.... that caused me quite a it of anxiety.
As I am sure I have mentioned before, I am a member of the VFW Riders Group Chapter 1433 (my Post) and have been the Secretary of said Chapter for a few months. A few weeks ago I learned of this class, called Accident Scene Management, which has like three levels of study, but the level 100 course was being held at my Post, for only $100. I had talked to (at the time) a couple other guys (not part of the Riders) who had said the class is worth taking, so I went to sign up online. I did get a discount down to $50 (thanks to the Husband & Wife Law Team) and that class was yesterday.
I showed up early (my Post after all) and had no idea how many were to show as it was an 'open to public' sign-up and attendance. All said and done, the instructor said there were 12 scheduled - we ended up only having 6. It was an all day class, and I was under the impression it was more information of what to do, versus actually doing it. Was I ever wrong. This class centers around motorcycle riders (why I went) and being able to handle basic emergency needs, prior to EMS/Other showing up in the case of an accident.
I did not know there would be 'teamwork' skills being used. Or partnering up to practice tourniquets/pressure bandages. Or anything aside from sitting in a chair listening to a speaker. I am not much of a people person, especially when I do not know you. I can cordial, sometimes even friendly sounding, and shake your hand.... but leave me the heck alone. No such luck through the skills tests we had to do, which were good, but I had to be a team player. Talking about, in the event of having to move someone how to stabilize the head/spine as we (a 2-3 person group) moved them from the road. OR the 2-person combo to remove a helmet if they are not breathing. Of course there was much, much more about airways, breathing, circulatory and bandaging.... It was so much that by 5pm my head was full, and I needed to decompress and let things settle.
As I sat and contemplated the day over a beer at my regular watering hole, I realized I had had at least 4 anxiety attacks during the day - every time I had to do a skill set with someone, let alone a live volunteer. Unconscious/dead is one thing, but when they are awake and just 'laying there' is different. But I did it, even if I did say "sorry" a lot (the helmet removal, which pulled some hair from the instructor's head) even before I started.
Bottom line is I passed, and the certification is good for three years. <beaming> And I got a badge! Actually it is a patch, that I am supposed to wear on my 'cut' (which I'll be getting early July). It helps identify that as a 'first on scene' person, I have some basic training that works in-line with EMS, even at just the level we have. Now to get more of the Riders group to do the class...sigh. AND I need to purchase a trauma kit ( many sizes/styles available, but as I am 4-wheel support it was suggested by the instructor I carry the "larger one" that provides more - and I am not able disagree). So I will be looking up the 2-3 websites for kits she mentioned, just to rant about how expensive it all is - let alone if ever used, to restock (may I never have to use for any accident though).
Whew! Our VFW leadership were all gone this weekend to Tucson for the State Convention this past weekend. This is the time where the newly elected officers (Post and Auxiliary) are sworn to their positions for the year. Thank goodness it is over. I have been waiting 4 days to get approval on the minutes I sent from the last meeting for several days, and finally got it this morning. So now, officially, I am caught up between my committees and Riders, etc. I do have our regular Aux meeting tomorrow night, but I am not an officer, and though I take notes, I do not have to transcribe into minutes, etc.
Sometimes, I wish I could get paid for this shit, instead of having to look/wait for work. Sigh. Life is ....
PeacE