I am sure many of you have found yourselves where I used to be... dating a rollerblader and unaware of everything that goes along with that. I've survived 12 years and in that time, I've learned a lot that I will share with you.
First and foremost, you are now the girlfriend of a rollerblader which means that you are now also a nurse. As such, things are bound to happen, injuries will be sustained, and medical attention will be required. In order to be the most effective girlfriend some first aid supplies will be required. This is something that you will learn quickly but it's best to be prepared right from the start of this new relationship. In doing such, you will avoid having to run to the store in the middle of the night while your boyfriend is bleeding, generally from the hands, shins, or elbows. It is best to have a supply which should include but not be limited to the following items. Hydrogen Peroxide to kill the germs in the wounds, let's face it there is no time to wash your hands in rollerblading. Butterfly closures are miracle workers in holding together a giant split, almost always involving the shin. The other things are necessary to bandage up the wound and will include gauze, pre-wrap, athletic tape, ace bandages, neosporin, alleve, or some other over the counter pain killer as well as something a little stronger. It's also handy to have some Epsom salt for baths, ice packs, bengay, icy hot, or a heating pad for pulled muscles.
My first experience with injuries went something like this... he called and said, "I hurt my leg and I can't drive to your house. Do you want to come over tonight?" When I got to his house he had rigged a crappy bandage which was the sleeve of a t-shirt that he ripped off, wrapped around his leg, and was dripping with blood. Trying to impress my new boyfriend I said, "Just let me take a look at it" When I took off the, for the lack of a better word, "dressing" and looked at his shin, I could see the bone. I truly got dizzy instantaneously, and thought I was either going to pass out or throw up.
Since then, I've gotten over this and have administered first aid to various random people standing in my house and bleeding from various body parts. I used to be quite squeamish around blood but have come to grips with it whenever skating is involved and really only whenever skating is involved. I also used to be quite sympathetic and very concerned whenever anyone was injured. Now, in my head mainly to get me through the experience, I think you did that one to yourself buddy. I really hope you got it on film.
