The Doctors: How To Save Someone On Thin Ice & From Electrocution

The Drs TV: Irregular Heartbeat Toe Tap Test

Tapping your toes can help save your life. Your heart rhythm gets out of sync causes at least 25% of strokes. But there’s an easy test you can do, Dr. Travis Stork said. First, feel your pulse on your wrist or near your windpipe. Then tap your feet with your pulse.

The Doctors: Toe Tap Test

Your foot taps and your pulse should be regular. If not, this could indicate atrial fibrillation. One third of people with this condition don’t know they have it until it escalates to a medical event. If you suspect your heartbeat is irregular, get an EKG from your doctor. Detecting this early can prevent blood clots or stroke.

Dr. Jim Sears: How To Tell If Ice Is Safe

If someone falls through thin ice, do not try to save them alone. You risk falling into the ice yourself, worsening the situation. Throwing a rope or similar object to the person is preferable, because then you can pull them to safety.

If you throw them a rope, tell them to tie it around their body. That way, if they lose consciousness, you can still attempt to pull them out.

Dr. Jim Sears said there are some ways you can tell whether ice is dangerous. Generally, darker, oily ice is melting and won’t be very strong. A grey or white color of ice can indicate air pockets, which also can be dangerous.

Either clear or blue ice, at least four inches thick, is probably safe. But verify the safety of ice with a local official or experienced adult before venturing out. And if you’re not sure if it is safe, stay off the ice.

The Doctors: What To Do If You Fall Through Thin Ice

Dr. Jim Sears demonstrated tips in case you do fall through thin ice. As you are falling in, remember to hold your breath. Try to stay calm, because you will go into cold shock and hyperventilate. Take deep, slow breaths and purse your lips.

Do not take off your winter clothes. They will trap air, which helps keep you afloat. The strongest ice is probably where you were standing when you fell in, so try to get back to that spot and grab on to the ledge. Then start kicking to get your body horizontal.

You can use keys to dig into the ice like a pickax. Once you are able to pull yourself out, do not stand up. Roll horizontally to a safer position. Standing concentrates your weight on your feet instead of spreading it out across your body.

The Drs: Electrocution Risks For Hair Dryers, Curling Irons & Kids

Each year, there are over 1,000 deaths and more than 3,000 burn unit visits from electrocution victims. These instances are preventable, and there is something you can do to help someone in danger.

Dr. Lisa Masterson said that curling irons and other products are a common danger for women. But since 1991, manufacturers have put Ground Fault Interrupters in the plugs for hair dryers and other products. These devices trip the circuit if they sense a leak, making them much safer. But you do not use them in water.

Kids are also at high risk from electrocution, because they don’t know better. Toddlers may chew on extension cords, touch frayed ends, or stick items into outlets.

Dr. Travis Stork: How To Save Someone From Being Electrocuted

Dr. Travis Stork said the biggest cause of electrocution injuries is trying to repair malfunctioning appliances. If you come upon someone being electrocuted, don’t touch them, because you will get electrocuted as well.

First, try to break the electrical cycle. Trip the circuit breaker or unplug the appliance if possible. Do not touch the person directly. Instead, use a non-conductive device such as wood, cardboard, or plastic to separate the person, because it will break the flow of electricity.

Rubber, which many people have on the bottom of their shoes, is non-conductive, so you may be able to safely kick the appliance away.