King Sasanka – Sri Lankan Writer & Retired Aviation Professional.

Every Second Counts: A Guide to Handling an Unresponsive Person When you encounter someone collapsed, your brain likely screams "Help them!"  But before you dive in, you must follow a systematic approach.  In the first-aid world, we use the DRSABCD protocol.   1. The Universal Protocol: DRSABCD D – Danger: Is it safe for you to approach? (Check for wires, gas, traffic, or fire). R – Response: Tap their shoulders and shout. "Are you okay?" S – Send for help: Call emergency services (911, 999, etc.) immediately. A – Airway: Is their throat clear? B – Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breath. C – CPR: If not breathing, start chest compressions. D – Defibrillation: Use an AED if one is available.   2. Scenario-Specific Do’s and Don'ts A. Possible Electrocution The Risk: The body is a conductor. If they are still touching a "live" source, you will be electrocuted the moment you ...

Kaum ( කැවුම් ) is an essential item in the Sinhalese New Year celebration. The people of yesteryears knew Kaum is not only a sweetmeat but can be turned into lifesaving drug too. Well before the western medicine identified the value and usefulness of Penicillin, people in this land knew about it and put to good use of it without calling the substance any particular name. The first Kauma made according to the auspicious time during the Sinhala New Year Celebrations time is dedicated to Fruit flys ( කොදුරු කැවුම ) and hung in the kitchen for days until the surface of it turns into light greenish. Fruit flies are essential in this transformation and with them, they bring in the Penicillium (ˌpɛnɪˈsɪliəm) ascomycetous fungi. The fungi grow on the surface of the Kauma and turning the dark brown colour of the surface of it into a light greenish in a few days’ time. Once that process is completed, the Kauma is then kept in a safe place and use as a First Aid, where all c...