When my father-in-law collapsed at our home a few years ago instead of going into a panic I knew what to do. I had learned how to administer cpr through my job. They had brought in the American Heart Association who gave us training and certification in cpr. Since it was my father-in-law I had no hesitation about performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on him. We were extremely lucky that the ambulance got to our home very quickly and he survived the cardiac arrest.
Just recently the American Heart Association updated their instructions about how to administer CPR. They are now advocating a hands-only cpr method. I've discussed this new training method with friends and family and think that it's a very good idea and it will help save many lives.
One of the reasons that people were reluctant to perform cpr and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation was that they felt overwhelmed and were afraid that they'd "get it wrong". Another reason was they didn't want to put their mouth on the mouth of a stranger. A valid concern. What researchers also found was that it took approximately 16 seconds for a rescuer to deliver two full breaths. Valuable time lost.
The new hands-only method of cpr is very easy to learn. The American Heart Association has online cpr training videos you can watch. You may be able to find a free or very reasonably priced cpr class given by a local hospital.
Quite simply, if an adult collapses and you are unable to awaken them, call 911 and start chest compressions. You use the heel of you hand as in the old method. Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest between the nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers. You will want to press down with enough force to compress the chest between 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Press down on the chest hard and fast. Don't let your hand bounce around, keep the heel of your hand against the chest at all times while allowing the chest to rise fully after each compression. You will want to try to deliver 100 compressions per minute. If there is a automatic external defibrillator where you are use it after cpr is unsuccessful for one minute.
It's estimated that 3/4 of the 300,000 plus Americans who suffer a cardiac arrest do so in their homes. That's one reason it's very important for everyone to learn the new hands-only cpr method. The life you save may be that of a loved one.
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Allison
Posted 165 days ago
I think every adult and teenager should learn how to administer cpr. Just imagine the number of lives that could be saved if everyone was trained.
