February 20, 2006 Hello! Most people have heard of CPR. "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and chest compression that keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm. "When the heart stops,
the absence of oxygenated blood can cause irreparable brain damage
in only a few minutes. Death will occur within eight to 10 minutes.
Time is critical when you're helping an unconscious person who isn't
breathing." While most people are familiar with the concept of CPR, even those who have taken CPR classes in the past may not be familiar with the "New CPR" that was introduced in November of 2005. "High-quality CPR
with fewer interruptions is the goal of this update to the
American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
(CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Focusing on the value of
quality CPR in saving lives when hearts are stopped, a consortium
of experts recommended simplifying and streamlining the guidelines
for CPR. The biggest change is increasing to 30 the number
of chest compressions given for every two rescue breaths for cardiac
arrest victims." For those who thought that the "old way" had too many details for the non-medical professional to remember, the process has been simplified. With the hope of getting the important steps done (and done correctly), some of the other details have been eliminated completely. "Streamlining CPR
for the lay person who witnesses someone suffering a cardiac arrest
promises to save lives. 'We eliminated some steps,' said Dr Sayre.
'One is that if someone encounters a person who cannot be awakened
and is not breathing, he or she should assume that the person is
in cardiac arrest. They should give two breaths and move right into
giving chest compressions without wasting any more time evaluating
the victim. ...' The other major change for bystanders is to increase
to 30 the number of chest compressions given before pausing to give
two rescue breaths. This change applies to victims of all ages (except
newborn infants) and is even recommended for healthcare professionals
who might be working on their own before additional help arrives." Knowing the "old way" will probably make it easier to transition to the new, but for those unfamiliar with either, just knowing the changes will not be very helpful. As of November 2005, the new guidelines for CPR for infants, children, and adults include: "For the Infant "For the Child "For the Adult For those who have been trained to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), the new CPR guidelines will affect their use, as well. "The emphasis on providing
high quality CPR with fewer interruptions is also reflected in the
changes to the new guidelines for using a defibrillator. For
example, rescuers are advised to use only one shock before resuming
CPR, rather than three, as previously recommended." For those with no training, or those considering getting retrained with the new guidelines: "American Red Cross
first aid, CPR and AED programs are designed to give you the confidence
to respond in an emergency situation with skills that can save a
life. Additional training in bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration
and injury prevention can be added to CPR and first aid training
to prepare you to prevent and respond to life-threatening emergencies.
Red Cross Preparedness programs in first aid, CPR and AED are available
for any age and can be tailored to the needs of specific groups
and individuals. Whether you work with children, want training for
employees, are a professional rescuer, or simply want to know how
to help someone in an emergency, the American Red Cross has a program
for you. Find out more about the American Red Cross Advantage." For those wondering whether it is still important to get the training when reading over the guidelines seems to give all the information: "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
should be performed only by persons trained in the technique because
specific CPR recommendations vary depending on the patient's age
and the cause of arrest. If performed incorrectly, CPR may be ineffective
or harmful. Because most cardiac arrests occur outside the hospital,
it is important for laypersons to be trained in CPR." Questions of the Week:
Please email me with any ideas or suggestions. I look forward to reading what you have to say. Cindy |
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