Basic Life Saving Course

Today, me and several friends and colleagues from the hospital joined the Basic Life Saving Course in Ong Sum Ping. We were joined by several nurses from the same districts, and fellow nurses from JPMC. Though we did not really know each other, since we are a friendly sort, we kind of blended sort of well... (Its natural that there are several that do not BLEND well even if you try!)

The course, i thought would be a bit daunting... But, despite reminders to actually learn as questions may be tough, i didn't!!! and was hopeful to rely on the old grey matter to save the day!!! and it did!!! :) Lucky me!

The lecture bit was not boring... It was good... Though it could have been expanded. In theory, if you had read the content of the course before you have started the class, you can ask all sorts of questions... HOWEVER, should you are like me, ignorant with very little medical background, you wouldn't know what to ask, thinking all information had been laid out for you - (typical behaviour of spoonfeeding!!! Despite studying abroad!!! :P)

In the middle of the lecture, we were briefly interrupted by a man whom was obviously in-charge. He informed us that a few 'lucky' ones with good scores might be called upon to join the 'unit' as instructors where ever they may be... as of this moment in time, instructors are only made up of nurses.

Its not like there would be a hike in pay.... I wan't very much interested... but was looking forward to having fun! I am such a nerd! I like answering questions, even though i sometimes know it is incorrect... I know i should really give others the chance to answer... but since they didn't, i didn't really want to disappoint the speaker by giving this vibe that we are disinterested in her 'talk' and the task at hand. I would be most worried if no one responded while i am giving the talk :)

Anyways... Practical time approached :) and it was fun time. I was fortunate to have been grouped with A. It is fun-ner to be with someone you can have fun with, relax and absorb :) The others in the group were also very warm :) and made learning very easy to absorb :) I found the practical quite easy... though several repetition required before it could be mastered:P

Giving the kiss of life is not as easy or 'sexy' and alluring as you may think it is... I, for one, find it gross... I always find the exchange of body fluids no matter where it comes from gross.... and unhygenic. Lucky, each of us were given this plastic fllim with a breatheable piece in the middle to put across the lips to help us perform our task in a MORE hygenic manner.

Imagine otherwise, the saliva exchange of at least 22 people on the manikin, not including the instructors!!! GROSS!!! BACTERIA!!! VIRUS!!! YUCK!!!

There were four battle stations... and, it was actually quite good. I have to give the instructors a big hand, the speaker as well, for preparing a lesson plan that is effective, as well as fun. No one was intimidated by my questions, and the others as well... Generally... I had fun :)

Exam time.... consists of 4 battle stations (practical) and 50 MCQ questions. Though MOST of the questions were not hard, they are definately tricky! but... i passed :) and the practical was basically what you have learnt in the morning.

The new CPR technique IS easier than the one i had learnt more than 4 years ago, where the rules changes for different ages. The new CPR techniques are quite easy to follow and understand, and do it yourself.

Though you get tired huffing and puffing.... and giving chest compressions through out the day, fantastically, several things came out from today:
1. I had fun, laughing and smiling the whole day :)
2. I bonded with people from the hospital... and i 'berkenalan' with 3 new staff of MOH.
3. Exchange and update of news was vital to make sure you know what is going on in your surroundings... and of this moment, i am considered updated with events :)
4. Had been invited to be a BLS instructor despite low scores on tests - must be the personality that attracted them.

A while back, i had been suggested to write a piece on how your memory can be triggered with music or how you associate certain things with music.

Looking back, its been 10 years since i left Uni... and i had FUN in uni. Just a few moments ago, I was 'talking' to a friend from Uni, and how he said, one of the lecturers still remembered me, despite me NEVER saying more than 'Hi' in the hallway! I wonder what that was about... will wait for an answer from C.

Anyways, that made me think of all the music i was exposed to while i was there... How certain songs were emotional to me as it coincide with certain significant events in my life. But, certain songs also triggered past memories.. i can even see it right in front of my eyes as if it was yesterday.

Most of you whom knows me, knows that i don't dance well... but, as you were growing up, and trying to fit in, when others are trying to dance and follow the steps of certain songs, after much protest, you join in... I did not fully enjoyed it, but it was something WE did together and i remembered it... brings back a certain kind of glow and warmth from within.

Eternal was playing and hot on the charts when i went to London for the first time, and met the other 'friends' for our first Junjung Ziarah.

i was heartbroken and listened to the Honeyz millions of times... on repeat!

Robin William(s) released his single and it was only a few days before i met/knew of F.

Gary Barlow released his own album while i was on Summer block :) that kept me sane!!!

The SPice Girls released their singles nearing christmas made us all ran to Wollies down the hill to get one ourselves... and forgetting to revise!

Brightman and Borcelli released their song almost easter and nearer to exam...

There was STEPS that surprised everyone that they can stay as a group more than a year... that taught me determination :)

and more...

every time i go through my old music collection, and truly enjoyed the pieces, like Aqua :P, certain memories comes back... visions and recollection of events comes back...

