Killing with Kindness

An adolescent boy fell off of his bicycle passing the bus stop this morning. He scraped his knee, tore his pants, hurt his wrist. He was shaken, but not hysterical. Mostly, he was worried about getting in trouble for the torn pants.

There were four of us Moms nearby when it happened, and while none of us ran to him, we went to him quickly to be sure he was alright. The Mom who lived closest got her first aid kit, while the type-A Mom rolled up his pant leg and called the boy’s mother. While she was on the phone with the mother (who, by the way, seemed completely unconcerned), I said, “Ask her if he has any allergies.” Type-A Mom shushed me and waved me off. Meanwhile, the first aid kit arrived and what looked like an alcohol wipe was quickly making its way to the boy’s bloody knee. I spoke up, “We don’t know if he has any allergies. What’s in that?”

“It’s just an alcohol wipe.”

“Are you sure?” I read the label. Sure enough, it was an anti-bacterial wipe with benzalkonium in it (its a preservative added to lengthen shelf-stability). “This stuff would send my daughter to the ER with a tube sticking out of her throat. Don’t put that on him.”

Type-A Mom said, “Well, at least put a band aid on it.”

“No,” I said. “Let it bleed until he gets to the nurse’s office at school. The bleeding will help get rid of any debris in there, and he might have a latex allergy. The nurse will know his medical history.” Also, my brain is screaming at me at this point, “SERIOUSLY?! He fell of his bike! Who hasn’t done that?!”

I got an eye roll and a nasty stare from Type-A Mom, but I couldn’t care less. First aid Mom said, “Wow, I didn’t know there was anything else in there. I better check all this stuff. Thanks for pointing that out.”

Do I really think the kid would’ve gone into anaphylaxis over a band aid? No. Was I willing to make a very minor situation much, much worse to keep blood off the kid’s socks? Absolutely not.

The kid had an airway. He was upright, talking, and aware. He was oozing blood, not squirting it. His lips were pink, he was still griping his lunch box and worried about getting his bike fixed.

Now, let’s wipe the kid with something he’s allergic to. He’s now flopping on the ground, peeing himself, clawing his throat for air, and banging his head against the concrete while we hope and pray an ambulance crew can get there in time to open his throat with a pen knife and straw.

“But it was just a fall off a bike,” you say. “Why be so dramatic?” you say.

The bike wreck was not dramatic. We could’ve made it dramatic by applying something to this child, without his mother’s consent, that he’s allergic to. We could’ve shut down this kid’s airway over a scraped knee.

Thankfully, Type-A Mom was there, because she quickly loaded the kid, bike and all, into her van and drove him to school (with his mother’s permission.) She wanted to do something. She wanted to help. God bless folks like her, because they do a lot of good in this world. Acting quickly and decisively is important…as long as its done rationally.

Yes, show compassion. Please be kind and concerned and loving. If there’s something threatening life or limb, please act swiftly and call 911. If my kid falls off her bike in your front yard, call me and offer her an ice pack…

…but don’t kill her because you don’t want blood on her socks.

Staying Smart(er than me) In the Summertime Heat

Picture it: a beautiful July morning, puffy white clouds in the sky, sun shine, and time to kill.  What a great day to go out for a run.

It is, in fact, a great day for a run if you use your head.  Let me tell you how to not use your brain.

Wake up in just enough time to get dressed for a strenuous exercise class which will last an hour.  Eat no breakfast.  Drink no water before class.  During the class, be sure to sweat buckets.  After the class, while the sun is busy heating and lighting the earth, drink one glass of water and eat one slice of cold pizza.  Now head out into the sun, sunscreen slathered on, of course, and have a nice little outing.  Never mind the brightness of the sun, the sweat that can’t escape and evaporate off your skin, or the fact that you are strangely not thirsty.  Decide to end your run when your head begins to hurt.  When you get home, do your best to drink more water while ignoring the pain forming in your belly and head.  Congratulations.  You’ve just given yourself a heat injury.

Most people don’t know that eating good, healthful food is just as vital to proper hydration as water.  Salt helps keep the balance of water in and in between the cells in your body.  Electrolytes, among other things, help to ensure the proper rhythm of your heart beat and brain function.  Fat helps in the absorption and metabolism of vitamins A, D, E, and K.  K= blood clotting, D= bone strength, A + E= assistance with skin repair.  I’m no scientist, but I think I’d probably not enjoy bleeding to death.  Vitamins B and C are water-soluble vitamins.  Vitamin C helps your skin, immune system, connective tissue strengthening.  B= brain protection and more.  These vitamins can be obtained by supplements, however, they are more readily and efficiently absorbed when accompanied together and from food.

A word about drinks-

The average person, eating a well-balanced diet, engaging in activity for less than an hour, does not need sports drinks.  However, after strenuous activity, such drinks can be useful in helping to restore lost electrolytes.  Sugary, caffeinated drinks cause an imbalance of the water in your system; they actually pull water out of you while also filling you full of useless calories.  Coconut water can be a natural source of both water, electrolytes, and trace sugars which can aid in hydration during exercise.

