Yesterday's post suggested that you should take advantage of training from the Red Cross that will be useful for emergency situations. This includes First Aid and CPR, both of which should be learned by everyone.
After you have your certification cards, though, be careful about the situations in which you use those life-saving skills, as you could actually be jeopardizing your own life. Any time you administer aid to another person, you expose yourself to him or her in a compromising position. If an in-custody criminal defendant collapses to the floor, for example, restrain the impulse to rush to his aid, as it may be a ruse to obtain an improvised weapon or a hostage. This is not to say that you shouldn't help those in distress -- just be careful and alert when doing so. In risky situations, proceed only when you can ascertain that it is safe to do so. If you can summon others to provide help (and to watch your back), this is best.
After you have your certification cards, though, be careful about the situations in which you use those life-saving skills, as you could actually be jeopardizing your own life. Any time you administer aid to another person, you expose yourself to him or her in a compromising position. If an in-custody criminal defendant collapses to the floor, for example, restrain the impulse to rush to his aid, as it may be a ruse to obtain an improvised weapon or a hostage. This is not to say that you shouldn't help those in distress -- just be careful and alert when doing so. In risky situations, proceed only when you can ascertain that it is safe to do so. If you can summon others to provide help (and to watch your back), this is best.
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