CPR Training Tips: Signs of Choking

CPR Training - Red Safety & Security

CPR Training Tips: Signs of Choking

Choking is one of the leading causes of accidental death in the United States. People of all ages can experience choking, but the most susceptible to death by choking are small children under the age of 5 and older adults. If administered quickly enough, CPR is an effective way to eliminate the choking hazard and possibly save a life. 

Here are four of the most common signs of serious choking to look for before administering CPR: 

Uncontrollable Coughing 

Coughing caused by choking is different than a cough from a cold or flu. If something is blocking a person’s airway, the body’s natural response is to get rid of the object by coughing it out. According to Healthline, if you notice someone presenting uncontrollable coughing, check for additional symptoms such as bluish skin, loss of consciousness, the inability to speak or cry, wheezing, a weak cough, and panic. All of these may indicate a severe choking situation that needs immediate attention. 

Struggling to Breathe 

It is important to keep in mind that choking does not always cause a cough. Sometimes the object in the airway may be too large, making it impossible to cough. Or, if the person’s breathing is severely compromised, they may drift in and out of consciousness and be unable to cough at all. The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is especially helpful for clearing the airway at this stage. To successfully perform the Heimlich maneuver, stand behind the choking person, and wrap your arms around their waist. Then, make a fist with one hand over the person’s belly button, grasp the fist with your other hand, and give quick bursts of 6-10 abdominal thrusts to attempt to dislodge the object. 

Grasping Throat

Grasping the throat is an indication of choking when the person is unable to speak. Alongside the other choking signs, it is safe to assume that the person is choking and needs immediate help. Failure to call an ambulance or administer back blows (five firm strikes between the shoulder blades while supporting the person’s chest) may result in loss of consciousness. 

Passing Out 

Depending on how long the person has been choking, they may experience loss of consciousness and pass out. If the person is unresponsive, place them on their back and tilt their head back to raise their chin and open their airway. Check inside their mouth to see if there is a visible object that is blocking their airway, but never reach inside their throat to try and remove anything yourself unless it is clearly inside the mouth, not the throat. Call for help and administer chest compressions to stabilize the person while you wait. 

Performing the Heimlich maneuver and properly administering CPR can save a person experiencing choking symptoms. No matter your work or lifestyle, it is always beneficial to be prepared for choking situations so that you can be of assistance to someone in need and potentially save a life. 

Red Safety offers CPR training and first aid classes in Renton, Tukwila, and the surrounding areas. Sign up for one of our private classes today! 

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Top Myths About Home Security Systems – Part 2

Home Security Myths - Red Safety & Security

Top Myths About Home Security Systems – Part 2

Many homeowners have reservations when it comes to home security systems. Although security systems have been around for years, so have several myths about them. To help you better understand the ins and outs of home security, we are continuing our list of the top myths about home security systems and why they aren’t true: 

Myth: Security Systems Come With Unreasonable Contracts

While some companies may charge higher for around the clock monitoring or high-tech equipment, the average cost for a good home security system is much lower than you’d think, and you can purchase one without a contract if that’s what you’re looking for. 

Many people want to avoid long-term contracts for different reasons. Whatever the reason, opting for a home security system without contracts may be the best way to test whether a home security system is right for you. Companies like Abode, Simplisafe, and Cove offer contract-free security systems with 24/7 monitoring at a low monthly cost. 

Myth: Home Security Systems Can Be Glitchy 

For the most part, you don’t need to worry about your home security system glitching if it is installed properly. To be extra sure that the system is running correctly, you may want to test it once a month to check that you don’t have low batteries or wiring problems. 

Myth: Guns Are Better Than Home Security Systems

When it comes to protection, guns can be effective; But only if you’re ready. Many break-ins happen at night, which means you could be sleeping and not have the proper reaction time. Plus, guns may not deter crime as much as the clear signage of an installed home security system.

Myth: My House is Too Old for Modern Security Systems 

In the past, home security systems were more invasive than the ones today, with intricate installation and internal wiring. Now, security systems can almost always be installed in any home, new or old. This is especially true of wireless systems, which are just as effective as wired ones and offer impressive smartphone compatibility perks. 

At Red Safety, we take home security seriously. Our team of experts can help you decide on which security system is right for you and your home. We are located in Tukwila, Washington, and proudly serve the Greater Seattle Area. Schedule a consultation with us today to help protect your home and give you the peace of mind you deserve. 

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Life-Saving CPR Tips

CPR Training - Red Safety & Security

Life-Saving CPR Tips

It’s always best to be prepared in case of emergencies. While no one wants to imagine anyone in physical distress, being well-equipped with CPR knowledge gives you the power to save someone’s life potentially. Here are some life-saving CPR tips to take note of:

  1. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness

If you notice anyone who appears to be in distress, start by assessing the situation. First, check the person for responsiveness. If the individual does not respond to basic questions or taps on the shoulder, try to check their breathing. Clear their airways by tilting the person’s head slightly upward and then listen for their breaths. According to the American Red Cross, gasping for air or choking sounds is not considered breathing.

