Bandaging & Splinting Guides

Starting this week, we will begin a series of classes on bandaging & splinting.  For those looking for some reference material on the topics, these two guides - Bandaging Guide & Splinting Guide - are quite useful.  Link to the GoogleDrive folder here.

Another CPR Opportunity

Joanne Barnes pointed out another opportunity to get your CPR Cert.  Thanks Joanne!

From Joanne:

The Mountain View/Los Altos Adult School is offering two BLS (Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers) classes.  

062609 9/1 Tue 4:30PM-8:30PM 4 hrs. AdultSch/202 $50.

062610 9/11 Fri 9:00AM-1:00PM 4 hrs. AdultSch/200 $50.

To register, go to www.mvlaae.net and click the Online Registration link. They accept VISA or MasterCard.

Both classes will be held at the Adult School, 333 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View, CA 650-940-1333, between Central and Middlefield  The numbers after AdultSch are for the classrooms, both on the second floor.

CPR Class

As we discussed in class, your patrols will want you to have a CPR certification.  For our class, we want to see you have this certification by the midterm.

As we further discussed, each patrol has their own requirements - typically either the American Heart protocol or the Red Cross protocol.  You should check with your patrol to see which they want, and then sign up for that course.  As a guideline, here is what we have found common:

American Heart:  "BLS for Prehospital Providers" Example: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/HealthcareProviders/BasicLifeSupportBLS/BLS-for-Prehospital-Providers_UCM_459708_Article.jsp

For Red Cross:  "BLS for Healthcare Providers"  Example:  http://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/course-class000000005214243?ref=ux

But once again, your patrol will have the final say in which you should take.  Check with them. And then get signed up!

Assessment Flow Verbalization

As we discussed in class, many candidates find it a useful learning aide to sit down & write out the assessment flow as they would perform it. 

If this suits your learning style, I'd recommend it.  A candidate from a couple years ago, Piotr, created a nice version.  Link here.

I'd recommend you take a cut at your own first, but you can use this as a reference.  And, of course, make the time to practice this critical skill.

Class Presentations & Materials

Several of you have asked about getting a copy of the class materials.  We'll post the class powerpoint and related class materials here.

Good Week #1

Nice work, candidates, on completing week #1.

As we discussed, top priority now is to become comfortable with the patient assessment "flow".  Don't worry too much about speed at this point; we'll work on that soon.  For now focus on committing the baseline assessment procedure to memory and being able to execute it at a moment's notice.  As a wise man once said: "know the flow like you know your name".




The best approach for most is to get as much practice as possible - walking through it verbally by repeating it to yourself often, and getting practical experience with your friends, family, pets, etc.

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday and hearing how it went.

Specifics on Class Location at the NetApp Campus

As you know from the tab above, we'll hold the class at NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Specifically, we'll be in the Java7 building cafeteria.  Our host provided these instructions/directions:

"...As you turn on Crossman from Java, the first set of buildings on
your left hand side are Java 1 and 2. Then there is a parking
garage and Java 7 followed by Java 8. I'd suggest to people that
they park between Java 7 and Java 8 and go into the
Cafeteria directly from the side entrance..."

Preparations for Class Start Next Week

We have 13 candidates and great instructor crew assembled and are looking forward to a great class.  In preparation for the start of class next week, I'd like to point out/reiterate a few items to focus on: 

- As you know, our first class is next Tuesday, Aug. 18.  We'll start class at 7PM, but I'd advise you show up a 15 mins or so early to take care of some paperwork, get to know a few folks, and get settled.  Note also that this week only, class is on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.  Tuesday and Thursday thereafter.  Location specifics/directions on the blog. 

- As you saw in the "Class Materials" section of the blog, be sure you have read the initial chapters in the book, and in particular, it's particularly important to spend some extra time to read and fully digest the "Guide to Assessment".   Assessment is a foundation of medical treatment, and is critical to have down 100% so that you can determine and direct appropriate treatment.  We spend the first class sessions on this important skill, and it's important that you arrive at class with this well studied so that we can hit the ground running.

- As you also saw in the blog, our class is driven in large part by scenarios - simulated situations where you'll be applying the skills you're learning in class.  With this approach, you'll get dirty - spending time on the floor, with moulage, etc.  As such, it's best to wear old clothes that you're comfortable exposing to such situations. 

- Finally, we have a set of supplies you'll be receiving Tuesday. Bring something to carry it all in such as what's described in the blog, i.e. backpack good; shopping bag not. 

Looking forward to having you all in class this year.  Shoot me a note with any questions you may have,
Bill

2015 Class Course Preparations

We're looking forward to a great class this year.  It looks like we'll end up with 10 - 12 candidates and another great instructor crew. 

As we near the class start, here are a few specifics to note.   We'll post future updates here as well, so be sure to check regularly.

- As you know, the class we be held August 18 to November 14, 2015.  We'll meet 2 nights/week, usually on Tuesday and  Thursday nights, from 7 to 10, plus one weekend. The class syllabus is posted on the tab above.

- The class will be held at the NetApp campus in Sunnyvale.  Address and map are posted on the tab above.  Thanks to NetApp for the support.

- Guidelines for pre-class preparation are posted on the "Course Materials" tab above.   Be sure to give this a close read, and budget the time for the preparation it suggests.  Take special note of the reading required before the first class.  Getting a head start on the book reading will pay big dividends.  And specifically, please be sure to fully read and digest the "Guide to Assessment" prior to the first class. 

- Most patrols require a CPR certification.  For this year's class, we'll require CPR certification before the midterm (Oct 3).   Note the guidelines on the "Course Materials" tab above.  We'll also discuss further in class.

We're looking forward to meeting you all and having a great class this year.  If you have any questions, feel free to shoot me a note.