BLS Class

Tuesday I took a BLS, or Better Life Support class. I learned what to do in the event of a choking or cardiac arrest. I also learned how to use a manual defibrillator, and AED, a pocket mask, and a bag mask!!

This is a dummy with the AED pads attached. The AED tells you when to give a shock, stop compressions, and start compressions.

This is a bag mask. You would only use it in the event of a two-person rescue.

If it was just you, by yourself with an adult heart attack victim, you would:

1. Shake the victim. Call loudly, "Sir/Ma'am, can you hear me?"
2. Get a passerby to call for help. Alert another to find an AED.
3. If you get no response, feel by the trachea for a pulse. This should take no more than 10 seconds. Time is important.
4. If  you find no pulse, immediately start chest compressions. These take a lot of energy. Count out loud.
5. Once you've done thirty compressions, allowing chest recoil time, give two breaths. If you don't have a pocket mask, seal your lips around the victim's and breathe twice. Watch for the chest to rise and fall. 
6. Attach the AED pads under the left nipple and above the right.
7. The AED will instruct you to stand back, and it will shock the victim.
8. Wait for the AED to reanalyze.
9. Resume compressions, if the AED tells you to.
10. Repeat this cycle  until you see the victim breathing normally or until EMTS arrive.

So, as you can see, I had a lot of steps to remember! I also had to practice chocking rescue, and we practiced on adult, toddler, and infant dummies. Then we took a 25 question test. I was pretty nervous, as I was the only kid there, but I passed.

I am now a certified healthcare professional!!

Photos For 4-H

I'm sick. :(
 And instead of laying on the couch, I am posting. For you. :D 
Actually, I need your help! 
Comment and tell me which picture(s) should be submitted to the
4-H  Photo Contest! 

(1) My kitty Marion

(2) Oak Alley Plantation

(3) Henny Penny

(4) love

(5) Oak Alley , looking up

(6) inside a vase

4-H Food Extravaganza

    Every year I post about the District Food Extravaganza, but this year it's different. I'm a 4-H Senior, this wonderful age  limit between 14-18 that allows us to go to State!! WhooHoo! So, if you place first at county, and first at District, you have a chance at State. Sadly, I placed second. :(

However... I PLACED FIRST WITH MY FOOD CHALLENGE TEAM! WE'RE GOING TO STATE!!

My team

 It was so much fun and I can't wait for State! My team is super nice and I think we all work together well.
We couldn't believe it when they called our names. We were clapping, and then Katelynn said,"Wait-that's us! We won!"

All the people from our county who participated. We were up against a lot of competition.