Whilst Skip spoke to the King, the boys asked if they could play with guard's gun
First Aid Theory – C.A.L.M. Friday, Mar 23 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
Hello everybody! I’m Doctor Abeysee! (Geddit? DR ABC!?)
You probably already know DR ABC as something to remember in First Aid, but I want to tell you about another set of initials – CALM. As a recap. DR ABC means:
D – DANGER – make sure the area is safe before you start to do anything; one casualty is enough!
R – RESPONSE – is the patient responding? Talk to them, GENTLY shake their shoulder
A – AIRWAY – if they are not responding, tilt that head back if you can to clear the airway. Additionally, you should have a look to see if there is anything in the mouth that is blocking the airway
B – BREATHING – Remember the Vinnie Jones video (check back on previous posts to see it)? We’re trying to get oxygen into them.
C – CIRCULATION – this is getting the heart going again. It’s a pump, so if it isn’t working itself, you need to make it work.
Right, now the new one – CALM. If we’re honest, if you’re facing a First Aid situation you are going to be nervous about so many things – what if I don’t remember it? Will those adults help? Is there someone else that could do it? In truth, we all have those thoughts – so
C – CONTROL. Panic is a natural first reaction, so calm yourself. Then look around – it’s amazing how many people lose cool as they desperately try to remember what they may have seen on Eastenders when something similar happened. You can get so much done if you appear to be in control.
A – ASSESS. What is actually happening here? What has happened to the patient? Has anyone called 999 (just making sure of this can be a huge help). If it’s on the street – is anyone calming the traffic (especially if the patient is in the road).
L – LEADERSHIP – has someone started to take control. It doesn’t have to be you, but you can be a big help if you can work with someone to deal with a situation.
M – MONITOR – check around. What else can you see happening? A typical thing is for everyone to crowd round and make helpful comments – just making space is a help. Double check that the person phoning for help is doing it.
A First Response situation is scary – and I hope you never have to deal with one. But if you do, be part of the solution – not in the way.
Group Swimalong Friday, Mar 16 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
"But Skip, do we have to keep our uniforms on?"
I also had this idea…
"You know, I feel like a fish out of water"
Fitness – Mental fitness Friday, Mar 9 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
Over the last few weeks we’ve looked at a number of aspects of fitness – sleep, diet, exercise. But in fitness, especially when undertaking longer periods of exercise, having a strong mental attitude is important – being able to focus on performing as best as you can.
As an example, if we look at martial arts, being able to out think your opponent or anticipate what they are going to do will have a positive impact on your performance!
The Harrow & Wealdstone Travel Bug (geocaching) Thursday, Mar 8 2012
Uncategorized 8:33 pm
Back in August 2010, the Troop visited the International Scout Centre at Kandersteg. At the Geocache drop in the centre, we left a travel bug, with a mission to be picked up by as many Scouts as possible.
It was seen and recorded a few times that week at Kandersteg, before the Spanish Scouts (under the name of ARK EXPLORERS) took it to drop at another location.
I received a note today that said “Found this from Castillo de Sohail on a sunny day 
Now it is waiting here in Finland that I can find a cache under the snow.”
I’m so chuffed that one of our dog tags is still out there, spreading the Scouting word!
Wide Game Friday, Mar 2 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
With the boys looking the other way, Harry dashed in to capture the flag!
Fitness 3 – Health dangers Friday, Feb 24 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
Let’s state the obvious – smoking, drinking and drugs are bad for you. Don’t do it.
Now that’s out of the way, let’s look at this more responsibly. Smoking has a high casualty rate because it is so addictive. Once hooked, it becomes very difficult to quit – which is why it is better to not start in the first place. The problem is peer pressure and the fact that in older films the hero had a cigarette and it looked “cool” makes it one of those things which people are curious to try – and the fact that you CAN buy them at newsagents makes it easily accessible. But drawing the smoke into your lungs will affect their ability to work properly – and a lack of oxygen will effect your bodies efficiency to work.
Drink is similar – but again it is considered socially acceptable to do and most adults will drink. Indeed, scientists have noted that a regular SMALL amount of alcohol can have positive health benefits. But the challenge is sticking to a SMALL amount. It is easy to overdo it – and quite often if you drink in company you don’t fully realise you’ve drunk too much until it’s too late. Additionally, if you’re not drinking, you feel you’re missing out as everyone else is seeming to have a great time.
Finally, drugs. These are possibly the most complex of social issues as many of us depend on drugs for health reasons. But the illegal drugs are something else. Again, peer pressure might want to make us try them, but as they are banned they are bought from people we don’t really know; they won’t be made to a set standard (so we won’t be able to truly guarantee what we get from time to time) and most importantly- we won’t know for certain how we will react to a specific drug. Far easier to avoid.
It’s fair to say that this is a difficult and complex subject for a blog. It is easy to say “just say no” but the truth and reality are more complicated and many of us will try (or have tried it) to see what it’s like, so know what it feels to be curious about the effects.
Night Hike! Friday, Feb 10 2012
Uncategorized 9:00 pm
"Are we there yet?" asked Timmy. "I bet we're lost" said Tom