2. Perform Chest Compressions

The chest compressions guidelines are pretty much the same for adults, children, and infants (but not newborns 4 weeks and under). Start by placing the person on a flat surface on their back. Kneel beside them, close to the chest region, and put the palm of one hand on the center of the person’s chest between the nipples. Then, place your opposite hand on top of the first one, keep your elbows straight, and begin compressions using your upper body’s weight. The compressions should be about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, if rescue breaths are not administered. If they are, then the guidelines suggest 30 compressions to two rescue breaths.

3. Administer Rescue Breaths

Rescue breaths can be given through mouth to mouth or mouth to nose, depending on the circumstances. If administering mouth to mouth, pinch the person’s nose closed so that the air is sealed during the breaths. Two breaths are meant to be given following 30 compressions. Watch for a rise in the person’s chest following the rescue breaths. If you do see a rise, wait for the chest to fall again before resuming the process.

4. Repeat if Necessary

If the person is still struggling to breathe after completing the above steps, continue the process while waiting for professional medical help. If there is an AED on hand, you may need to use it at this point.

5. Use AED if Necessary

The AED is an automated external defibrillator that can assess the injured person’s heart rate and determine whether a shock or continued CPR is necessary. AEDs come with detailed instructions, as well as voice prompts and directions for the user. Keep in mind that AED usage is intended for use only on people 8 years and older and that nothing and no one may touch the person while the electric currents are given.

While all of these tips are important to learn, the most crucial step is calling 911 immediately. Administering CPR is a means of stabilizing a person in need while awaiting professional medical help. If there are any signs of a person in a health crisis, always call 911 first thing.

Whether you’re just learning CPR or looking for a refresher, consider signing up for one of our CPR training courses at Red Safety. We offer CPR classes year-round, including the option to schedule a private lesson in Seattle, Renton, and Tukwila, Washington. To schedule a class with us today, simply fill out our online contact form, and we will be in touch shortly. Thank you for taking the time to potentially save a life, and we look forward to seeing you there!

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Qolsys IQ Panel 2 – Advanced Security System Features

Qolsys Quality of Life - Red Safety & Security

Qolsys IQ Panel 2 – Advanced Security System Features

Whether you’re at home or away, it’s always a good idea to have the best home security system on your side. The new Qolsys IQ Panel 2 is one of the top home security systems on the market, with smartphone capability, camera installations, and window sensors, all controlled in a user-friendly touchscreen wall mount. 

Here is an overview of the impressive features the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 has to offer:

User-Friendly Panel for All Ages

If you have young children living in your home, it can be stressful to ensure that they understand how to arm and disarm your home security system. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 kept this in mind when designing their new user-friendly panel that makes controlling your system as easy as pressing a button. 

To disarm the system, users simply type in their four-digit code on the touchscreen. An alert and a photo of the person will be sent to the account holder’s smartphone and anyone else’s phone that is set up for alerts. This real-time response gives peace of mind to homeowners and parents, allowing for the constant monitoring and updates that the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 provides. 

Bluetooth and Home Integration Functions 

One of the most popular features in newer home security systems is smartphone compatibility, especially with Bluetooth. By setting up the app on your phone, you’ll be able to control the main functions of the security system, all on your smartphone or tablet. The Bluetooth feature can also sense a user’s arrival or departure from home, arming, or disarming accordingly. Plus, users can set automatic controls for lighting and heating or cooling. 

Intelligent Automation to Sync with Your Lifestyle 

The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 hosts a platform that allows for seamless, intelligent automation features controlled by your smartphone. This platform is known as Z-Wave Plus, and it will enable users to pair their Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with hundreds of smart devices. A few examples of device pairings made possible with Panel 2 are lighting, thermostats, garage door functions, and even door locks. 

Smart Motion Detection to Keep Your Home Secure

Motion sensors are excellent for keeping track of who comes or goes to ensure that nothing suspicious goes unnoticed. The Qolsys IQ Panel 2 detects body heat when someone enters a room. Users can set basic commands to turn on a light when someone walks in, or when they’re away, it will sound the alarm if a movement is detected. 

At Red Safety, our goal is to equip our customers with the home security systems that best fit their needs. We offer a number of security options from top-of-the-line providers, including the Qolsys IQ Panel 2. To learn more about the latest home security technology, check out Qolsys’ informational video: 

If you’re looking to add a security system to your home, schedule a consultation today by calling us at 888-557-5167. Let us give you the peace of mind you desire here at Red Safety, located near Seattle, Washington.

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