Imagine Uncle Joe passes out unexpectedly while you’re all there as a family blog here. When panic strikes, what should you do? This is where the superhero-like effects of CPR training kick in.
Nobody needs to be a doctor or lifeguard to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). With this ability, regular people can save lives. Consider using it as a covert tool to combat the Grim Reaper.
Consider yourself the person who sustains someone’s vitality until trained assistance comes. Right there, that is some very heroic stuff! What do you know? IKEA furniture assembly is not as difficult as learning CPR.
Let us start by discussing the reasons that make CPR so crucial. The brain runs out of oxygen when a person’s heart stops pumping. Absolutely, every second matters. It takes minutes for brain cells to begin to die. It’s game over quite quickly if nothing is done.
It gets better: doing CPR can increase a victim’s chances of life by two or even three times. This is not a small fry! By buying time, you are effectively delaying the arrival of the ambulance with all of its expensive equipment.
At this point, you may be asking yourself, “Isn’t this something that only medical professionals should handle?” No, sorry! Basic CPR training can be acquired by children as young as nine. It is like to riding a bike in that it becomes second nature once you get the feel of it.
Cut the procedure into manageable pieces:
Shake them well and call out their name to see whether they are responsive.
**Help Request:** Make a 911 call more quickly than you would text your closest buddy.
3. **Cross Compressions:** Squeeze the middle of your chest quickly and forcefully; visualize the Bee Gees song “Staying Alive.”
After every thirty compressions, if you are comfortable and trained, perform two rescue breaths.
Without a doubt, simple as pie!
What if I make a mistake? you ask, “But wait.” You will find that taking action is far more beneficial than taking no action at all. The effects of even shoddy CPR can be profound.
In addition, automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, are becoming more and more commonplace in places like malls, gyms, and airports. With these equipment, you may have an emergency room physician in a package! They will not shock you unless absolutely required and provide oral instructions for every step.
As an example, my neighbor Susan previously used techniques she picked up from an online course to save her spouse while binge-watching Netflix! Her description of the chest compressions and rescue breaths made her feel like MacGyver.
There are many different places to get training: community centers, local hospitals, online classes, you name it! Because it’s always a good idea to be extra prepared, some schools even include first aid instruction.
For practice sessions, teachers frequently utilize mannequins called Resusci Anne or Little Junior. They’re a little unsettling, but they’re a great way to get students involved in studying without putting them under pressure from adulthood.
Being ready can quickly transform a possible tragedy into a victory. Let’s face it, nobody likes to worry about emergencies until they happen.
Recall the proverb from before? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” On rainy days, having CPR knowledge is like having treasure stowed away—it could come in very handy!
I promise you that the next time someone asks at a party or during a job interview whether you have any unique qualities, they will ask! Share with them how your handy CPR training has given you superpowers for saving lives!
Well, then, get a cup of coffee (or tea), look for a class nearby or online, and get ready to crush those chest compressions like there’s no tomorrow!
Good luck everyone, and may your hands always remain firm when it matters most! Stay safe!