|
What is CPR?
 Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of providing rescue breathing
and chest compressions to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest.
It is generally done in ongoing cycles by providing 30 chest compressions
followed by 2 rescue breaths. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart
stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow
to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function
is restored.
Note: CPR Training should always be conducted by
a licensed CPR training professional.
Why Links Should Be Interested in CPR?
An estimated 92 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims
will die before reaching the hospital. If more people know how to
perform CPR and provide immediate action, a victim's survival rate
could double or triple. More lives could be saved if more individuals
understood CPR situations and were willing to respond in an emergency.
Importance of CPR
If someone went into cardiac
arrest in front of you, would you know how to help?
- Bystanders can help. Unnecessary deaths
can occur, when people don't act upon seeing someone suddenly
collapse.
- Your action to respond can only help.
If you see an unconscious adult and have not been CPR
trained, call 9-1-1.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden Cardiac
Arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States claiming
nearly 300,000 lives each year. During sudden cardiac arrest, the
heart function ceases abruptly and without warning. When this occurs,
the heart is no longer able to pump blood to the rest of the body.
In 95 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims, death occurs.
When an adult has a sudden cardiac arrest, the person’s survival
depends greatly on immediately receiving CPR. A bystanding witness
can help. Unfortunately, less than 1/3 of people who experience
a cardiac arrest at home, work or in a public location will receive
help that can be provided.
Why? Many bystanders are worried that they might do something
wrong or make things worse.
Hands Only CPR
Hands Only CPR is CPR without
rescue breathing. Hands Only CPR makes responding to an adult who
suddenly collapses from sudden cardiac arrest a 2 - step process
that most people can do. To find out more information, go to
http://handsonlycpr.org/.
The benefit of Hands Only CPR is that it is easy to remember
and the action can only help.
AED
An automated external defibrillator or
AED is a device that automatically diagnoses the potentially life
threatening cardiacarrhythmias of ventricular fibrillation and ventricular
tachycardia in a person. It is not necessary for the rescuer to
be able to identify heart rhythms. If a shockable rhythm is detected,
the machine will be able to treat them through defibrillation. This
occurs through the application of electrical therapy which stops
the arrthymia allowing the heart to reestablish an effective rhythm.
Who can use an AED and how does it work? By listening to voice
prompts, almost anyone can use an AED. Once the machine is turned
on, the rescuer will be prompted to apply two electrodes provided
with the AED to the victim's chest. After the pads are applied,
the AED will begin to monitor the victim's heart rhythm. If a shockable
rhythm is detected, the machine will charge itself and instruct
the rescuer to stand clear of the victim, followed by a voice prompt
to press the shock button.
Good Samaritan Provisions
Did you know?
It has been reported that all 50 states now have AED Good Samaritan
provisions that help protect laypersons that have been properly
trained to use these devices. Therefore, any layperson who has been
trained to use an AED may be afforded some protection under applicable
AED Good Samaritan provisions. Contact your local or state emergency
medical services (EMS) department to find out about Good Samaritan
protections that your state provides for users of AEDs.
Become Certified In CPR
|
