Launceston’s Lachlan Hindrum successfully defended his state Open Individual title, tending to the simulated injuries of two people involved in a mock explosion.

The Year 11 student will go to Melbourne next January for his second national appearance, having placed third in the previous Australian championships earlier this year.

He will be joined by Hobart cadets Aden Roberts, Alana Cornish and Angelina Welsh — Hussian who will represent Tasmania in the team event.

St John Ambulance state commissioner Carl Graham said the competitors were extraordinary young people who were willing to step forward and help save someone’s life.

Aged between eight and 17 years, the competitors from the state’s north, south, and north-west demonstrated their first-aid and patient-care skills in simulated situations.

“The simulated scenarios used in the competitions provide an opportunity for these dedicated young people to put their lifesaving knowledge and skills to practice,” Mr Graham said.

“St John Cadets and Juniors at the competitions have made a commitment to support their community,”

“Many of the young people demonstrating their skills … will become our health care professional and community leaders of the future.

“St John’s aim is to save lives by encouraging every home, workplace and car on the road to have someone trained in first aid in them.”

St John Ambulance Tasmania state cadet and junior competition results

Junior Individual: Ryan Dobson, Hobart Cadets

Junior Team: Ella Swan and Amelia Hughes, Launceston Cadets

Novice Individual: Rhyley Swan, Launceston Cadets

Novice Team: Tamzin Graham, Alisa Talbot and Bella Kings, Hobart Cadets

Open Individual: Lachlan Hindrum, Launceston Cadets

Open Team: Aden Roberts, Alana Cornish and Angelina Welsh-Hussian, Hobart Cadets

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It’s essential that you have some fundamental first-aid skills to be able to cope with disaster. The American Red Cross, Canberra First Aid and other safety and service agencies say these a few of the things that you need to know.

Performing CPR

1. Place your hands, one on top of the other, in the middle of the chest. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least two inches deep and delivered at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute.

2. With the person’s head tilted back slightly and the chin lifted, pinch the nose shut and place your mouth over the person’s mouth to make a complete seal. Blow into the person’s mouth to make the chest rise. Deliver two rescue breaths, then continue compressions.

Note: If the chest does not rise with the initial rescue breath, re-tilt the head before delivering the second breath. If the chest doesn’t rise with the second breath, the person may be choking. After each subsequent set of 100 chest compressions, and before attempting breaths, look for an object and, if seen, remove it.

3. Keep performing cycles of chest compressions and breathing until the person exhibits signs of life, such as breathing. Or continue until an automated external defibrillator machines becomes available, or EMS or a trained medical responder arrives on scene.

Note: End the compression cycles if the scene becomes unsafe or you cannot continue performing CPR due to exhaustion.

TOURNIQUET:

Apply the tourniquet

Wrap the tourniquet around the bleeding arm or leg about two to three inches above the bleeding site (be sure NOT to place the tourniquet onto a joint — go above the joint if necessary).

Pull the free end of the tourniquet to make it as tight as possible and secure the free end.

Twist or wind the windlass until bleeding stops.

Secure the windlass to keep the tourniquet tight.

Note the time the tourniquet was applied.

Source: https://www.bleedingcontrol.org/resources/how-to-stop-the-bleed

Controlling bleeding

Apply direct pressure on wound with a sterile dressing (if available)..

Elevate injured area above the heart if possible.

Secure dry, sterile dressings with bandages.

Cleanse minor injuries thoroughly with plain soap and water (clean your hands first).

If evidence of infection appears, see a doctor.

Treating fractures

Do not move the victim.

Keep the broken bone ends and adjacent joints from moving.

If an open wound is present, control the bleeding.

Apply splints.

Treating shock

Keep victim lying down.

Cover the victim with only enough material to keep him from losing body heat.

Obtain medical help as soon as possible.

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PHOENIX, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Allergy sufferers who experience anaphylaxis—an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction requiring urgent treatment—may soon have a new delivery option for receiving a timely dose of epinephrine to avoid a potentially fatal outcome.

INSYS Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:INSY), a leader in the development, manufacture and commercialization of pharmaceutical cannabinoids and spray technology, announced today that its investigational epinephrine nasal spray showed promise in an early clinical trial as a potential needle-free, non-invasive and easy-to-use alternative to intramuscular injection for the treatment of anaphylaxis.