Hydration cannot be “crammed” for like a test.  It must be an ongoing, steady process; the average adult male who works in an office environment requires no less than 3 quarts of water to maintain proper body function, while a female of average build requires 2 liters.  Add exercise, stress, medication, and any other biological function to the mix and the requisite water intake goes up.

Also of note: you can’t make a wet towel soak water.  What does that mean to you?  It means that if you’re sweating and the relative humidity outside is high, you’ll not be cooled as mother nature intended.  Sweat is meant to evaporate.  If the air is already soaked, you’re stuck with the sweat and the heat that goes along with it.

So…this is what I should have done to avoid becoming a heat casualty…

The night before, I should have eaten a healthful dinner and perhaps a banana before bed, all washed down with lots of water.  I should have woken up early enough to eat a non-sugary breakfast and had some water.  During the exercise class, I should have drank water as I was thirsty, followed up by a cup or two of sports drink and a whole food snack.  I should not have gone for the run due to my previous exertion in the class, the relative humidity outside, the temperature, and the fact that my brain was screaming at me not to.

Superior Personal Defense sells lots of products to help you keep a ready supply of water and calories.  They have personal water carriers, boxes of emergency water, high-calorie foods filled with nutrients and electrolytes.

They do not, however, sell common sense.

(aew)

Home Emergency Kits

Everyone needs a home emergency kit, especially rational, reasonable people.  If you know someone who is seriously waiting for the Zombie Apocalypse, that guy probably has a stash of water bottles and baseball bats…you should have the Thinking Man’s version, too.  No matter what part of the world you live in, Mother Nature is not afraid to show who’s boss. Climate, social, and political emergencies are very real possibilities and the survival of your family can depend upon your level of preparation.  Have a plan and update it regularly; include your extended family members in your planning, as travel may be necessary.

The most basic home survival kits contain very similar items that are suggested for your vehicle’s emergency kits, only on a much more extensive scale.  As always, if you have firearms or weapons in your home, keep them clean, maintained, equiped (with lots of readily available ammo and spare parts) within reach of yourself but not your children.  Follow all local, state, and federal laws regarding your weapons.

Your emergency kit should be re-evaluated semi-annually (just like your smoke detector batteries) to account for the expiration of foods, medicines, supplies, and the growth/aging situations of your family.  Packing Little Johnny’s hiking boots is fine, but if Little Johnny was 2 when you put them in the kit, he won’t appreciate them if he’s 15 and having an emergency…

Here are some basics:

one or two large duffle bags or plastic tubs to keep your items secure and within reach;

water: enough water for each person in your house to have one gallon of drinking water for up to three weeks (don’t forget your pet) and several gallons of water (potable or not) for washing and bathing; water purification tablets (enough to purify one gallon of water per person per day for up to six weeks)

food: enough dried or canned food to offer each person in your house between 1500 and 2500 calories per day for up to three weeks (Meals Ready to Eat, canned food, dried food…just be sure you have a can opener); protein bars and protein powders would be reasonable and store well.  Don’t forget your pet’s food, either.

medications;

blankets, changes of clothing (don’t forget diapers if you have little ones); hats, gloves, socks, etc are important, too.

an emergency hand cranked radio or batteries for an existing radio in your home;

well-stocked first aid kits;  these include emergency blankets, tourniquets, anti-venom; antiseptics, sun screen, and all manner of bandages; dust masks and respirators

toiletries (not perfume! toilet paper, bars of soap, razors, etc.  The quickest way to infection and illness is poor hygiene);

two or three large buckets (these can be used for washing up and in extreme cases, toilets);

candles and matches, including a 30 hour candle which can be used for cooking and heating

one bath towel per person (these can have a multitude of purposes);

flares and/or flare gun; glow sticks; LED flashlights

masking and electrical tape; tarp; twine; fixed blade knife

multiple fire extinguishers

toys and books for children (this will assist with their morale and well-being in cases of emergency)

Basic Items to Have Within Reach of Your Home in Case of Emergency

wood (both for burning and securing your doors and windows);

a source of heat that does not rely on electricity or an outside fuel source: a generator and enough fuel to run the generator two or three hours per day for three to ten days (store fuel in a safe, ventilated area)

basic tools and home repair items: hammers, nails, saws, axes, etc.

Basic Actions to Take at the Onset of an Emergency in Your Area

If you are told by Emergency or Law Enforcement Personnel to evacuate, DO AS THEY SAY.  …and say “thank you”…

If you are stranded in your house, and feel that you must maintain your home as a stronghold for whatever reason:

1) lock your doors and windows.  turn off all unnecessary electrical devices.

2) fill your bathtubs with as much water as they will hold.  This will greatly extend your water supply.

3)find a small way to keep your home ventilated.  …either with a small window off the ground or by opening an attic vent.

4)pay attention to your surroundings.  Be on the lookout for fires, emergency personnel, and watch what other people are doing.  You don’t necessarily want to do what they are doing, but you’d better know what they are up to.

5)Stay calm.  Think before you make unnecessary noises, decisions, etc.

