Current methods for CPR anyone?

[Bigprairie1]

As a follow up to the excellent post regarding drowning I thought I would see if anyone would be willing to weigh in on the correct methods for CPR that all of us could learn from or use if necessary?
I know I've seen it from time to time (not necessarily on I-boats tho'?) but it has also changed a bit over the years...so if you are up on it...please post it in a clear step by step manner.
Many thanks guys and gals!!
BP

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

The big change in CPR is the reduction in the breaths given. Now what is being taught is to give compressions for 30 seconds, then two breaths, compressions for another 30 seconds, and two more breaths. Then check for pulse and continue as needed.

One of the biggest things that helps in heart attach situations is an AED (automated external defibrillator). If you look around, most public places have them mounted somewhere easily accessible. The great things about them is they are pretty much fool proof. You open them up and most talk you through what to do. It will tell you where to place the pads, it will do the checking for vitals, will tell you when to administer a shock, won't shock when it isn't needed, and will tell you when to continue CPR. If a AED is used at the start of a heart attack it drastically lowers the chance of death.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Ditto on the AED is one is nearby.

The easiest method of CPR to perform, learn and remember (i.e. for lay people) is compressions only CPR. Press to a depth of approximately 2 inches directly over the lower 1/3rd of the sternum 100 times a minute (think "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees). Do not stop for breaths as they aren't necessary. The compressions themselves provide plenty of positive pressure exhalation and passive inhalation. Many BLS fire departments around the country teach this as the preferred method before advanced providers arrive. In fact, this method has a significantly higher "save" ratio than does traditional CPR. It's due to increased cardiac output and perfusion pressures provided by the continuous, non-stop, CPR.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

The only right way to learn CPR is to take an approved course through the Red Cross, Heart Association, or others. To attempt CPR without proper training could leave a person open to law suits. A trained non-medical person who performs CPR according to their training will be protected under most states' "Good Samaritan Laws." How would you like to be a defendant in a lawsuit and on the witness stand and answer as to what training you have that you learned about it from a friend of a friend who e-mailed me the instructions

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

The only right way to learn CPR is to take an approved course through the Red Cross, Heart Association, or others. To attempt CPR without proper training could leave a person open to law suits. A trained non-medical person who performs CPR according to their training will be protected under most states' "Good Samaritan Laws." How would you like to be a defendant in a lawsuit and on the witness stand and answer as to what training you have that you learned about it from a friend of a friend who e-mailed me the instructions

I ditto this remark. Get trained properly. The classes are pretty short and very instructional. And what's sad, it that in this day and time, a really good CPR class covers things such as liability issues, etc. I also highly recommend it to new parents so they can learn what to do with chocking scenarios and such with infants.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Anyone who assists another and who acts as others with similar training would is covered under the Good Samaritan Law. This is regardless of what if any training you have had. If my heart has stopped, I would rather someone try to save me who read about CPR than no one at all.

 

[Fly Rod]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

What DrownedRat said

In Massachusetts everyone is protected by the Good Samaritan Law.

Just because a person is covered by the law does not mean that you can not be sued. If sued you would still need to retain a lawyer and tho the case would more then likely be thrown out of court you may still have legal fees.

 

[dwco5051]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Anyone who assists another and who acts as others with similar training would is covered under the Good Samaritan Law. This is regardless of what if any training you have had. If my heart has stopped, I would rather someone try to save me who read about CPR than no one at all.

Different from state to state, your milage may vary.

From Pennsylvania law;

2) In order for any person to receive the benefit of the exemption from civil liability provided for in subsection (a), he shall be, at the time of rendering the emergency care, first aid or rescue or moving the person receiving emergency care, first aid or rescue to a hospital or other place of medical care, the holder of a current certificate evidencing the successful completion of a course in first aid, advanced life saving or basic life support sponsored by the American National Red Cross or the American Heart Association or an equivalent course of instruction approved by the Department of Health in consultation with a technical committee of the Pennsylvania Emergency Health Services Council and must be performing techniques and employing procedures consistent with the nature and level of the training for which the certificate has been issued.

 

[aspeck]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

http://www.cprdude.com/cpr-summary.shtml

This link has a nice summary. Print it out and keep it on your boat, in your car, at home and office. The American Heart Association changes their criteria about every 2 - 4 years, whenever there is a new leader at the helm and the new leader has to do it a different way.

The compressions are the most important, and make sure they are deep enough to actually compress the heart and force blood through the body.

