First Aid Winter Tips!

This morning, as I opened my front door, I uttered the words.... "It's here".

Clearing the snow off our vehicles, and sliding about the place, I was reminded about all the things we must remember as winter sets in.

Winter first aid tips

From broken bones and sprains caused by slips, to the more extreme cases of hypothermia, there are lots of injuries that you or your loved ones may suffer as a result of icy weather.

A common injury is a sprain or strain which is when the soft tissues around the bone or joint become injured by violent or sudden movements. There may be pain and tenderness, swelling and bruising and difficulty moving the joint. 

Remember the word RICE:
Rest the affected part;
apply an Ice pack(wrapped in a tea towel) for 10 minutes;
give Comfortable support using padding and a bandage and
Elevate it to help with pain and swelling.

‘Sprains can be confused with broken bones (fractures), but a fracture generally requires more force. As well as swelling, bruising and pain, fractures can be suspected if you see a shortening, bend or twist in the limb. They tend to prevent the limb being used and a wound can appear where a bone may protrude. The body may also go into shock - a life threatening condition. 

If you are unsure whether it is a sprain, strain or fracture that you are dealing with then always treat it as a fracture. Keep the affected part still, support it with lots of padding and send the casualty to hospital.

At this time of year we sadly hear about cases of hypothermia. This is when the body temperature drops below 35C and is recognised by shivering with pale, cold, dry skin and symptoms such as disorientation, apathy or irrational behaviour; impaired consciousness, slow and shallow breathing and a weakening pulse. 

If you suspect hypothermia, replace any wet clothes with dry and re-warm the patient up slowly by giving them warm drinks and high energy foods such as chocolate.

Being Prepared

Prevention is better than cure! 

Sprains, Strains and Breaks can be avoided, or limited by ensuring you have the appropriate footwear on for the conditions you will experience. 

Wear sturdy footwear - even when driving, as you never know when or where you may be required to leave your vehicle. 

If you are going to be outside a lot, think about wearing broken in hiking boots (Boots that have been worn in, so are comfortable). A good pair of boots will turn a break into a Strain / Sprain, and a Strain / Sprain into nothing. 

Think about anti slip attachments for shoes that fit over for walking on snow. 

Stock your vehicle with blankets, food, a torch, and a good first aid kit. Consider taking a flask of warm drink (Non alcoholic!). Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged, and people know where your going when you leave.

Keep a storage of food at home, help elderly relatives and friends by shopping for them, or arranging a delivery of supplies from retailers who deliver.

Being prepared also involves learning First Aid. There are many great organisations out there with voluntary schemes for training, such as the British Heart Foundation Heartstart scheme. HSE compliant First Aid Courses are also a good idea, which are more in depth, and you get an accredited qualification from it too! 

For more information, go online to: www.centricuk.com 

The meaning of life, Christmas, and Mental Health

Monty Python holds its own opinion!

"The meaning of Life" (What is) is a question which people have struggled with for millennia.

It can only be answered with opinion, as the meaning alters per individual. Those with faith could assign the meaning to a life of service to their God, others still, may not be able to answer the question fully, or be sent into a never ending spiral of being unable to answer at all.

For me, as an individual, the meaning of life, is to bring meaning to others, and this is done by offering compassion and care for those around me, and in turn this brings me comfort and joy. Seeing others succeed brings me enjoyment and satisfaction.

As we approach Christmas, many people start to wonder what the meaning of life could be. They question things they otherwise thought they knew. Add depression and loneliness into the equation, and it is understandable how some people may start to think that there is no meaning to life at all.

As an optimist, even things which I have little enjoyment from, or even totally dislike, I get some pleasure from, in knowing it will be over soon, but I can well appreciate what it feels like to have all optimism swallowed up.

But what of those people who dread this annual time of the year, sending them into 3 months of darkness. How do they get through this?

For most, they bottle up, shut up, and baton down the hatches. Perhaps relying on diagnosis, and medication to carry them through this, a shadow of their former selves.

But there are other ways:

• Finding a meaning to life is one. Activity, company, like minded people, all go a long way to taking the edge off it all.

• Being the meaning of life is another. Having pets who love unconditionally, rebuilding bridges with family and friends, supporting others, go a long way to taking the edge off it all.

• Seeing the meaning of life is yet another. Understanding there are others in similar positions, and working to help them, or asking for help from them. Companionship, Fellowship (In a Church sense), all goes a long way to taking the edge off it all.

Often, someone suffering from depression can present a difficult challenge to motivate. The causes are mostly situational, and don't always appear as they can change.

I can testify from personal experience that activity, and environment play huge parts in this, simple things like ensuring the house is clean and tidy, or fresh paint is applied, or the right kind of lighting and heat are in the house can make a big difference with instant effects, however, I understand cleaning the house is far from a simple thing if you are unwell. Reaching out for help can sometimes resolve this.

Company, support, and encouragement are another. People like to feel cared for, needed, and more so, wanted. Envelopment into community works well and can bring about change for those suffering, especially when they are engaged in activity.

Sadly, with Christmas heading straight for us - or us heading straight for it, there is little we can do apart from embrace it, even if we dislike it.

I can't suggest singing Christmas Carols at home, or in the street, on your own, but, as a group - well, it works for me! 

If the situation does present itself to be unmanageable, then:

Be strong, know that there are those out there who would love the opportunity to have you in their lives, and will value you.

Reach out, there are people willing to listen to you, and offer support and advice where needed. Call the Samaritans  on 08457 90 90 90 . They can even help signpost you to other agencies for help.
Over Christmas, the Salvation Army becomes more active than ever - support them with your time, or contact them for support. 

If you are ex forces there are specific charities that can provide support and assistance, such as SSAFA and the RBL. Do contact me directly and Ill signpost you myself.

Know of any other agencies or tips and tricks to help others? Please do comment below!

It's nearly January already, thankfully!