Real Estate Blog - The severity of it all. Are you prepared for a medical situation?

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The severity of it all. Are you prepared for a medical situation?

I am so glad that I have a medical background and have my BCLS certification.

Today, I had a situation where a customer became ill during a showing.

I had no idea why. I only met this customer for the first time today. It's really hot here today (93 degree'as) the air is full of smoke as there are many fires here in Florida.

Am I being nosey if I ask them about their health history? I assumed it was the heat, offered cold water as I keep that in a small cooler in my car. The customer didn't want water. So, trying my best to help this person, I asked if they were diabetic (I also keep candy, crackers, peanuts) in my car as I am hypoglycemic and sometimes when a showing goes too long, I need a snack as well.

I mean it's not like every Real Estate agent has CPR or is BCLS certified, but should we be?

Should we have the ability to help a customer? Shouldn't we be CPR qualified. If you don't think so, why?

I was glad to be able to help this person today. They are OK now, however, you never know, do you?

What do you think, this has happened more than once to me while showing properties in South Florida, it get's really hot here, and now there are fire's which are making breathing tough.

I would like you opinion's and I would like to also know if this ever happened to you.

http://www.KarenMonsour.com, 954-464-4194 cell

Posted by Karen Monsour,REALTOR® Broward,Palm Beach,Miami/Dade! 954-464-4194 anytime! on 05/12/2008 08:43 PM

Comments (22)

health issues, shortness of breath, diabetics, being prepared, cpr, bcls, real estate, karen monsour

Originally posted at: Karen@ www.KarenMonsour.com: The severity of it all. Are you prepared for a medical situation?

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22 Comments on The severity of it all. Are you prepared for a medical situation?

MAY

2008

Karen, I do happen to keep water, snacks, flashlights and some band-aids and mercurochrome in my car. I've luckily never needed to help anyone in an emergency. If you have the training to do more, that's a good thing.

My only concern is that no good deed goes unpunished. What if, in our litigous society, you try to help someone and they end up suing you?

Karen,

I keep an emergency supply of water, snacks, first-aid kit, blankets, and a phone to call for help.

I would administer CPR to save someone's life.....without hesitation or fear of lawsuit.

Great job Karen!

Brian- They could try and sue you but there is a good samaritan law that covers someone giving life saving care. I cant walk away from someone in need, I was a firefighter for 21 years. Having said that you could sue a ham sand which if you wanted to.

Getting overheated is the main problem I have run into. Last summer when our temps soared over 100 degrees, I had to stop and get ice cold drinks. I also kept a cooler in the car. The heat can make you sick especially if you not used to it.

Brian,

If you have current CPR certification or BCLS certification, you are covered and they will back you up. I mean to tell you in my 25 year's experience in the medical field and doing cardiac stress tests...I have revived or at least helped to revive many patients...ALL OF THEM, and I mean ALL OF THEM, have called me to say, thank you!

The most important thing is that your certification's are up to date.

Can I sue the sandwich, I hate ham.

I do keep snacks and drinks, but I need to get a first aid kit in there too - thanks for the reminder.

I had 1 client nearly black out at a showing but she said she just has low blood pressure and does that a lot. I don't know what I'd do for a real serious thing. I'm not good in those situations. I panic!

RE/MAX UNLIMITED...I'm glad you are one of the best! I hope you are certified, the Red Cross will back you up!

Larry,

You are right, it is the Good Samaritan law, if you are up to date on your certifications, they will back you up...

After 25 year's in the field, I feel like I would never sit there and watch someone pass...law suit or not.

As I said before, I have save many people undergoing stress tests...and they alway's bring you flower's and call you to thank you.

Thank heavens, I have not had to have the experience where someone passed.

Maria,

You are so right, we need to be prepared as agent's for the heat. Sometimes the homes we are showing are not air conditioned, some don't have electric. We need to be smart!

Sheree,

People with low blood pressure as myself need salt in that situation. Gatorade, etc. I keep a salt shaker in my bag as well. Knowledge is golden.

Karen, I have found it best to keep some snacks and drinks handy in a cooler. Sometimes you just get so wrapped up in showings and it is hard to stop for refreshments. Clients love the fact that you think ahead. I am also RN (not practicing) so the background helps.

I think you did the right thing. I would not have known what to do.

Karen,

Glad to hear that they are ok. What does BCLS stand for?

Christopher

Vickie,

I do keep snack's as I have said above, I am hypoglycemic myself. I have pretzel's juice, candy, gatorade, water...I guess it's my medical background as well. You know, we've seen it all, and we don't want anything to happen to our customer's...It's just our instinct...you know, us who have worked in medicine for years...RIGHT?

Kay,

Thank you for being honest. Doesn't that make you want to take a CPR course. For family situations, for friends situations, for your customers. Not trying to scare you, but I think, and this is my personal opinion, that everyone with a driver's license should have CPR...save a life...why not?

Chris,

BCLS means Basic Cardiac Life Support... it mean's when some one is having a cardiac issue, you can help them until Paramedic's arrive. Will send you an email my friend.

I think that we need to be the best that we can be, and I am certified in CPR, but I think that there's only so much that you can do.

MAY

2008

Cherry Creek,

Glad to hear that you are. I know what you mean, however, one good attempt at saving a life is better than no attempt at all.

Good for you!

Karen

I know how to dial 911. Does that count? Seriously, I've never thought about it. I need to at least take a CPR class...

Debi,

If not for your customer's for your family, children, relatives, you never know when this situation will arise...that's my point on this blog. It's to make everyone realize that CPR is important to know. Thank's for posting and getter done...You will one day be glad you have this certification. :-)

I haven't had that problem yet and had not thought about it. I guess I should start.

Gene,

You never know, it could happen to a child, a spouse, a relative, or a customer, it's a very important thing to know. It's not a tough course, your local fire department or local Red Cross can probably sign you up for the one day course. It's important for everyone.

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