Lake Safety – How to Get CPR Certified

Nobody wants to have to deal with emergencies, but let’s face it, they do happen. So, becoming certified in CPR will help prepare you for those emergencies. And, it will give you the opportunity to save somebody’s life.

There are specific steps that you will need to take in order to become certified in CPR. If you follow these steps, you can rest assured that you will be prepared in the event of a dire situation.

Find a Course in CPR

cpr courseThe first thing you will need to do is find a CPR course that suits your schedule. There are CPR classes that are available both in person, and online. Community centers and hospitals typically have on-going classes available to attend.

You can also visit websites such as the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the National Safety Council as they offer courses as well.

There are a number of different courses available for beginners as well as for individuals simply looking to refresh their skills. If you are just interested in learning about CPR, the courses are generally about an hour long, but more extensive courses are available.

Refresher Course

As previously mentioned, there are CPR courses that are geared towards individuals who have had their CPR certification in the past, but would like to take a refresher course simply to brush up on their skills. Certifications are typically only good for two years, so make sure that your certification is current and up-to-date.

Time Commitment

Classes will vary in length so make sure to choose wisely. It is important that the class you are taking fits your schedule. Some can be lengthy, while others you can take online at your own convenience. Regardless of which you choose, make sure that you pick one that you have time to commit to.

First Aid Kit

First AidMake sure you assemble a first aid kit for emergency situations. You should also become trained in first aid as well which will help teach you how to prepare a kit. Make sure your kit has the proper bandages and gauze, as well as sanitizer and a list of CPR instructions.

There are a number of emergencies that can occur, other than those that require CPR. Emergencies such as snake bites, cuts, and scrapes. It is always best to be prepared for any and all types of emergencies.

Those are just some basic steps you will need to take in order to become CPR certified. Many courses that are offered are free or are very low cost. You can call your local community center as well as hospitals to obtain more information as to where you can become CPR certified.

Hopefully, this will be a skill that you never have to utilize, but regardless, it is better to be prepared for any situation you may encounter.

20 Items That Belong In Your First Aid Kit

Illnesses and injuries can happen anywhere and run the risk of ruining your lake outing. Making sure you have the right first aid kit can really make a difference in how potential problems are addressed. It is always safe to make sure you are prepared and double check to make sure that you have everything that you need.

You can always pick up a ready made first aid kit from the store, but if you would like a more comprehensive kit that will prepare you for most occasions, read on.

Bandages

Cuts and scrapes can happen anytime and anywhere, especially when you are outdoors hiking the lake or even boating. You must make sure that you have everything you need to bandage up those bumps and cuts. Here are some of the bandage supplies you will need on your camping trip.
• Medical tape
• Pads for blisters
• Sterile gauze
• Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes such as butterfly bandages and triangular bandages.

Sterilization and Infection Prevention

Those cuts and scrapes that you get can soon become infected if you do not have the proper supplies to prevent that from occurring. Here are a list of items that you will need to take with you on your camping trip that will help prevent you and your family from getting an infection.
• Cotton swabs
• Prep wipes containing alcohol
• Antibacterial cream
• Hand sanitizer to use to clean your hands with before you handle the first aid kit.

Medications

Photo courtesy of Yachting Pages.

Aches and pain can happen at any time, but are especially common when you are hiking or doing any kind of physical activity. It is important to bring certain over-the-counter medications with you to help relieve pain.
• Pain relievers such as Tylenol, Aleve, or Advil.
• Digestive medication for nausea and diarrhea.
• Allergy medications

Tools and Gadgets

These tools will help you prepare bandages, remove sharp objects such as splinters, and more.
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Digital thermometer
• Safety pins

Sprays and Creams

You are bound to encounter bugs in the outdoors so it is beneficial that you have the right sprays and creams to keep those bugs away or treat bug bites.
• Anti-itch creams
• Burn relief sprays
• Bug sprays
• Petroleum jelly

Finally, adding a first aid manual to your kit will also help with anything that you may not be sure about. Purchase a large waterproof container to put your first aid supplies in and double check for everything before you go. It is better to be safe than sorry so make sure you have everything you need in case of an emergency.

For a comprehensive list of essential safety items to keep at your home, keep reading here.