Learning How To Deal With An Alligator On An Emergency First Aid ...

Alligators can only be found in the United States of America and China. They call home the southeast tip of the states where they are very prominent in regions such as Florida and Louisiana. The versatility of the alligator cannot be underestimated as they outlived the dinosaurs, and evolved to become the most successful predator of all time. Humans are at risk from the power of the gator and its ability to adapt to any urban waterway. After a series of recent attacks there is a growing petition to include more information on emergency first aid at work courses.

Fortunately the majority of the time alligators pose no real threat to humans because their diet usually consists of fish, small mammals and reptiles. However they have not existed for millions of years by chance. Humans are very much a visitor to rivers and waterways and if an alligator crosses path with one a predatory attack is very much a possibility.

One recent attack in July 2012 saw Kaleb Langdale viciously attacked by an alligator whilst swimming in the Caloosahatchee River. Kaleb and his friends had decided to go for a swim in what was otherwise thought to be safe / alligator free waters. Although technically there should not have been any alligators in the location it points to the versatility of the creature to live in pretty much any area with a waterway. Luckily Kaleb showed immense strength and was able to wrestle the alligator off himself at the expense of losing an arm. Although there have only been 224 major alligator bites since 1948, this story and other similar stories highlight the importance of knowing what to do if bitten.

The story of Kaleb Langdale saw him sadly lose his arm, but thankfully he saved his own life. The previous month however an airport captain lost a hand whilst pulling a fish from the water. The alligator has such strong jaws that if you do survive an attack it is likely that you will have suffered a major amputation. When an amputation occurs it is essential firstly get the bleeding under control as quickly as possible. This should take priority and can be achieved through a combination of pressure, bandages and elevation.

It is also possible to save an injured limb if it can be retrieved. In certain cases this will not be possible but in many cases it is. The body part will need to be wrapped in a plastic material, then round a cloth and finally onto ice. If there is very little time then just getting the amputated limb into ice will suffice, and once transferred to hospital it can hopefully be reattached to the body.

Both of the stories happening within a month of each other highlight the importance of emergency first aid at work courses. Although not currently strictly part of the syllabus it is widely thought that ?first aid for alligator bites? should be included in areas where they are a threat. Counterparts in Australia have a strong focus on ?first aid for snake bites?, which is widely thought to have saved countless lives. Maybe it is time for us here in the United States to start taking alligator attacks more seriously.

Geoff Goond is an experienced mountain rescue worker, and first aid trainer. Could you give first aid in this situation? If not then visit the emergency first aid course blog @ http://www.train-aid.co.uk for free life saving tips.

Source: http://all-articles-directory.com/learning-how-to-deal-with-an-alligator-on-an-emergency-first-aid-course/

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