In a pharmacokinetics study involving 60 people with seasonal allergies, preliminary results showed that the bioavailability of the company’s novel, proprietary formulation of epinephrine delivered intranasally was similar to that of intramuscular injection with EpiPen^® (0.3 mg). The study also demonstrated rapid drug absorption with the epinephrine nasal spray.

“If the results of the initial study are borne out in a subsequent trial, this epinephrine nasal spray may become a viable alternative for patients with food allergy, venom allergy or other causes of anaphylaxis who must be prepared to treat it rapidly and effectively when it occurs,” said Dr. David Fleischer, an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and Children’s Hospital Colorado who served as an advisory board physician. “Because epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, having other effective delivery options, such as a needleless alternative, may be attractive to patients and healthcare providers, as well as parents, school nurses, first responders and emergency department staff.”

“This is an exciting milestone for people affected by severe allergies who might be seeking an alternative delivery mechanism for epinephrine,” said Saeed Motahari, president and chief executive officer of INSYS Therapeutics. “Given that epinephrine is on the FDA shortage list, we look forward to working closely with the agency to determine the optimal path to making this investigational novel drug delivery system available to those in need.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, more than 200,000 cases of anaphylaxis occur each year in the United States. The World Allergy Organization estimates that up to two percent of the global population—as many as 150 million people worldwide—will experience anaphylaxis during their lifetime.

About INSYS

INSYS Therapeutics is a specialty pharmaceutical company that develops and commercializes innovative drugs and novel drug delivery systems of therapeutic molecules that improve patients’ quality of life. Using proprietary spray technology and capabilities to develop pharmaceutical cannabinoids, INSYS is developing a pipeline of products intended to address unmet medical needs and the clinical shortcomings of existing commercial products. INSYS is committed to developing medications for potentially treating addiction to opioids, opioid overdose, epilepsy and other disease areas with a significant unmet need.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements including our belief in the potential for our proprietary formulation of epinephrine delivered intranasally to become an alternative to intramuscular injection of epinephrine as a treatment for anaphylaxis. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this news release. Actual results may differ materially from those in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, but are not limited to, risk factors described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, including those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended Dec. 31, 2017 and subsequent updates that may occur in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this news release, and we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise these statements, except as may be required by law.

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A NASTY heatwave has killed 33 people in Quebec as high summer temperatures scorched eastern Canada.

Eighteen of the deaths occurred in Montreal, where the mercury today was forecast to climb to 45 degrees Celsius with humidity. The city’s public health department said most of those who died were men between the ages of 53 and 85 who lived on the upper floors of apartment buildings without air conditioning.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed condolences and a warning on Twitter:

Justin Trudeau

✔@JustinTrudeau

My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have died in Quebec during this heat wave. The record temperatures are expected to continue in central & eastern Canada, so make sure you know how to protect yourself & your family: http://bit.ly/2tjkW9Z 

4:39 AM – Jul 5, 2018

• 4,6871,365 people are talking about this

Heat warnings are in effect across southern Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic region of the country, where temperatures have regularly topped 30 degrees since last Friday, accompanied by stifling humidity levels, making the heat unbearable.

However, relief is expected soon as meteorologists are forecasting a drop in temperatures overnight.

The record-breaking heatwave began on June 29.

In 2010, a heatwave killed around 100 people in the Montreal area.

Maximum temperatures recorded on July 3. Picture: University of Maine Climate ReanalyzerSource:Supplied

RED HOT PLANET

In much of the Northern Hemisphere, the heat has simply become extreme.

In Northern Siberia, on the edge of the Arctic Sea, temperatures have surged between 5C and 32C above the seasonal average in the past week.

“It is absolutely incredible and really one of the most intense heat events I’ve ever seen for so far north,” writes meteorologist Nick Humphrey.

Abnormally high temperatures also are being recorded around the world, with countries such as Canada, Ireland, Scotland and those in the Middle East. All are experiencing the hottest weather they’ve ever encountered.

Roads and roofs have been buckling across the British Isles in the past week as Europe bakes. Scotland has set its highest temperature ever — 33.2C, with the city of Glasgow at 31.9C The Irish town of Shannon topped 32C.

