We all believe we can follow instructions without reading them first. Learning a new skill need your undivided attention to the smallest of details. Regardless of how efficient you are in your area of expertise, you still need to upgrade your skills and refresh your knowledge from time to time. A course such as CPR needs to be practiced or it might be forgotten.
Common Myths of CPR
For years, we have lived with myths that were thought to be true. For example, older adults believed that rubbing butter on skin burns would ease the pain or stop the burning. The friction of applying heat and rubbing an oily substance on a burn can cause an infection. In a few words, that method is not effective. Instead, apply an antibiotic cream, after rinsing the burn with cold water and covering it with a clean dressing gauze.
Another popular myth appeared on television during the late 1950s when cowboys and Indians did a lot of shooting. When a gunshot victim was taken to the town doctor, he always got a shot of whiskey. This was the numbing drug at the time. Whiskey was thought to make a person calm so that the doctor could remove the bullet. Today, we have anesthesia, lidocaine, and laughing gas.
How to do it Right
Now that we have gotten a few myths out of the way, let us see if we can get to performing CPR the right way, so we can help save some lives. First, you want to ask yourself; what does CPR stand for and how can someone trained in CPR get it wrong? The only way anyone can get CPR wrong depends on how long they have been without any training. CPR supplies the critical steps needed to keep the blood circulating to the heart and brain, and to other vital organs in the body.
The main aspect of CPR focuses on survival. Trained CPR participants perform life-saving techniques until help arrives. In some cases, victims have suffered from bruised ribs or other injuries to certain parts of the body, due to the improper administration of CPR. However, thoroughly trained individuals can prevent inflicting unintentional injury on others if they learn the basics of CPR.
Using an AED to Restart the Heart
Aside from CPR, you can learn how to use an Automated External Defibrillator or (AED). An AED greatly increases a person's chance of survival. Anyone trained in CPR should also be trained on using an automated external defibrillator. If your workplace has an AED in place, follow these steps if the need should arise.
Step 1- Power on the AED machine and follow the prompts. The equipment can be used for both children or adults.
Step 2- Place the AED near the victim's head, with the unit powered on. Your model might be one of the two, push-button or automatic turn upon lifting the lid.
Step 3- Apply both pads. One of the right sides of the chest just below the collarbone.
Step 4- Place the second pad on the lower left side of the victim's chest.
Step 5- Make sure both pads are connected to the AED.
Step 6- Clear the victim before delivering a shock.
Step 7- Look around to ensure bystanders are not touching the victim or the victim's clothing.
Step 8- Shout "Everybody clear!" before delivering a shock.
Step 9- Push the shock button.
CPR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
This emergency procedure combines a series of chest compressions and artificial ventilation techniques to aid a person with signs of irregular breathing. Someone in distress or in cardiac arrest may experience brain cell damage, due to slow or no blood circulation to the brain. For this reason alone, CPR provides individuals with the greatest chance of survival. Knowing how to properly perform CPR can be of great benefit for both you and the victim.
AED for Children
Children and infants need less energy to restart the heart. This works for children ages 1-8 years of age and weighs less than 55lbs. infants are less than one year old. AED pads are available in various sizes, suitable for both children and adults. If smaller size pads are not available to use in pediatric settings, adult pads can be used. A manual defibrillator supplies the best use for infants, and pediatric pads or adults' pads can be used if infant pads are not available.
Learning the Heimlich Maneuver
One of the greatest feelings a person can experience comes from saving the life of another individual. Seeing someone choking may be scary, but the action you take can save that person's life. What is the Heimlich Maneuver, and how can you perform this awesome technique?
The Heimlich maneuver saves the lives of hundreds of people each year. When properly performed choking victims regain use of their airway, and the lodged object is dispelled from the passageway, allowing the victim the freedom to breathe once again. This life-saving technique consists of several important steps:
1) Make sure the person is in an upright or standing position
2) Stand behind the victim
3) Lean the victim forward and continue with five back blows, using the heel of your hand
4) Clasp your arms behind the victim's waist
5) Make a fist with one hand and place it slightly above the navel, with the thumb side in
6) Place the fist in the other hand and thrust inward and upward simultaneously (five times)
7) Repeat the Heimlich maneuver until the object is dislodged and expelled and the person can breathe or cough without help
If a choking individual is unable to stand, straddle their waist and face the head. Position your fist in the inward and outward position and perform the procedure as though the person is standing.
Sign up Today and Learn the Basics of CPR-AED-First Aid
It is never too late to save a life. The life you save might be your own, or someone you love. Be sure to read the instructions on how to use any live-saving equipment, tools are machines, before an actual emergency. When CPR and AED are administered in a timely manner and the correct way, it can make a difference between life and death. Always call 911 promptly.
Learning how to effectively and correctly use CPR can save thousands of lives each year. If you know CPR or want to know how to administer CPR, you can visit our website at NHCPS.com, and use the coupon code WATTPAD.