5)if its cold outside, consolidate your living space to one or two rooms; tack up blankets to preserve heat in the area you’ve chosen (remember: heat rises, so a top floor room may be best here).  Conversely, if its hot outside, keep air flowing as much as possible and stay in the lower areas of your home.  Children, pets, and the elderly are especially sensitive to temperature extremes.

(thank you to Jim Lane and Tony Combest for your assistance)

None of Their Business

The choice to carry a firearm, whether open or concealed, is a very personal one.  When you make the choice to take your weapon out of its case and carry it with you into a public situation, you are choosing a sky-high level of personal responsibility that can have wide-ranging social implications.

Simply choosing a weapon for personal protection is a monumental decision.  This is your protection, your life-line in a life or death situation.  This piece of metal (and plastic, increasingly) could be the only thing that stops a thug from taking your kids.  You’d better really like and be familiar with your chosen weapon.  As often as possible, you should take your weapon to a shooting range and practice, practice, practice.

Your choice of carry is just as personal.  If you are fortunate enough to live in a state that respects the rights of law abiding citizenry, you have the opportunity to take a class and carry a firearm on your person.  (except where prohibited, of course: federal buildings, schools, etc.)  Once you have your concealed carry permit, the next decision you make is how you’ll conceal your weapon.    There are a lot of experts (and those who simply have really, really big mouths) who will try to tell you how you should carry.  Keep this in mind: if you wouldn’t let a stranger feel you up and tell you which pair of undies to buy, then don’t let them dictate your manner of carry.  More than likely, your manner of carry will evolve and change over time or with personal habits.  Shoulder and ankle holsters, hip and back packs, purses, shirts, paddles: each person must take the time (and let’s face it-money) to learn which works best for their body type and comfort.

This is not to say that there are NOT experts out there, to whom you should pay a GREAT deal of attention.  Find a reputable instructor in your area.  If you’re not sure where to begin, ask your local law enforcement agency who they would recommend.  These classes are an investment, and will cost you as such, but investments, by definition, have a large pay-off.  Your pay-offs for investing in solid classes are manifest: you will have confidence in your decisions, you will have the knowledge required for wise choices and decisions, you will increase familiarity with your weapon’s abilities and limitations, you will be more familiar with the laws and standards in your state, and you will have made a personal contact with whom you can continue to befriend and ask questions.  In short, classes make you less of a hazard to yourself and others; they make you smarter, which will save lives.

Law-abiding and peaceful citizens have the right (not the privilege) to carry weapons according to the Constitution.  Your state will determine your capacity to conceal your weapon-as well as what types are legal- on your person.  Personal responsibility requires education, calm and rational thought, and the willingness to listen to the law, yourself, and your instructor.  (aew)

…a post with similar theme…and pictures!…

Simple and Safe Holidays

The holidays can be a wonderful time of year; family and shopping and festivities are a welcome diversion from our year-long toils.  Here are some simple reminders to help you enjoy your shopping trips and family time.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Be aware of your surroundings.  Know who is around you, why they are there, and where the exits are. At. All. Times.

Shop with a friend or two whenever possible.  There is a great deal of truth to the Safety in Numbers rule.

Don’t overload your arms with packages. If you need to, make trips out to your car and store your packages in the trunk.  Keep your hands and arms free to defend yourself if you need to.

Follow the B-Rated Horror Movie Rules: if you’d jump up at the dumb person for going in the basement or the parking garage alone, or if you’d roll your eyes at the female trying to run through the ice and snow in heels, or if you’d throw your popcorn at the individual who failed to do the obvious, safe, and smart thing: DON’T BE THAT PERSON.  Be smarter than that.  Common sense will save you from a lot of trouble.

Park near lights and look under your car (from a distance) to make sure no one’s hiding to grab your ankles.

Before you leave the safety of the mall or store, have your keys in your hand.  Standing by your car digging for keys will make you a target.

If you choose to keep a weapon, know where it is and have it readily available.  Whether you carry a firearm, knife, a spray, or just a whistle, it will do you no good at all if you can’t find it or have to fumble for it.

Keep an emergency cold weather kit in your trunk or backseat. Candles, all-weather matches, blankets, jumper cables, battery or crank operated radio and flashlights, flares, water, canned food (with opener), and specific food you might need for infants, children, or pets.  This sounds like a lot, but it will fit nicely in a medium-sized plastic tub.

Know the weather forecast and plan on the weatherman being dead wrong.  Because they often are.

When traveling, tell someone your planned route as well as your back up route.

Remember that the holidays can be a stressful time; this can lead to family squabbles and negative emotions.  Keep calm, don’t overdo the alcohol, and when in doubt: walk away and take deep breaths.   If you know Uncle Lester will insist of defending politics to the death, try not to talk about politics.  …try religion, instead.  ;)

(aew)

personal defense 101

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Give the gift of safety this Christmas; a class or gift certificate for the one you love could be the best gift ever!  We offer a variety of holsters, armor, and armorer services, too.

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…and for your reading enjoyment, here’s a little something about guns and cookies…always a winning combination.  :)