Help! I'm choking! Does someone know the Heimlich maneuver?

You've seen it done in movies. You probably did it when you were playing doctor as a kid (and on this note, I would like to apologize to my little sister who is still traumatized from our childhood fun, which ended in spit up Twizzlers).

But do you really know how to do the Heimlich maneuver?

Yesterday, on Good Morning America, senior health and medical editor, Dr. Richard Besser demonstrated how to save a choking victim - whether that person is an adult, a pregnant woman or a child.

Check out the story here: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/save-life-choking/story?id=11260813

After you are educated on the Heimlich maneuver, run down to your local American Red Cross chapter and take a first aid and CPR class. You'll learn how to treat wounds, save someone from choking and... you guessed it, how to save a life.

What happens to donated blood?

Every summer, the American Red Cross faces blood shortages. According to an article by the Associated Press:

About one in every seven hospitalized patients requires a transfusion, a staggering 15 million bags administered in the U.S. each year - with few donations to spare. Every year, parts of the country experience spot shortages.

This means we often don't keep blood on hand long enough for it to go through the break down process and need to be thrown out.

I know the question you are wondering now.

What happens to donated blood?

Check it out on redcrossblood.org or below:

Step 1: The Donation

• Donor registers
• Health history and mini physical are completed
• About 1 pint of blood and several small test tubes are collected from each donor
• The bag, test tubes and the donor record are labeled with an identical bar code label to keep track of the donation
• The donation is stored in iced coolers until it is transported to a Red Cross center

Step 2: Processing

• Donated blood is scanned into a computer database
• Most blood is spun in centrifuges to separate the transfusable components - red cells, platelets and plasma
• The primary components like plasma, can be further manufactured into components such as cryoprecipitate
• Red cells are the leuko-reduced
• Single donor platelets are leukoreduced and bacterially tested
• Test tubes are sent for testing

Step 3: Testing

• Steps 2 and 3 take place in parallel
• The test tubes are received in one of five Red Cross national testing laboratories
• A dozen tests are performed on each unit of donated blood - to establish the blood type for infectious diseases
• Test results are transferred electronically to the manufacturing facility within 24 hours
• If a test result is positive, the unit is discharged and the donor is notified, test results are confidential and are only shared with the donor, except as may be required by law

Step 4: Storage

• When test results are received, units suitable for transfusion are labeled and stored
• Red cells are stored in refrigerators at 6 degrees Celsius for up to 42 days
• Platelets are stored at room temperature in agitators for up to five days
• Plasma and cryo are frozen and stored in freezers for up to one year

Step 5: Distribution

• Blood is available to be shipped to hospitals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Results are In!

We wanted to make sure you did not miss the big announcement.

Our first Lucky Ducky Derby was a success. A total of 4,499 ducks were adopted and more than $20,000 was raised for the Dallas Area Chapter.

A BIG THANK YOU to ALL of you for your support. We could not have had a successful event without you!

THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

View photos from the event

Your chance at stardom! Be a guest on "Friday Night Lights" and raise money for the Red Cross!

Can you see your name in lights?

Hollywood is calling.

Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17, "Friday Night Lights" will be filmed at the Cotton Bowl.

The best part: they need extras.

If you are ready to make your big TV debut, you will help the American Red Cross raise money. For every Red Cross "fan" that participates, the chapter will receive a $20 donation.

The specs: They need men, women and children (10 years and older please) in the Dallas/Fort Worth area to come out. Please show up between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Wear burnt orange and red. The shoot is expected to end about midnight.

Before you head out to the Cotton Bowl, review and bring the following documents (linked here):

• Group Extras Information Sheet (this form directs you to call your group leader for questions. If needed, please call (214) 678-4368 for the VM/HR department)
• Appearance Release Form - American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter

This is your 15 minutes of fame calling. See you there!

Stay Safe This Summer

More Summer Safety Tips

Calling all history buffs! Clara Barton Letter on PBS

PBS History Detectives investigates a letter tucked into an antique book. It may be from Clara Barton, our founder and leading lady.

