If you weigh more than 10 pounds......

I usually finish that with "I can't do anything for you". The weight limit is actually somewhat higher, but not much more than double unless you need an IV. I do know CPR, and I hope I'd remember how to do chest compressions with more than my thumbs should the need arise.

Years ago, when I was a fairly new nurse, I took a friend to the airport on a very hot summer day. We went to an extended parking lot and walked toward the bus which we planned to ride to the airport. As we rounded the back of the bus, we spotted the bus driver with her head on the concrete and her feet on the bottom step of the bus. I stood there with my mouth open until my friend slugged my shoulder and said, "You're a nurse, do something."

I sprung into action and determined that the bus driver was breathing and pink and, since we couldn't tell whether there were serious injuries, we shouldn't move her. Then I turned to my friend and said, "There's a radio on that bus. You're an engineer - your turn." Fortunately, the bus driver regained consciousness at that point and was able to call for assistance herself.

As I was telling this story to a friend recently, she glanced out the window of the restaurant where we were dining and noted the presence of an ambulance, commenting that she'd seen several others that day. Moments later, a contingent from the local EMS entered the restaurant and approached a nearby table where a patron was slumped over.

Yep. If you weigh more than 10 pounds, you might want to find a nurse with some actual adult experience if you're not feeling well. I can call 911 as fast as anyone, but I don't promise to notice that you're not actually napping when your eyes are closed.

Physics lessons

One of the skills taught at the Mountain Man camp my son attended last week was the art of knife throwing. In addition to learning the proper way to throw a knife, he learned that if you don't do it quite right, the principle of equal and opposite reaction applies. Fortunately they were required to wear boots and he moves fast when faced with a rapidly returning knife. Didn't keep him from trying again until he got it right.

Summer Camp

My youngest son, a Life Scout, is heading off to BSA summer camp shortly. He's a little sad because he will again be at camp for his birthday. Only a little, because we celebrate the week before and the week after and again in August when his cousin comes to stay with us. That and he's looking forward to this particular high adventure camp. He's already completed all but one of the Eagle-required merit badges, so instead of working on traditional merit badges, he'll be living as the Mountain Men did in the 18th century. He'll learn blacksmithing, muzzle-loading riflery, wilderness survival and other useful skills. I'd predict that his favorite will the tomahawk and knife-throwing sessions, although shooting pretty much any firearm comes in a close second for him.