Love a Heart – Learn CPR

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor (@ckecarlton)

I signed my mom, my nanny, my husband and myself up for CPR training last month due to a requirement for my son’s care.

What I didn’t know is how quickly one of us would need it.

My nanny received a call not two week’s later that a friend was in trouble. She used her training by:

1. Calling 911 and 
2. Giving CPR until help arrived.

She was so relieved and called to thank me for the training.

Like everyone, we hope we never need to use the emergency training we receive.

But gosh are we so glad we have it if we need it.

February is heart month – so it’s a perfect time to remind you to sign up for CPR training.

You never know when you will need it and who you can help.

Signing up is easy.
•    Visit RedCross.org and click on training & certification
•    Enter your location.
•    Select CPR.
•    And find a class near you.
or check out RedCross.org/NorthTexasClasses for local class schedules.

Tweet

Parent’s Guide to Surviving New Year’s Eve

by Sydney Holt, volunteer contributor

Ringing in the New Year often comes with added pressure and last-minute, frantic planning. If you’re lucky enough to snag a sitter, you may be tempted to run out the door the second they arrive, shoes-in-hand with a purse only big enough to hold lipstick and identification. Before you do, take 10 minutes to complete this simple NYE checklist from American Red Cross.

• Contact info – this may seem like a no brainer, but there’s more to it than just giving your contact information. Be sure to save the caregiver’s contact info in your phone, and write the number down on a slip of paper for safekeeping in your purse or pocket in case you phone battery dies or goes missing.
• Emergency Contact Sheet – Your sitter may not be familiar with your area like you are. In the event you can’t be contacted, be sure to leave an Emergency Contact Sheet. You can make your own, or use a template like this one from BabyCenter.com.
• CPR – Anyone watching your child should be CPR & AED certified. In addition, always leave a healthcare authorization form that allows your babysitter or childcare provider to get medical attention for your child.
• Activity Schedule – The New Year brings excitement for both the young and the young at heart. Be sure to leave plenty of indoor activity ideas for the kiddos and you’re guaranteed an uninterrupted night of friends, laughter and dancing! 

PS: Want to be sure you're leaving the kiddos in the safest hands possible? Get a babysitter who is Red Cross trained!

Happy New Year!

Tweet

CPR and a Cocktail

by Raul Jauregui, volunteer contributor

DFW YPA members learn
life-saving CPR techniques

Do you ever feel like you could be doing more to give back? 

This is one question I constantly toss around in my mind. I wanted to join an organization that had the same ideas of giving back as I did. Being a young professional, the Red Cross DFW Young Professional’s Auxiliary (YPA) seemed like the perfect answer to my question. 

The YPA is a social networking group that comes together every couple of months to promote the Red Cross or introduce different types of Red Cross services, like life-saving training at the event held at SISU Bar and Restaurant last month. Keith Bridges of the Red Cross demonstrated techniques and steps on how to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

The session was impromptu with several people huddled around a demonstration table…until it buckled under the weight of the volunteers who were learning the chest pump technique! It was a humorous moment, but it did not stop Keith from showing how to properly apply the chest pump. The volunteers moved to a more secured table and Keith took the opportunity to give tricks and insights on CPR, like how the timing of applied chest pumps is the same beat as the Bee Gees song "Staying Alive." It is the simple trivia that can make all the difference.

Red Cross instructor Keith Bridges teaches CPR
techniques at a YPA event last month.

The training got many of the event attendees interested in taking formal CPR training at the local Red Cross Dallas Area Chapter so they could save lives through a few more hours of their time. (P.S. Since it’s National CPR/AED Awareness Week, it’s the perfect time to look into getting trained! June class schedules for DFW are now up at RedCross.org/DFW.)

Red Cross YPA events like these always add value because it brings together many types of young professionals who don't normally cross paths. It’s an extra opportunity to meet others who have similar interests to you and learn the degrees of separation that are closer to Kevin Bacon than you realize. Each event always leaves me feeling like I gave more back to my community than when I first walked in. For me, these are the beginning steps to giving back with an organization I feel fits me. It’s the opening chapter in what I hope is a long story with the Red Cross.

If you want to support the YPA, check out our Red Hot Summer Fiesta this Thursday, June 6 starting at 6pm at Hacienda on Henderson. 100% of proceeds will benefit Red Cross Disaster Relief. To learn more, visit us online at RedCross.org/DFW or on Facebook at Facebook.com/AmericanRedCrossDFWYPA.

