Red Cross teaching young safety lessons

Date: 01/22/2006

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Red Cross teaching young safety lessons
by Craig Reber



Boys and Girls Club hosts session on emergency techniques Dubuque -- The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque resembled a MASH unit with kids walking around with imaginary blood on them. Jennie Feltes, director of community services for the American Red Cross of the Tri-States, demonstrated first aid - specifically bandaging - to an enthusiastic group of volunteers Thursday. It is part of an ongoing Red Cross program highlighting various safety topics. "Everyone should know what to do in an emergency, no matter if they are young or old," Feltes said. She wasn't talking Band-Aids, she emphasized controlling bleeding with direct pressure and wearing protective gloves. "If there's blood, you wear what?" she asked. "Gloves." "Why?" "You don't want to get infected with someone else's blood." Gloves on, then came a thick pad with a gauze wrap. "Wrap it around, pretty tight," Feltes said. "Once you have it rolled, should you remove it?" "No," said the group in unison. "What happens when the blood dries?" "There's a scab." In groups of three, the youngsters practiced. Collectively they received a thumbs-up from Feltes and Liz Lawler, the club's director of daily activities and outreach. Youngsters also learned and practiced immobilizing an injured arm with a triangular bandage known as a sling. "Should you move someone if you don't have to?" Feltes asked. "No, because you might hurt them again," answered a smiling youngster. Feltes advised moving a victim only if there's a fire or a nearby menacing electrical wire. Lawler stressed the importance of every family possessing a home first-aid kit to address emergencies.