Get CPR Training: A Simple Step Toward Creating Enhanced Safety

Lifeguard Rescue

Get CPR Training: A Simple Step Toward Creating Enhanced Safety

The Need For CPR Training

In recent NFL news, Buffalo Bills defensive back Damar Hamlin was involved in a scary incident in which he had to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to restart his heart. The hit wasn’t necessarily catastrophic, but the time interval in which it happened was nearly fatal. Hamlin fell victim to a condition known as commotio cordis, in which the heart gets struck with a blunt force at the wrong moment.

Fortunately, Hamlin is recovering, and his incident shed light on the importance of understanding impact injuries and having knowledge of CPR. In our sport, swimmers should understand safety measures that can help prevent and treat injuries. It is imperative that you know the signs and symptoms of physical strain and how to perform CPR.

CPR saves lives.

Drowning and CPR

Roughly 4,000 kids die every year from unintentional drowning. In competitive swimming, it is not likely for someone to drown because they don’t know how to swim. However, drowning can occur for other reasons. Holding your breath on a difficult set can lead to a lack of oxygen, making you pass out. Breathing in a gulp of water during your strokes can lead to aspiration. There are many ways which high-level swimmers could, unfortunately, drown.  For these reasons, it is crucial you are equipped with the necessary skills to combat a tragedy. CPR and life-saving resources can be found online, via sites such as the American Red Cross, which offers virtual and in-person courses. Educate yourself in case you experience a traumatic moment.

Injuries

Swimmers can endure rotator cuff or cartilage tendonitis in the shoulders, among other injuries. Usually, a shoulder injury presents itself over time. But any injury can also arise as a freak accident. University of Georgia swimmer Luca Urlando had to be hoisted out of the pool last year after dislocating his shoulder during the 100 individual medley. This situation could have turned much worse if it weren’t for the quick action of the lifeguards. It is imperative that someone with first aid and CPR certification is always present on deck in case there is the need to address an unexpected injury or accident.

Heatstroke

Swimming presents a wide variety of physical problems, some of which are due to environmental factors. During the summer months, heatstroke becomes a prevalent risk factor. Being properly hydrated, avoiding unnecessary sun exposure, and taking breaks when needed during exercise will ensure you do not succumb to heatstroke. Knowing the signs and symptoms of heatstroke is important. Some include confusion, dizziness, and high body temperature. After someone experiences heatstroke, immediately try to cool their body temperature with water or ice. During summer training, the heat can get intense inside or outside of the pool. Being aware of how to treat this condition makes the pool deck much safer.

Educate Yourself

Although our sport does not feature the obvious injury risks of football, it must be emphasized that injuries and accidents still can happen in the pool. Educating yourself on basic treatment plans can help save someone’s life. To continue to grow and cherish the sport we love, developing a safe environment is a must. One way to ensure that scenario is to get CPR training.

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Shivani
Shivani
1 year ago
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