Annie Annie can you hear me....you go for help...

So today I had to do my re certification for CPR. This is something that I have to do every two years. It tends to coincide with my ACLS which I must do in the spring. I can't do my ACLS without having a current CPR. So off to work I had to go. It's 0900 and there I am kneeling on the floor breathing into Annie and doing compressions. After 2 1/2 hrs of varying maneuvers on varying sizes of Annie dolls I think it's time to get up off of the floor, my back is starting to hurt. With that being said, I wish more lay people were trained in CPR. I know it sounds all so confusing and intimidating, but the guidelines have recently changed and have really made it simpler to perform CPR.

In the hospital it is a more controlled environment. That is, I know when I arrive with the crash cart a doctor will be close behind and there will be lots of people to help out. It is a very different story when you find someone down on the street.

Today I got to use a AED(Automated External Defibrillator). I have heard all about them but have never had the opportunity to use one. These things are amazing and very easy to use. The machine tells you exactly what to do. Amazing!! Just watch what you say. They record everything that is said.

As our instructor told us today, these machines as so simple to use that a 7 year old could use it.

The machine tell you when to plug the cables in and where, diagrams show you clearly where to place pads, the machines tell you it is going to deliver a shock and to make sure everyone is clear. This machine does not replace CPR it is an adjunct to CPR.

I was thinking I should get my hubby into a class. As I said the more of us that are trained in CPR the better chance we all have for survival if we were ever in a situation where we needed emergency first aid. So after I left the course today, I went shopping. Yup, I am a bit of a shopaholic. Anyhow, I am officially done my shopping. I even bought my mother in laws gift and my sister in laws gift. It is now up to hubby to buy for his father and his two boys.

Once I got home, I decided I may as well get on with the wrapping. I am very particular about my wrapping. I like to have a theme. Whether that be a colour theme or country theme...what ever but there is always a theme. Last year and this year I seem to be in the silver and blue theme. I got some lovely wrapping paper, silver, blues, metallic silver with hints of blue and then the wire ribbons some were silver some were blue with sliver snowflakes on them. Douglas thinks I am a little fanatical about it, and he might be right, but I love it and it gives me pleasure. So if it doesn't hurt anyone and it is my thing then why not right? Anyhow, so there I was on my hands and knees again on the floor wrapping presents for another couple of hours. Oh but I am now done!!!!

Then I had to sort out the large variety of stocking stuffers I have bought, it's a good thing I did . As always I have bought to much. I pick up something here, and something small there and before you know it, I have bags bursting with stocking stuffers. Mind you I am filling 6 stockings.

Ah, but it is so much fun!!! Anyhow, I must be off ,things to do before I go to bed. I am back at work tomorrow and 0500 comes early. Take care all. Cheers!!