The History Detectives consult a Clara Barton biographer, a civil war prison historian and a Pennsylvania genealogist to get to the bottom of it.

Watch the episode below to see what they discover.

Watch the full episode. See more History Detectives.

Say "bye bye" to boo-boos!

I'm always up for finding out about new preparedness products. These products are perfect for your little princes and princesses. They were listed on today's Daily Candy for Kids.

Check them out before you need to call the waaaaaaaaaaaaambulance!

Medibag 4 Kids

The medibag has all the basics you'll need for caring for a stubbed toe or burned finger. It includes: antibiotic ointments, burn gel, application swabs, kid-friendly

bandages and smiley face stickers. Price: $20

Mini First Aid I'M OK! Set

For little ouchies on the little ones, make everything OK

with these colorful pocket cases (in blue, pink, orange and green). Each case includes: 24 accompanying I'M OK! bandages, six non-sting antiseptic swabs and an I'M OK! cold pack. Price: $14

Ouch Pouch

"For your little monkey's scrapes and boo boos," moms can stock their Red Cross first aid products for their kiddies in these cleverly crafted pouches. The clear front pockets show what mom is running low on and what should be restocked. Price: $6 - $13

CariFree Xyli-Tots Lollies

You go to the bank, they

give you a lollipop. You get a boo boo, you get a lollipop. Nothing keeps a kid from tearing up like a lollipop. And, these lollipops are sugar-free and contain a half gram of xylitol, which helps fight tooth decay and kee

p cavities at bay. Price: $13 for 24

Of course, if your child is of the rambunctious persuasion, you may want to opt for our Deluxe Family First Aid Kit. For only $24.95, you get the following:

• (2) 81 mg. Aspirin Tablets (chewable)
• (5) Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packs
• (6) Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes (sting free)
• (2) Hydrocortisone Cream Packs, 1%, 0.9 gm
• (2) Hand Sanitizer Packs
• (2) 5" x 9" Trauma Pads
• (6) 4" x 4" Gauze Dressing Pads
• (6) 3" x 3" Gauze Dressing Pads
• (1) 4" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
• (1) 3" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
• (1) 1" x 10 yd. First Aid Tape Roll
• (1) Instant Cold Compress
• (1) CPR One-Way Valve Faceshield (latex-free)
• (1) Emergency blanket
• (2) Triangular Sling/Bandages (safety pins included)
• (25) 3/4" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (15) 1" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (3) 2" x 4" Elbow and Knee Plastic Bandages
• (10) 3/8" x 1-1/2" Junior Adhesive Plastic Bandages
• (5) 1-1/2" x 1-1/2" Patch Plastic Bandages
• (3) Knuckle Fabric Bandages
• (3) Fingertip Fabric Bandages
• (4) Thermometers (one time use)
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• (4) Latex-Free Exam Quality Gloves
• American Red Cross Emergency First Aid Guide
• Soft sided bag with clear pocket pages

Disaster Training is the First Step

Above are some incredible photos from the recent flooding in Laredo, Texas.

When you see these types of images, do you ever wondered how you could help? I remember exactly when I decided to start volunteering for the American Red Cross. I was sitting helplessly in my living room watching the devastation that Hurricane Katrina inflicted. The first step is to take the Introductory Disaster Volunteer Workshop. In a few hours, you will learn the Mission of the Red Cross and about mass care activities, including sheltering responsibilities, fixed and mobile feeding, and bulk distribution of essential supplies so you can become a disaster reserve volunteer.

Upcoming classes are Saturday, July 17th 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, July 20th 6-9:30pm, Saturday, August 21st 9am-12:30pm, Tuesday, August 24th 6-9:30pm, and Saturday August 27th 9am-12:30pm. To register please email Keith Bridges at kbridges@redcrossdallas.org .

All participants receive certification cards for the Fulfilling Our Mission and Mass Care Overview classes.