Northeastern America is experiencing an intense ‘heat-dome’. Denver has tied its all-time record of 40.6C. Burlington, Vermont, had its hottest minimum temperature ever of 27C. Montreal has had its hottest day since records began 147 years ago — 36.6C.

Things are extreme in the Middle East. Quriyat in Oman posted a world record for the hottest ‘low’ temperature — cooling to just 42.6C overnight on June 28.

In April, Pakistan broke the record for the hottest temperature ever observed on the planet for that month — 50.2C

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A KAYAKING fisherman has caught the dramatic moment he came inches from a large great white shark, slapping the water with his paddle to scare the stalker away.

Ken Gerke and his mate Dave Barwise were paddling around Urunga, on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, when they realised they were being “chased” by the animal.

In what could be a terrifying scene from a movie, the shark’s fin emerges from the water as it makes a beeline for their kayaks, before circling around underneath them.

Despite the heart-stopping close-calls, the pair manages to get a camera underwater and capture the extraordinary moment on Saturday morning.

“It’s chasing me. Hey Dave, come here please,” Mr Gerke says in a panicked voice.

“That’s a huge white shark, I’m f***ing shaking.

“He’s a good three — what do you reckon — maybe four metres.

“I can hear him coming. Like I’m paddling, and I can hear him thumping away behind me.”

MORE: Great white shark shadows police boat

MORE: Shark drags Perth woman into the water

Ken Gerke and his mate Dave Barwise were fishing on their kayaks.Source:Supplied

Then they spotted this “beast” coming towards them.Source:Supplied

Mr Gerke, posted the video to his Tournament and Adventure Angler Facebook page, calling it an “awesome encounter”.

“The footage kicks in after it had circled me once already and I decided to move away … unfortunately she decided to give chase, she was very curious,” he wrote.

“Such an awesome experience. I’ve caught small sharks in the past, had juvenile bull sharks cruise past the (kayak) in local estuaries … but nothing like this beast.”

Mr Gerke said the last part of the footage was taken by Mr Barwise after he moved over near him.

“He caught some awesome footage of the shark checking me out,” he said.

“Please excuse the language, panicked breathing and shaky footage … but I’m sure considering what happened you can understand my excitement and fear.”

Mr Gerke stressed to his followers to not make stupid comments about killing sharks.

“I don’t condone or agree to the culling of any sharks,” he said.

“These type of apex predators are to be admired and respected. It’s their backyard … I’m only visiting.”

And in case anyone was still wondering by the time they got to the end of this recap — Mr Gerke’s fishing was “slow” that day.

Eventually they managed to get the camera in the water to get a closer look.Source:Supplied

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IT’S the one of the worst hay fever seasons we’ve seen in decades…but a runny nose and itchy eyes may be the least of your worries.

A constant, chesty cough along with wheezing can be a sign of deadly seasonal asthma and the “very high” pollen counts we have seen over the last few weeks may be to blame.

GETTY – CONTRIBUTOR

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Seasonal asthma refers to people who only experience asthma symptoms at certain times of the year.

The condition is no different from normal asthma – the symptoms are still the same and it’s potentially deadly if not treated properly.

You may experience tightness of the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath, difficulty sleeping because you can’t breathe and, you guessed it, constant coughing.

It can be easy to dismiss these symptoms as hay fever, but if you are taking antihistamines and they don’t seem to be working you should see a GP to be on the safe side.

GETTY – CONTRIBUTOR

If seasonal asthma is left untreated it could trigger a potentially deadly asthma attack – when the muscles in the airways constrict and cut off your breathing.

Sonia Munde of Asthma UK told The Sun Online: “Asthma is a long-term condition, but some people have ‘seasonal asthma’.

“This is when their symptoms are only triggered by things that are only around at certain times of year, such as pollen.

“As pollen levels are sky-high at the moment, people who find pollen triggers their asthma – including those with seasonal asthma – may be suffering at the moment.

GETTY – CONTRIBUTOR

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“An estimated 3.3 million people in the UK who have asthma say their pollen allergy triggers their asthma, so they face a double whammy of symptoms.

