Motivation Monday - CPR

A few weeks ago I completed a brief CPR class through work and it was one of the best things I have participated in in a long time!

I thought it was very important to get some training in this area, especially with a young daughter at home! I have to tell you I felt so empowered and motivated after this training.

I am actually going to take the full day training course later next month so I can get extra training in this area and become certified!

I recommend that if anybody has this opportunity through work or through your community services to get CPR certified…. you might just save a life!

The big take away message from our trainer was “Bad CPR is better than NO CPR” which basically means, do something! Don’t be afraid that you are doing it wrong or that you might hurt someone you care about, or waiting for someone "more experienced" to arrive. If you ever find yourself in a situation that requires you to perform CPR and you have basic knowledge of how to do it then do it!!!

This is very helpful guide to help you perform CPR on anyone!

CPR - The basics…

1. Check to see if the person is breathing, yell at them, shake them, get them to respond, if they are unresponsive get help.

2. Call 911 or your local emergency number to get help. Once help is on the way you can start CPR.

3. Open the person’s airway. Lay the person on his/her back and tilt their head back and lift their chin slightly.

4. Check to for breathing. See if the person’s chest is rising and falling, listen to see if you can hear any air being expelled. Count for 5 seconds. Example 1 one thousand, 2 one thousand etc. If they aren’t breathing start compressions and breathing.

5. Push hard and fast in the middle of the person’s chest (breastbone). Press down 1/3rd the depth of the persons chest. Do 30 compressions to the tune of “Staying Alive” or some other fast tempo music.

6. With your mouth over the other person’s mouth deliver 2 “normal” breaths into their mouth. Check to see if their chest is rising each time, if not try to tilt the head further back and lift up chin.

7. Continue with 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths in until the paramedics arrive!

Basically the procedure is the same whether it’s on an infant, child or adult. The difference is how hard you do the chest compressions. So a good rule of thumb is to do the compressions 1/3rd of the depth of the persons chest. Here's a little video to show you how to administer CPR.

Please be aware that most likely the person won’t regain consciousness when you are doing CPR (It’s not like in the movies). But if you respond fast in an emergency situation you can keep them alive until help arrives!

We also had a brief introduction into using a defibrillation machine which is quite easy to use and since most facilities actually have a defibrillation machine onsite its equally important to get some training in this area as well!

I will go more into how to use a Defibrillation Machine in a different blog post!

Keep safe this summer!

Simply Truly Jenny...