, and heat exhaustion, I can also tell you that it’s not too hard to build a splint for a forearm fracture in the comfort of a heated building with a patient who is merely acting distressed. In fact, it took about 10 minutes. Instead, the real test occurs when the wind is blowing 60mph; your hands and fingers are quickly becoming clumsy in the below freezing temperatures, and you’re trying to prevent your gear and materials from blowing away, all while simultaneously calming a suffering patient and getting a count on their respiratory rate, among other vitals. That scenario could take 30 minutes to a couple of hours before the patient is even transport-worthy.

 

Needless to say, the detailed course and hands-on training applications provided us with the confidence we need to handle emergencies as they arise. Thank you SOLO!

Kaitlyn O’Brien, Weather Observer/Education Specialist