Red, White & Vroom! Sweepstakes!

At the American Red Cross, we love our holidays. And boy, do we know how to celebrate!

To say thank you to all of our committed blood donors, the American Red Cross and Red Cross Racing are giving away a brand new 2011 Ford Fiesta, thanks to a generous donation by the Ford Motor Company.

Click here to enter the Red, White & Vroom! Sweepstakes!

It's easy to enter! Make sure you visit redcrossracing.com. The sweepstakes will end November 1, 2010.

Jump in and enter!

Relief from the Twilight Saga?

Last Wednesday, I was among the many Americans preparing for the midnight release of the third Twilight Saga movie Eclipse. My teenage daughter invited friends over to play trivia games, eat chocolate covered strawberries and pose next to life-size posters of the two heart throbs from the movie.

But, as many Americans choose whether they are team Edward or team Jacob, the author of the book series, Stephenie Meyer, has already proven she is on team American Red Cross. She released a novella early in June titled The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner. One dollar from each copy sold in the United States will be donated to the American Red Cross for relief efforts.

As of July 1st more than a million copies have been sold - thus a million dollars have been donated to the Red Cross. If you are already caught up in the Twilight phenomenon or just looking for a quick summer read, pick up a copy of this new book. What a great way to give to the Red Cross.

"A" is for Alex and the Start of Hurricane Season

"A" is also for Anita Foster. Watch as she talks about how we are preparing for Hurricane Alex and how YOU can help by joining the Disaster Volunteer Reserves.

Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 3)

Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 2)

What is it about the Fourth of July that makes you want to submerge yourself in water for extended periods of time? Oh yeah, it's that blazing Texas summer heat! But, before you take the plunge, check out these tips for keeping your Fourth of July swimming exploits safe!

Swimming Safety
Whether your favorite sun-and-fun locale is the pool, the lake or the beach, it’s important to stay safe both in and out of the water. The most important water safety measure is knowing how to swim. The Red Cross offers a variety of swimming courses designed to help anyone of any age and ability learn to strengthen their swimming skills. Additionally, the Red Cross offers CPR/AED and first aid courses as well. To locate swim lessons or enroll in a course, check with your local Red Cross chapter.

• Enter the water feet first. Enter the water headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.



• Adults should never leave a child unobserved around water. Practice "reach supervision" by staying within an arm's length of young children and weak swimmers while they are in and around the pool, lake or ocean.



• Take frequent breaks (about once an hour) where everyone gets out of the water, drinks water, reapplies sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) and rests.



• If you are caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Once you are free, turn and swim toward shore. If you can't swim to the shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore.



• Watch out for the “dangerous too’s”: “ too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.



• Post CPR instructions and directions to call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number in the pool area.



• Keep toys away from the pool when it is not in use. Toys can attract young children into the pool.



• If a child is missing, check the pool first. Go to the edge of the pool and scan the entire pool, bottom, and surface, as well as the surrounding pool area.

Grilling and swimming are both great fun, but nothing says Fourth of July like fireworks! Check back later this week for tips on having fun and staying safe around fireworks!

Make this Fourth of July Fun and Safe! (Part 1)

The Fourth of July is one of our country’s most beloved holidays and for most people, it’s a great reason to bust out the grill, jump into a bathing suit, and watch things explode (not necessarily in that order!). However, the best way to keep a fun-filled holiday full of fun is keep in mind a few important safety tips, and to that end, the Red Cross is here to help!

Grilling Guidance
Barbecue grilling has always been a favorite American pastime. Whatever tasty treats you have in mind to cook up this Fourth of July, don’t forget to include safety as your key ingredient!

• Use gas and charcoal barbecue grills outside only.


• Position grills far from siding, deck railings, overhanging branches and house eaves.


• Keep children and pets at least three feet away from the grill area.


• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited.


• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using grills.


• Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.


• Keep a fire extinguisher handy.

Check back next week for even more tips on making this Fourth of July the most fun and safest one yet!