New thoughts on CPR - we all could use

[Howard Burger]

How many of you have a current CPR certification? How many have had, once upon a time, CPR training? My guess is alot of us have been there, but not recently. Could you remember how to do CPR when one of your co-workers gets shocked?

I saw this article in today's Washington Post. It suggests that hands-on only CPR is just as effective as push-20, breath, push-20 (or whatever the current training is - I'm way out of date..). Also good graphic, printable, showing how to do CPR.

Worth reading. Tomorrow you might have the opportunity to save a life.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/28/AR2010072804731.html

 

[zog]

I would hope everyone is, it is required per OSHA, and is required by 70E to be considered a "qualified person", must be certified annually.

Here is what OSHA says" "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid training." When employees are performing work on or associated with exposed lines or equipment energized at 50 volts or more, persons trained in first aid including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) shall be available as follows:

For field work involving two or more employees at a work location, at least two trained persons shall be available. However, only one trained person need be available if all new employees are trained in first aid, including CPR, within 3 months of their hiring dates.

For fixed work locations such as generating stations, the number of trained persons available shall be sufficient to ensure that each employee exposed to electric shock can be reached within 4 minutes by a trained person. However, where the existing number of employees is insufficient to meet this requirement all employees at the work location shall be trained.

And 70E says: Emplyees shall be regularly instructed in methods of 1st aid and emergency procedures, such as approved methods of resusciation, if thier duties warrant such training. Training of employees in approved methods of resusciation, including CPR, shall be certified by the employer annually.

 

[inspector 102]

As a first responder on the local fire department, the new training practice is 200 compression without worrying about a rescue breath. The circulation of blood with oxygen in it is more important than forced breathing. If not done properly, most of the air goes into the stomach and creates other problems. Just responded last night on a 19 year old electroduted by a cattle fence (after a rain storm). Full unresponsive with no pulse upon arrival, began rescue compressions and after 12 minutes, a faint pulse was detected. Have not found out what the final outcome was but am praying the kid made it. CPR is a very important part of safety and I have been certified for 26 years (Mom was a Red Cross instructor) and have probably used it in the field more than 35 times. God Bless and stay safe.

 

[charlie b]

. . . I have been certified for 26 years . . . and have probably used it in the field more than 35 times.

I wish I had a glass of beer handy, so that I could raise it in salute to you. But all I have is coffee. Anyway, saaaaaluuuute!

 

[big john]

I'm glad to see this is finally catching on. I've heard many stories of people refusing to do CPR because of the mouth-to-mouth involved. I went through EMS training in 2004 and this was a theory back then, but the standard protocol was still 15 compressions to 2 breaths.

Some places have apparently changed their protocols so that their medics are performing CPR with 200-300 compressions to 2 breaths, and I think I remember hearing that it actually improved overall survivability rates, but I'd have to look it up.

-John

 

[cowboyjwc]

Most people were afraid to take the training, until they passed the "Good Samaritan law", that states you can't be held responsible if the person dies.

I had extensive first aid training when I was 15 (35+ years ago), up to and including how to deliver a baby. I can't believe how much the CPR training has changed over the years. It used to be 5 compressions and a breath, then I think it went to 20 and either one or two breaths, and now you're saying 200-300 with out a breath.

 

[USMC1302]

I have been a CPR instructor for several years, and have also responded as a firefighter on many occasions. It is a requirement for me to have the training and those whom I work with and encourage everyone to look into training. Often it can be found for free at a firehouse and is even available on-line. It doesn't take much time, and a refresher should always include "hands-on" if possible, and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator(AED). They are everywhere now. CPR is good, but the AED will increase the chance of survivability. Even if you only remember the way you learned in school, do it. Sure beats the alternative.

 

[zog]

I have been a CPR instructor for several years, and have also responded as a firefighter on many occasions. It is a requirement for me to have the training and those whom I work with and encourage everyone to look into training. Often it can be found for free at a firehouse and is even available on-line. It doesn't take much time, and a refresher should always include "hands-on" if possible, and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator(AED). They are everywhere now. CPR is good, but the AED will increase the chance of survivability. Even if you only remember the way you learned in school, do it. Sure beats the alternative.

Good point I forgot to leave out, I posted the OSHA and 70E requirements above for the employer to provide this training but some employers don't really care about federal regulations. In that case, the training is often available for free in your community (Like fire depts, YMCA's, etc) but even more available at your local red cross for like $25 with a free t-shirt, if you have people you care about in your life it is well worth a few hours of your time, regardless of your job or employer.

(Hoo rah)

 

[Denis]

How many of you have a current CPR certification? How many have had, once upon a time, CPR training? My guess is alot of us have been there, but not recently. Could you remember how to do CPR when one of your co-workers gets shocked?

Yes, certified 7/13/10

have you seen the silent "hands only" commercials?

 

[nhfire77]

The theory is blood holds enough oxygen to deliver an adequate amount to the heart and brain for 4-6 minutes post arrest, so getting it circulated is the priority, not a patent airway. Most layperson CPR is ineffective, so focusing on chest compressions increases circulation and thus increases survival.

Of course if EMS intervention does not occur within 6 min, you have a 97%+ of a Negative Medical Outcome (Because the term death isnt PC )