Though most of us "uni friends" are no longer friends... (a different article), music did bring us together and closer at that time.... and then... there are happy memories...

Just a few days ago, Y excitedly introduces a song to me in his car. It was funny, it was catchy :) Liked it immediately. Then, as i was driving home from a long day at work yesterday, I heard the song and remembered Y. He got a text from me... :)

Power of association... and memory :) and my positive entry after a while...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to AUNTY NOR :)

Its the 20th of May.. and what's so significant about it? Its June's Birthday!

Here is to wishing June all the best... more luck and it changing for the better *HUGS*

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Ever felt small and insignificant?
Ever felt irrelevant?
Ever lost your self esteem that you double guess yourself?
Ever feel rejected?

I am cute

I was chatting to my male cousin... when he asked me if i have a bf... Obviously, he is just fishing for information... so i said no.... to which he was surprised and said... "You are cute and you don't have a boyfriend! I don't believe you!"

I gave a loud laugh... and an equally loud laugh virtually... I said to him... "You are blind" He responded by saying that there is no harm complimenting someone, especially when it doesn't hurt anyone...

Though it wasn't very sincere, i appreciated the gesture.

Few days back, my dad entered my room like he always do and sat on my bed... quiet for few moments, he suddenly and randomly announced "El, you look cute even if you are fat! Lose weight and you'll be cuter."

Not only was i shocked, i smiled and laughed...

I guess... Men tend to be blinder than anticipated and very partial to their family members...

Its SUNDAY and its mother's day!!!

I am BORED!!!

i am in my room. I am online... am on MSN, Yahoo, Gmail, Skype, facebook and no one is online for a converation to go on...

I am bored out of this mind!!!

Then there was TV... oh my god! its so dry!!!

I am sooooo hungry... and i love too far for delivery!!! I want pizza!!!! sigh.... why why why!!!

What is swine flu?
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by
type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People
do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen.
Swine flu viruses have been reported to spread from person-to-person,
but in the past, this transmission was limited and not sustained
beyond three people.

Is this swine flu virus contagious?
It has been determined that this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is
contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this
time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?
The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of
regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches,
headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and
vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness
(pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with
swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause
a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

How does swine flu spread?
Spread of this swine influenza A (H1N1) virus is thought to be
happening in the same way that seasonal flu spreads. Flu viruses are
spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing of
people with influenza. Sometimes people may become infected by
touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their
mouth or nose.

How serious is swine flu infection?
Like seasonal flu, swine flu in humans can vary in severity from mild
to severe. Between 2005 until January 2009, 12 human cases of swine
flu were detected in the U.S. with no deaths occurring. However, swine
flu infection can be serious. In September 1988, a previously healthy
32-year-old pregnant woman in Wisconsin was hospitalized for pneumonia
after being infected with swine flu and died 8 days later. A swine flu
outbreak in Fort Dix, New Jersey occurred in 1976 that caused more
than 200 cases with serious illness in several people and one death.

Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork?
No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get
swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly
handled and cooked pork products is safe.

HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?

CDC Poster currently in use in Linden, USA


-Cover Your Cough

Stop the Spread of Germs that Make You and Others Sick!
Serious respiratory illnesses like influenza, respiratory syncytial
virus (RSV), whooping cough, and severe acute respiratory syndrome
(SARS) are spread by:

Coughing or sneezing
Unclean hands
To help stop the spread of germs,

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve,
not your hands.
Put your used tissue in the waste basket.
Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing

Wash with soap and water or Clean with alcohol-based hand cleaner.
Keep Your Hands Clean

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to
avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. It is best to wash
your hands with soap and clean running water for 20 seconds. However,
if soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based
product to clean your hands. Alcohol-based hand rubs significantly
reduce the number of germs on skin and are fast acting.

When washing hands with soap and water:

Apply product to the palm of one hand
Rub hands together
Rub the product over all surfaces of hands and fingers until hands are
dry.
When should you wash your hands?

Before preparing or eating food
After going to the bathroom
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has gone to the
bathroom
Before and after tending to someone who is sick
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After handling an animal or animal waste
After handling garbage
Before and after treating a cut or wound
Your Personal Work Spaces

· Only assume your area is clean under the following conditions
· If you are the only one using the workstation/space
1 If ylways clean your hands before touching your face

· Personal disinfectants
· Hand sanitizer (wipes/solution) can be used instead of soap
and water for cleansing.
1 Rub hands together for at least 10-15 seconds

· Environmental Disinfectants
· Use surface wipes to clean surfaces that have been or will be
shared with a co-worker


Shared Work Space

· Assume the workstation/space is potentially contaminated
· Virus can survive for 24-48 hours
1 Clean the workstation/space before using it
2 Clean your hands before beginning work at the workstation/space
3 Always clean your hands before touching your face

· Skin Protection
· Use gloves while cleaning the workstation

· Environmental Disinfectants
· Surface wipes/disinfectant cleaner on work surfaces you and
others have used: phone, keyboard, mouse, etc.