Tweet

Recognizing the Brave and Prepared: A Red Cross Certificates of Merit for Professional Rescuers Event

Written by Amy Yen, volunteer contributor

Photos by Ralph Navarro, volunteer contributor





Only about 30 percent of victims survive the particularly devastating heart attack known as the widow maker, which is cardiac arrest that comes from a blockage in the left main artery of the heart. David Neumann of Arlington, Texas is one of them, thanks to the quick action and training of several members of his church.

This weekend, the American Red Cross presented Certificates of Merit for Professional Rescuers awards to Anthony Hermosillo, Joshua Galmore and Marcela Long, three interns with the DFW Church of Christ who had been trained by the Red Cross as lifeguards, for their role in saving Dave Neumann’s life. Jose Diaz, Rob McKeown and Sherlynn McKeown, who also played important roles in the rescue, were recognized as well.

One day last June, Dave Neumann was arriving at a church event at Thousand Oaks Ranch when he collapsed as he started having a massive heart attack. Jose, Rob and Sherlynn were the first to find him on the ground. Jose raised his legs while Rob, who is a Colleyville fire marshal, and Sherlynn, who is a nurse, began administering CPR. Anthony, Joshua and Marcela, who had only three weeks before received professional rescuer training from the Red Cross, soon responded as well.

When he saw that Dave had stopped breathing, Anthony quickly ran to get the AED and shocked Dave’s heart three times.

“I felt prepared,” said Anthony. “I was just worried about helping Dave and I wasn’t really thinking about anything else. I just let the training and instincts take over.”

Meanwhile, Joshua ran back to the hall and told the nurses to keep the kids who were there for summer camp away from what was happening. He then sat with Dave’s wife Melinda and delivered one of the Red Cross’ hallmark services, emotional support, until the ambulance arrived 15 minutes later and Marcela directed EMTs to where Dave was.

At Sunday’s recognition service, the interns encouraged others to get the life-saving training they’d received.

“You never know what’s going to happen. We were trained as lifeguards but things can happen in and out of the water. It’s better to be prepared for anything,” said Anthony.

One person is certainly glad they had that training.

“I think everything happens for a reason,” said Dave. “Not many people survive the kind of heart attack I had. It’s called the widow maker for a reason. If it weren’t for them being there at the right time, I wouldn’t be here.”

To learn more about how to be trained as a professional rescuer or in first aid and CPR/AED, visit Red Cross Dallas.

Tweet

Notes from the Chief's Desk: CEO Message

Written by T.D. Smyers, chief executive officer North Texas Region

“I have an almost complete disregard of precedent, and a faith in the possibility of something better. It irritates me to be told how things have always been done. I defy the tyranny of precedent. I go for anything new that might improve the past.”   
- Clara Barton

One year ago, the North Texas Region of the American Red Cross was born. It was a time of hopeful expectation for some and great anxiety for others. But one need only review these words from Clara Barton to know what our founder would have thought of the organizational change that was necessary to save the American Red Cross, including the creation of regions to handle a lot of the back office functions that had previously burdened our chapters. 

Of course, appealing to Clara means that the change should “improve the past” by advancing the effectiveness and efficiency by which we deliver the historic Red Cross mission.

When I was given the privilege of leading this Region, it became my focus to ensure our regional staff team – both employees and volunteers – were catalysts to the delivery of our mission rather than being an additional layer of bureaucracy. To this end, our team set about identifying just what it is we should be doing. We didn’t need a mission statement. We already had that, courtesy of our national leadership:

Mission Statement

The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

What we did need was to define our purpose in support of that mission. With input and review by employees and volunteers across the Region, we did just that:

Purpose Statement of the North Texas Region

To Support, Resource and Enable the work of North Texas Chapters in executing the mission of the Red Cross.

In order to realize this purpose, and keep us focused, we determined three strategic goals as well:

Strategic Goals of the North Texas Region

1. Optimize and strengthen the identity of local chapters and build a culture of collaboration across the    Region. 
2. Become the charity of choice for Time, Talent and Treasure in communities across North Texas. 
3. Be the top Region in American Red Cross for revenue, volunteerism and diversity.

The staff's and volunteer's pursuit of these goals will reinforce the great work done by American Red Cross chapters every day.

I’ve been impressed by how committed our national leaders are to the “upside down pyramid”, meaning that chapters in the field really take the lead role. When an Emergency Response Vehicle rolls up to a curb because a family burned out in the middle of the night, it’s a local Red Cross volunteer that provides the service. 

