As I was saying a few weeks ago . . .
I could be ready to undertake CPR or, in a public building, ready to deploy an AED properly. That means learning how to do both . . .
Ā . . . and, for buildings that I frequent, that also means learning where the AED is.
I have no photographic evidence, but I’m working on the second part of this too. It’s harder than the one-day course because it’s an ongoing activity that requires me to do something I’m not naturally good at: noticing my surroundings.
Taking this class was, I think, an example of what psychologists call “the exercise of personal agency”.
Personal agency is the feeling and ability to control one’s own actions and influence their own circumstances, even if those actions are limited by external factors.
It’s the belief that one has the power to shape their own life and achieve desired outcomes.
Essentially, it’s the mindset and actions that enable individuals to take initiative and make a difference in their lives.
– That pesky automatic AI search function that has about 5 links for every assembled snippet (all bolding added)
I can’t control external factors–like whether someone has a cardiac arrest in the next room–but I can take initiative and thereby make a difference in my life and, potentially, in someone else’s, too.
My certificate (and the learning and new capabilities it documents) isn’t much, but it’s a start. If my goal of acting more effectively in an emergency could be defined in mathematical terms, then completing this class would be described as necessary but not sufficient. In psychological terms, on the other hand, the start could be everything. One action, however small, supports the sense of agency; the sense of agency, in turn, encourages more actions. Or, as someone said . . .
The journey of a thousand miles
begins with one step.
– Lao Tzu (attribution)
First, let me say that I despise cellphones. I resent the way they take over people’s lives, so that they are glued to that little screen even when sharing coffee with a friend. I consider cellphones a form of addiction.
But…..
My loved ones now insist that I take my cellphone with me, whenever I go out. If, at my age, I should fall, I might break something. Be unable to get up, to help myself. I need a way of calling for help.
So now I carry my cellphone. It too is a form of preparedness for emergency.
Jim T – I feel your pain. For all their utility, cellphones are a hazard, too. But given the choice between staying in sight of people at all times or carrying your cellphone, I understand your determination of the lesser evil. Oh, and just don’t fall. š
Jim T – Here’s something I just came across: a review of options of smartwatches for kids. Some have location tracking and basic texting. As we get older, I wonder whether something like this might meet the needs of family who worry about us, while not imposing a cellphone-carrying requirement on us. https://www.parents.com/smartwatch-vs-smartphone-for-kids-11757093?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us
Congratulations on educating yourself about an important device and procedure! When they were first deployed, the AED installations seemed more noticeable. As you point out, I probably stopped noticing. After reading your post, I will try harder to notice them. A little tick you can add to your difference-making.
Judith – I feel better knowing that staff in public buildings know where the AED/s is/are. If I can holler, they can bring it. OTOH, situational awareness is a skill much needed in my life, for sure.
Isabel
Kudos to you for taking the course. Who knows when and where your skills might be needed. By the way, I wear an Apple Watch, and it has “fall detection”.
Tom
Tom – Great idea! (Maybe Jim T would like to switch to an Apple watch and leave his cellphone behind?)
Good for you, Isabel. Now, I feel remiss. Although the status quo here is palliative. You have raised my level of awareness, too. As you always, do!
Laurna – No need to feel remiss: if we all do even a part of what comes to hand, the world will overnight be a much better place. And palliative care is much more demanding than emergency response, in my opinion. Thinking about you both.
Good for you for taking the course. I did CPR certification every year for 40 years
Now, I feel knowing where the AED is at is probably the most useful skill. Iām tempted to ASK workers in Public buildings if they DO know where they are located?
Alison – š It’s a good point. Our trainer said there are AEDs “everywhere: these days, and for sure all our police cruisers have them. But in public buildings the staff really do need to know, or what’s the point? We could start a troupe of nosy old ladies.
“requires me to do something Iām not naturally good at: noticing my surroundings.”
perhaps use your camera to find the AEDs as you certainly good at noticing your surroundings when looking through the viewfinder.
Barry – Hahaha. Good point! Maybe I can get them to co-locate AEDs with screens showing bird videos, or funny signs. I mean, give a girl a chance. š