It is always best to get certified (and not hard to do), but do not let a person die because you are afraid of being sued. That is why too many people walk by people in need of help.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

http://www.cprdude.com/cpr-summary.shtml
It is always best to get certified (and not hard to do), but do not let a person die because you are afraid of being sued. That is why too many people walk by people in need of help.

Nicely put Aspeck and I fully agree. I didn't quite understand why the legal angle suddenly popped up in this thread. To be quite honest, up in the ol' Great White North we don't have an awful lot of precedents leading to lawsuits....particularly for something alone these lines. This might be a minor cultural difference but it doesn't seem like its on the minds of us Canadian northerners that much.
The important stuff is of course to try to help and ideally save a life.
Excellent info regarding the chest compressions which is a very useful thing to know and I'm hoping I don't have to use it, but glad to know I could.
All Good
BP

 

[FBPirate95]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Nicely put Aspeck and I fully agree. I didn't quite understand why the legal angle suddenly popped up in this thread. To be quite honest, up in the ol' Great White North we don't have an awful lot of precedents leading to lawsuits....particularly for something alone these lines. This might be a minor cultural difference but it doesn't seem like its on the minds of us Canadian northerners that much.
The important stuff is of course to try to help and ideally save a life.
Excellent info regarding the chest compressions which is a very useful thing to know and I'm hoping I don't have to use it, but glad to know I could.
All Good
BP

The reason it probably crept in is because it is something that has to be considered. When I took my Emergency Responce classes we went into detail about this. Here in Florida, you have to ask someone if they need assistance first. If they say no, then you are not allowed to do anything to/for them. However, if they are unconscious, you are allowed to perform the required steps without their approval. Another sad but true problem is sexual harrasment accusations. The paramedics and EMT's are taught modifcations such as placing a females arm over the chest, and placing your hand on the arm to check for respiration. Also they are taught to work in a "buddy" system so there's no one on one contact that could lead to he said, she said.

 

[CN Spots]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

My work has someone come in every year and do training courses. Talk to your boss/HR department and see if they'll be willing to bring someone in. It covers much more than CPR. Cuts, breaks, burns, strokes etc. Well worth the time it takes. If they won't do it call you local fire dept. and see if they can help.

When we completed the course they gave us cards that said that we had been trained in CPR. The purpose of those cards, we were told, was legal butt-covering. Sad that it's come to that... but it's come to that.

 

[gonfishn]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Be it what it may. The main thing is to enable that person to live no matter what the good book says or how many pumps or breathes are needed.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

I'm a Red Cross Instructor in First Aid and CPR. I urge everyone to spend the $20 or so, and take the full course.

Someone, someday, will thank you.

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

Funny this subject came up. Big prairie probably saw this on the news as I did. A small girl fell in to the family pool and was found face down in the water. A man who had taken a CPR coarse 20 years ago. He performed CPR and the girls life was saved.

The moral of my post is take the first aid coarse because you never know when you may need it. We all have to take a level one coarse at work every year and the instructor says if you don't try ,the injured don,t have a chance.

I think if your a boater it should be mandatory with the boating license.
Just my two bits worth.

 

[jwp]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

As mentioned, everyone should take a Red Cross course.
First thing is check inside the person's mouth (make sure the airway is cleared). Next have them laying on a firm surface (floor of the boat is better than on the cushions). Then it's 2 quick breaths, 15 compressions then 2 quick breaths until help has arrived.
I understand people's hesitation as far as being sued but have to say I wouldn't be able to stand there and NOT try to save a life.

 

[LadyFish]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

As mentioned, everyone should take a Red Cross course.
First thing is check inside the person's mouth (make sure the airway is cleared). Next have them laying on a firm surface (floor of the boat is better than on the cushions). Then it's 2 quick breaths, 15 compressions then 2 quick breaths until help has arrived.
I understand people's hesitation as far as being sued but have to say I wouldn't be able to stand there and NOT try to save a life.

Actually, the number of compressions has changed. Its two breaths over a period of 3 seconds, then 30 compressions. Repeat this cycle for about 2 minutes, then check for signs of life ABC's (airway, breathing and circulation) then repeat if necessary. Checking for a foriegn object is always a good idea if you are dealing with a choking victim before you give breaths.

 

[PiratePast40]

Re: Current methods for CPR anyone?

I was shocked to be told recently that proper chest compressions will most likely result in broken ribs and the possibility of significant damage. Certainly better than death but it points out the need for proper and current training.

This happened to be in a hospital ICU and the need for an immediate decision was in question of an advanced directive so the situation was a little complicated and tense.