“As well as having to deal with classic hay fever symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing and a blocked or runny nose, they’re also at risk of a life-threatening asthma attack.”

Grass pollen is currently at an all-time high in the UK, with more than half the country predicted to be hit by the highest pollen rating possible on Sunday.

The long winter and recent rain followed by warmer weather is the “worst case scenario” for sufferers, making pollen more prevalent, experts have warned.

Pollen counts have remained “very high” in most of the UK for weeks.

So, what can you do to protect yourself if you suffer from hay fever and seasonal asthma?

It’s important to know the symptoms and carry an inhaler at all times.

“People who have asthma and a pollen allergy should take hay fever medicines, such as antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays, and make sure they take their preventer inhaler as prescribed for the best chance of staying well,” Sonia added.

“On high pollen days it may be helpful for people with asthma to change outfit and have a shower when they get home, as pollen can stick to your body and clothes.

“We also advise that people try to keep doors and windows closed when they are inside, and carry their blue reliever inhaler at all times in case of emergencies.

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There are some skills you hope you never need to use, but having them could be a matter of life and death: welcome to bleeding control.

BleedingControl.org, an group begun by the American College of Surgeons, has successfully campaigned for a national Stop The Bleed Day; the organization believes that many lives could be saved if ordinary citizens had some basic information on how to stop traumatic bleeding in an emergency situation. Reporter and certified EMT Tim Mak rounded up the most critical points on the day dedicated to bleeding awareness in an effort to teach more people how to save lives.

According to Mak, 20 percent of people who die from bleeding could have been saved with this care, and bleeding to death is the top cause of preventable death. Here’s what you need to know.

What To Look For

It is possible to bleed to death from smaller wounds, but people who bleed out often do so because they have cut an artery. You will know an artery has been severed if blood is spurting from the wound and bright red. Also, if blood is pooling, if the injured person is unconscious, or if you’re seeing a partial or full amputation. A person with a severed artery can die in 2-3 minutes.

How To Intervene

Mak provided a step-by-step guide which may seem simple, but in a scenario where someone is massively bleeding, you might be a little panicked. Simple rules help.

First, make sure you’re not stepping into danger. Then, call 911. Even if you’re about to stop the bleeding successfully, you want trained medical professionals to get there ASAP. Then you find the injury and apply pressure to stop the blood loss.

You may not have a tourniquet on hand, but if you do, tie it off between the blood flow and the exit wound, above the injury. If not, or if the wound is too big to be contained by a tourniquet, grab a clean cloth or hemostatic (bleeding control) gauze, if available. Pack the wound and hold it down with steady pressure. You’re trying to close off the artery and keep it closed until help can arrive. Mak advises people apply as much pressure as possible, because even if the injury is severe, the artery is fairly deep inside the body. You need to press hard to reach it and shut it off.

Finally, if you have the presence of mind to do so, mark the time the tourniquet or pressure was applied. This is useful information for medical professionals, as there are dangers to leaving tourniquets on too long.

These are the basics, but if you want to take a hands on class for free, Bleeding Control offers them all over the country. As Mak wrote, there’s nothing like hands-on training when it’s time to step up.

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It’s summer and that means lots of people will be hitting the trails and embarking on long hikes. Many will even bring along their favorite four-legged friend. While dogs may enjoy running carefree through the woods and sniffing everything they come across, there are several things owners should do to make sure their dog has a safe and pleasant hike. For starters, make sure your dog is physically ready for such an outing and gather all your other gear.

It’s essential that owners also pack a first aid kid and know how to treat common injuries before taking a dog on a hike, according to Dr. Nina Anderson, medical director of Buckhead Animal Clinic. Anderson answers some common questions regarding first aid for dogs, what steps to take for treating injuries and preventative tips so you can avoid the negative scenarios.

What should you pack for a first aid kit specifically meant for a dog?

There is a lot of overlap, including betadine or peroxide to clean wounds, tweezers, ace bandage, gauze pads, eye wash, medical tape. I would add Benadryl for insect bites. I recommend checking with your vet for appropriate doses and that’s not contraindicated due to individual health. There is a product, Tuf-Foot, that can help cuts. (I haven’t personally used it).

