Most Americans have learned CPR at some point in thier life: high school health class, lifeguard or counselor training, etc. For many people, it was many years ago. They remember a confusing process of head tilts, nose squeezes, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and chest compressions. I take it every two years now, and despite doing the class at least 20 times in my life, still need the refresher every time I take it.
Good news - The Arizona Dept. of Health Services just published a new, large study that more adults survived cardiac arrest when a bystander gave them continuous chest presses to simulate heartbeat, compared with traditional CPR with mouth-to-mouth breathing.
Lead author Ben Bobrow said "Anyone who can put one hand on top of the other, lock their elbows and push hard and fast can do this. No risk, no fear of causing harm. We want to take away all the reasons bystanders do nothing when they witness another person collapse."
Experts feel tat many people shied away from doing CPR because of the risk of germs with mouth-to-mouth, as well as the general "yuck factor."
Of course, having an AED on premesis is even more effective, but short of that, compressions are simple and more effective than the old method. With all that being said, the more training you have, the more confident you will feel, and you are likely to be more competent when an emergency arrives. It's worth the three hours and $40 or $50 to get certified in CPR/AED rescue. Call your local American Red Cross or American Heart Association for more information.
No comments:
Post a Comment