Learning CPR is easy
by Barry Matulaitis
REGION - The new cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) methods that were instituted by the American Heart Association (AHA) last year have made the life saving exercise more effective, and easier for people to learn.
The five major changes impacting all rescuers are as follows:
-An emphasis on, and recommendations to improve, delivery of effective chest compressions -A single compression-to-ventilation ratio for all single rescuers for all victims (except newborns) -Recommendation that each rescue breath be given over one second and should produce visible chest rise -A new recommendation that single shocks, followed by immediate CPR, be used to attempt defibrillation for VF cardiac arrest. Rhythm checks should be performed every two minutes.
-Endorsement of the 2003 ILCOR recommendation for use of AEDs in children one to eight years old (and older); use a child dose-reduction system if available.
The AHA recommends a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2 for all lone
(single) rescuers to use for all victims from infants through adults. This recommendation applies to all lay rescuers and to all healthcare providers who perform one-rescuer CPR.
For lay rescuers, there are 13 major changes in guidelines:
1. If alone with an unresponsive infant or child, give about five cycles of compressions and ventilations (about two minutes) before leaving the child to phone 9-1-1.
2. Do not try to open the airway using a jaw thrust for injured victims - use the head tilt-chin lift for all victims.
3. Take five to 10 seconds (no more than 10 seconds) to check for normal breathing in an unresponsive adult or for presence or absence of breathing in the unresponsive infant or child.
4. Take a normal (not a deep) breath before giving a rescue breath to a victim.
5. Give each breath over one second. Each breath should make the chest rise.
6. If the victim's chest does not rise when the first rescue breath is delivered, perform the head tilt - chin lift again before giving the second breath.
7. Do not check for signs of circulation. After delivery of two rescue breaths, immediately begin chest compressions (and cycles of compressions and rescue
breaths)
8. No teaching of rescue breathing without chest compressions (exception: rescue breathing is taught in the Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid Course).
9. Use the same 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for all victims.
10. For children, use one or two hands to perform chest compressions and compress at the nipple line; for infants, compress with two fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line.
11. When you use an AED, you will give one shock followed by immediate CPR, beginning with chest compression. Rhythm checks will be performed every two minutes.
12. Actions for relief of choking (severe airway obstruction) have been simplified.
13. New first aid recommendations have been developed with more information included about stabilization of the head and neck in injured victims.
All of Med-Care's CPR classes since Aug. 28 have used the new curriculum.
Prior to 2005, the last change in CPR methods was late 2001/early 2002.
Businesses with six or more people taking part in a CPR course can contact Med-Care at 364-8748, and Med-Care can set up a date and time based on what is most convenient for that business. Also, any business or organization with six or more that schedules and completes a CPR course with Med-Care prior to the end of the year, between Nov. 1st and Dec. 31st, will receive one free workplace CPR kit valued at $104.

Public Education

Do you have an interest in medicine?

Are you a healthcare worker, daycare provider, logger or other professional needing CPR or First Aid training?

Med-Care Ambulance offers a host of CPR and First Aid programs to suit every need. With many of our dedicated paramedics and EMT's also serving as our instructors, the quality of our educational programs is truly outstanding.

Aside from the programs listed here, Med-Care can provide other, more specialized programs upon request. Please don't hesitate to contact us about any of your company's or organization's medical training needs.

Call our office at (207)-364-8748 to inquire about classes, or email us and we will provide you with the information you need.

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