I completely agree, Jimmy. I think that anyone who ventures outside away from developed areas should know CPR and basic first aid. They should also know where the closest medical facilities are, should such knowledge ever be needed. To that end I support the club's efforts. I just wouldn't want to see the club adopt an official policy of responsibility at remote sites.
Self-administered CPR is usually unsuccessful, but if most folks accepted the responsibility there would be plenty of assistance. And here in Az all that do help are protected from liability by our Good Samaritan law (A.R.S. § 36-2263).
Just remember to brush your teeth and use deodorant before going out observing. :-D
Peter Jimmy Ray wrote:
I agree it is the responsibility of the individual. If one is seriously medically challenged then they should question their being out in remote locations anyway, but the allure of the heavens and the outdoors is great so we venture out regardless. My thought on the issue of "personal" responsibility was; say you have a heart attack and collapse, maybe it is your first one, so being "personally responsible you're going to do "CPR" on yourself? Of course not, you're going to hope someone around you does something! Further, "CPR" it not intended for extended periods and is physically very tiring. It is to sustain for a short period until advanced life support is available. At home we would call the fire department, who would stabilize and transport. In remote areas other services, including the DPS can supply that advanced support or get the individual to a facility in minutes versus an hour or more. While it may never be needed I felt it might be good to know what we as "individuals" might do as a "team" without regard to any "Club". So knowing in advance I could run to the gravel pit (cell phone coverage), call dept. "X", drop a chopper in the meadow and wisk the hapless individual off to a medical facility seemed to be a good thing to know (still does so I'll make sure I know for my own "personal" peace of mind).Jimmy Ray
