Okay RV RN's, MD's or first responders - I have a question. - RV-Dreams Community Forum

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Okay RV RN's, MD's or first responders - I have a question.

LibertyLinda · RV-Dreams Family Member

What is everyone's experience regarding having first aide kits &/or AED's?

As a RN I will probably have a first aide kit & CPR mask, BP cuff/stethoscope with me. I checked into AED's and refurbished ones start at $750 - yikes!

So I guess my question is how far do I let my RN desire to be prepared go? I have not been to a campground with an AED that I am aware of, so is there a need for this type of preparation, given that your 9-1-1 EMS could be very far away?

I am thinking more intently about this topic since its winter hmm and I am preparing for next year's departure aww .

Of course, all Dreamers, I would love to hear your input & feedback on the need for this, etc. wink

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

You just never know when you'll be needed. Anything you can bring to the table is a big plus.

We were in Snyder TX at a Winnebago rally headed to dinner with dear friends....she collapsed in the back seat. We stopped got her out and I stated chest compression's and her husband did mouth to mouth. Personally I don't think I did a very good job but starting within a minute must have made the difference. EMT crews arrived shortly. She received a new heart a year later and is still going strong today. Many years before I was a volunteer fireman and had taught CPR.

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

as a EMT-P I feel your dilemma. Is the AED gonna be for a personal need? ie: are you traveling with someone where sudden cardiac arrest is likely or is it something to have in your kit in case your suddenly confronted with the situation?
To me the cost of an AED would be prohibitive to have "just in case".
I try to pay attention for AED signs or the actual devices when checking in at a campground. We did have several at our last work camping gig but that was at a tourist attraction where you would expect that type of thing. The unfortunate part of that is there were two witnessed arrests while I was working but I was in a different area, never notified and found out about them only after EMS arrived. Sure does hurt when you are close, trained to do the correct treatment and willing to help but never get the call that help was needed. The people did receive help but it was from a bystander (off duty police officer) until EMS arrived.

I have a small kit but, frankly, it does not leave the rig with us when we are out and about. I guess it would help if we happened to be at the campground but I think it's more likely you will be confronted with situations outside the campground rather then inside, just my opinion. They make small shields to protect you when doing respiration during CPR but I have no experience with them. I used to carry a "pocket mask" but when trying to use it couldn't get a good seal and it was pretty worthless.
To me your past training, experience and willingness to help is the main thing. "Do as much as you can with what you have until help arrives"is my motto.
One thing you may add to your list is an "epi-pen".

Phil

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I used to keep an ALS jump bag on my RV.......now I keep an industrial First aid kit with a few ad ons......the sad part to responding is the Good Samaritan act has grey areas once you become a professional and in a world where a lawsuit could arise I would not step over the line of basic life support......what is legal to do in one state is not in another.

AED is a great piece of equipment and saved many lives.....but if it failed to operate during your rescue or malfunctioned would your liability insurance cover it.......if one is available on site I would use it if not CPR is the only choice.

If you have an epi-pen your patient has to be alert/oriented X2 and they must self administer it.....same with insulin or inhalers.

its a sad world we live in when we have to think twice before doing the right thing... its even sadder when we do the right thing and then have to back away and hope nobody saw us do it or know who we are !!

LibertyLinda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Phil,
Yes, I was thinking of the AED for the "just in case" - until I saw the price! An epi-pen is a great suggestion.

Lucky Mike,
I guess I thought Good Samaritan laws applied everywhere. I always thought I would be in more trouble standing by than trying to help if they found out I was a RN.

el Rojo,
I like the thought of doing the best you can with what you have. I would not be able to afford a AED.

Thanks for the thoughts. Its one of those things you pray you will never encounter, and I do.