When a service member needs important communication from home, they reach out to their local chapter. The same is true when a person wants to become a lifeguard, learn CPR or donate a pint of blood. 

So while there have been many changes in the organizational leadership of the Red Cross, there hasn’t been change in keeping Red Cross services strong at the local level. 

At the North Texas Region, we’re committed to serving our communities across the top of the state of Texas. 

One final note. 

One senior volunteer who wasn’t happy about “regionalization” recently told me that she had changed her mind about the reorganization; mostly because she’s seen such tremendous support from the Region that she knows “things are different this time”. 

In fact, she said she feels more connected to the Red Cross now than she ever did when her chapter was operated independently. 

Good days are ahead. BZ!

Tweet

Going Out or Staying In: How to Have the Best New Year's, Red Cross Style

Pick out a glitter-clad outfit; break out the horns and tiaras and find someone to kiss because it's New Year's Eve! Whether you're going out for a show-stopping Big D NYE celebration or hosting the best party in town at your place or on your boat, you'll want to check out these tips for a safe and fun celebration with your besties.

Staying In

The Decor

• Be aware of open flames around highly flammable paper decor and aerosol streamers.
• Designate one place for your guests to smoke, preferably outside, on either the porch or in the yard.
• Don't hang decorations where they may come loose and block an entryway or exit, like hide-and-seek-friendly closets.
• Remember decorations can pose a choking threat for children and adults alike. A good rule of thumb is, if an object can be passed through an empty toilet paper roll, it can be a choking hazard. Brush up on CPR and first aid before hosting the party of the year.
• Metal noisemakers with bells and whistles may be dropped and damaged. If they do, they could have sharp edges or cause someone to trip or choke.
• Double check your Red Cross Ready Kit and replenish it for the New Year.

The Kiddies

• Don't overlook the little ones! Prevent unwanted tumbles and wandering into unsafe areas by keeping stairways and dangerous areas closed off.
• Keep kid-friendly punch in different cups and in different color than the adult version.
• Curious fingers like to touch all the cool new stuff all over the house. Remember to keep in mind kids when buying party favors.

The Pets

• Pets love decorations as much as you do. Pick them up if they fall or break to keep them from becoming a danger to man's best friend.
• If people will be coming and going, keep your pets out of areas where they may get loose and wander outside.
• Keep the pets and kids safe by watching their interactions. Many accidents between the two can be avoided by separation.
• Don't put your pet in a situation of confusion and loud noises. Keep them in a safe, quiet place for the majority of the party and bring them out when things are more quiet and less chaotic.
• Fido needs his party clothes on too. Make sure your pet has his shots and his collar has an identification tag on it so if your pet goes missing, you can get him or her back.

Firearms and Fireworks

• Some people celebrate New Year's Eve with fireworks and firearms. Remember they are unstable and unpredictable and only as good as the person who makes them.
• Explosives are safest in no hands - in other words, leave the fireworks and explosives to the professionals.
• Children are very curious and will take the chance to get their hands on a firearm if possible.
• Adults who have been drinking and firearms don't mix well either. Keep the unattainable during a party and be aware of your surroundings.

Boaters, Be'ware

• If you'll be on a boat, wear your lifevest... consider it your New Year's bling. It's safe and fashion-forward.
• Don't drink and drive - period.
• The coast guard can request a safety inspection of your boat at any time. Don't go places you aren't familiar with and keep land in sight at all times.
• Turn your lights on if you'll be on the water after dark.
• No explosives. A sunk boat cannot get you safely back to land.
• Know the laws and rules of the water to keep your family and friends safe.

Out on the town

• Don't drink and drive - it bears repeating here. A designated driver or cab costs much less than a DWI, jail time or possible loss of life.
• If you are the designated driver, get a headcount before party-hopping.
• Don't leave a party with someone you don't know. It's better to go out with friends than to go alone.
• Don't leave your food or beverages unattended. It's easy for someone to slip something into your drink while it's in your hand, so imagine how much easier it is if you aren't paying attention.
• Don't accept drinks from a stranger. If someone wants to buy you a drink, get it directly from the bartender or waitress.
• Watch your exits! If you need to get out of there quickly, you'll need to know where to go.

So, brush up on the the words of Auld Lang Syne and have a happy (and safe) New Year's Eve! What are your New Year's plans?

Tweet

People More Apt to Perform "Hands-Only" CPR than Traditional Method

New American Red Cross survey shows majority of respondents more likely to give CPR without mouth-to-mouth contact.

Nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of people say they would be more likely to perform CPR on someone if they did not need to have mouth-to-mouth contact such as through rescue breaths, according to an American Red Cross survey.

“Hands-Only CPR is an effective lifesaving technique especially for an untrained bystander who witnesses someone suddenly collapse,” said Dr. David Markenson, chair, American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. “Full CPR is recommended for infants, children and those with respiratory problems.”

The national survey of more than 1,000 adults found that when needed, people are more willing to perform Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) than full CPR (series of chest compressions and rescue breaths) on strangers – regardless of age, gender or appearance of the person in need of help.

Among the findings:

• One in four respondents (25 percent) has been in a situation where someone may have required CPR;
• Less than half (46 percent) of those in such situations have helped give CPR;
• Three in five (61 percent) said they are confident they know how to help someone who is unconscious and in need of CPR; and
• While two-thirds (66 percent) of respondents have taken a CPR class, nearly half (45 percent) said they were last trained more than five years go.

The Red Cross recommends individuals take CPR classes every two years and refresh with online courses in the interim.

The survey findings were released just before the July 4th weekend, when many people travel or take part in outdoor activities.

“People need to know what to do in an emergency,” Markenson added. “Whether it’s performing CPR, using an automatic external defibrillator or providing first aid, knowing these lifesaving skills is critical, particularly as more individuals and families engage in swimming and other outdoor activities.”

As the nation’s premiere training organization, the Red Cross offers a variety of ways for people to learn and review these lifesaving skills. Individuals can:

• Take a First Aid/CPR/AED course.
• Attend a 30-minute Hands-Only Citizen CPR course at their local Red Cross.
• Watch the Red Cross Hands-Only CPR video.
• Download the free, new “S.O.S by the American Red Cross” app for Android mobile devices at https://market.android.com/.

CPR, AED and first aid training can provide the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. The next generation of Red Cross training courses include two-year certifications, free digital materials and skill refreshers. Contact your local Red Cross or visit redcross.org/training for information and to register.

Survey details: Telephone survey of 1,010 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on April 15-18, 2011 conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. Comparison Sample From: Telephone survey of 1,018 U.S. Adults 18 years and older on March 26-29, 2010 conducted by ORC International. Margin of error is +/- 3.1 percentage points at the 95% confidence level.

Tweet

Save-a-Life Saturday Photos

To honor Rep. Gabrielle Giffords and all those involved in the Tucson tragedy, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter offered free lifesaving training on Saturday, March 19, 2011. Thank you to the 400+ people who learned lifesaving training. Check out these photos from the event:

Tweet

Ay chihuahua!

CPR can save the lives of people. We know this.

What you may not know is that CPR can also save our friends from another species altogether.

A physician, Larry Kosinski saved his three-pound dog, Valentino, by using CPR after another dog in the house attacked him. To see what happened from Dr. Kosinski, go to http://bit.ly/dv2nvT.

If you know CPR, would you try it on your furry loved one if they went into cardiac arrest?

You never know when you'll need it, or who you'll need to do it on. To get trained, go to http://bit.ly/dcduQV.

Tweet

This is True Inspiration!

Ever thought about just quitting your job and doing something to make the world a better place? Well, let this story be your guide!

Tweet

Workplace Preparedness

As National Preparedness Month comes to an end, let’s focus on workplace safety preparedness. You should have an escape plan, locate emergency tools, know where the safe area is located, and know how to handle urgent medical emergencies.

An escape plan prepares you to calmly exit the building in case of a fire or other emergency that threatens the safety of your building. Practice evacuating by walking the exit route and knowing where you are supposed to go once outside of the building.

Locate the closest emergency tools to your work area. Know where the fire alarm, fire extinguisher, first aid kit and automated external defibrillator (AED) are located.

Locate the designated safe area in case of a natural disaster, such as a tornado. Be familiar with lockdown procedures to secure your work environment from other threats.

You should know how to handle urgent medical emergencies or know who in your workplace is trained. The American Red Cross offers a variety of training courses to prepare you. Contact your Dallas Area Chapter coordinator Andria Butler at 214-678-4320 to arrange on-site training for your company.

Tweet

What would you do?

Let's say a friend of yours has run 70+ marathons. You hand her the baton and she collapses.

What would you do?

This actually happened to Kathy and her Heart N' Soul teammates as they competed in the 2007 Hood to Coast race.

Watch the video, then check out our website for upcoming First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) classes.

Hood To Coast Movie - Red Cross CPR from HoodToCoastMovie on Vimeo.

Tweet