Make sure your dog drinks plenty of water before a hike and frequently throughout the day. (Photo: ArtifyAnalog/Shutterstock)

How much water should a dog drink while hiking?

A lot! Train your dog on short walks to drink from a foldable bowl or a water bottle with an attachment so they can drink well before a long hike. Many short water breaks are much better than a big belly full of water.

Is it OK for dogs to wear packs while hiking?

Yes, but carry 10-15 percent of body weight only. Make sure you have trained with your dog on shorter walks to make sure there aren’t pressure sores or chaffing. The weight may change the balance/weight on the dog’s legs, so practice is important. Age, size, breed and athleticism plays into if a pack is appropriate. The human hiker should plan to carry the majority of the supplies!

Is a retractable or short leash better suited for hiking?

NO retractable leashes! So many problems will be avoided if on a short leash — problems with other dogs, people, wild animals, eating plants away from humans, avoiding snakes, etc.

Are certain types of treats better tailored to give a dog energy and proper sustenance while hiking?

Protein treats and plenty of water. If hiking for many hours, expect that dogs will need to increase the volume of their food. Multiple smaller meals are better than abruptly giving the dog a much bigger meal on an empty stomach. If you’re hiking a lot, discuss with your vet about the best-suited food for your dog’s level of exercise and lifestyle.

Anderson recommends not taking short-muzzled dogs on hikes. (Photo: ltummy/Shutterstock)

Listed below are injuries a dog may sustain while hiking, and Anderson provides steps for treating each of them:

1. Insect bite/sting: Use a tweezer to remove stinger, clean with betadine and use your antihistamine. (Discuss the proper dosage with your vet before you go.)
2. Sprained/strained ankle/paw: Place an ice pack on the sprain and slow down. If your pet is small enough, carry him. Do not splint the hurt leg.
3. Foot pad cut (and other cuts): Clean with betadine and use foot protection if you have it. But again, you have to train with the dog first to make sure the booties are comfortable and fit well.
4. Eating unknown plant/mushroom/etc: Ask your vet for the appropriate dose for making you dog vomit. Peroxide usually works.
5. Snake bite (other venomous animal bite): Get to vet ASAP.
6. Broken bone: Just like for human hikers, this is the end of the hike. Get help! Carry your dog or head back at a very slow pace with your dog.
7. Heat exhaustion/stroke: Cool down. Do not hike with pugs, bulldogs, Frenchies or other short-muzzled dogs. It’s super important to hike in cool weather and shade and take breaks. Training to get your dog adjusted to hiking is even more important than with humans. Overweight and long-haired dogs will have a harder time. Drink cool water in small amounts, wet their fur, feet and face, get in the shade and get to the vet ASAP, as this can be deadly.
8. Ticks: Use flea and tick preventative medication as directed by your veterinarian all year-round.
9. Ripped dew claw: Clean with betadine and use a light bandage, making sure it’s not too tight to create tourniquet action that would cause foot to swell and pool blood in the foot.
10. Allergic reaction: Use antihistamine dose previously discussed with your vet.

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BUNDABERG Surf Life Saving Club has been able to upgrade its emergency equipment thanks to a donation from the Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service.

The provision of a patient trolley from WBHHS Clinical Loans and Asset Management Services will enable the surf club to provide a more flexible first aid service.

The trolley replaces a wooden examination bed that had been in the club house for at least 20 years and will provide a more comfortable experience for patients.

“It’s great that this piece of equipment, which has been replaced at Maryborough Hospital, is now used to benefit the community” Bundaberg CLAMS asset officer Lee-Ann Napier said.

“Many hospital staff and their children are members of the surf club, where this trolley will be used to treat people from the wider community who visit the beach, playground and skate park.”

Bundaberg Surf Life Saving Club life member Wendy Johnston thanked WBHHS for the donation, saying it would be a real benefit.

“We really appreciate the Wide Bay HHS donating this patient trolley, which we will use to assist with first aid cases, either from the beach or from the nearby park and skate park,” she said.

“It’s vital we have support from our community to keep our equipment up and running whether it’s our rescue equipment or our first aid equipment, which is just as vital in providing a good service to the community.”

Contact CLAMS at [email protected] if you know a group in need of first aid equipment.

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