Just in case you draw an old guy like me

[Dan]

This is a short video on what they now are considering the best approach to CPR. Take the time to watch, knowledge is power and can save a life.

http://medicine.arizona.edu/spotlight/learn-sarver-heart-centers-continuous-chest-compression-cpr

[FishermanJohn]

As a physician I highly recommend this video.  The victim could be anyone - a family member, loved one, coworker, or complete stranger and cardiac arrest has no preference for victim.  Early bystander CPR saves lives, flat-out.

[Firefighter Jeff]

  Thanks for posting Dan.  It can happen.  I always thought it would occur at church, with all the elderly members. It happened 7-8 years ago when we were on vacation on Hamlin Lake.  It was a 88 year old trailer  park member. We were fortunate to make the save. He lived long enough to celebrate his 90th birthday at the park. 

[Eric]

CPR is awesome and something everyone should know. 

However, CPR alone never has and never will save anyone.  CPR gets oxygen into the bloodstream and artificially circulates it to the vital organs until the electrophysiology problems within the heart can be corrected.  No one can ever survice cardiac arrest without restoring organized electricty.  And that can only be done with electricity.  With AED's (automated external defribrillators) becoming more and more prevalent everywhere these days, it is just as important to learn how to use the tool that may actually save someone as it is how to "buy time" until the tool can be used. 

Wow, the Holiday Inn Express thing really does work.  Still, CPR is awesome and something everyone should know.

[Firefighter Jeff]

      Very true Eric. CPR doesn't do it all. However this "latest" version is more simple and less intimidating to the public. And research seems to prove it gives patients a better chance of surviving.
       Oh, and I loved the Holiday Inn Express comment. 
     

[LAPORTE]

You can train yourself as well. Here is the link


http://www.handsonlycpr.org/

It's still recomended to go thru a CPR/ AED class in your area

LaPorte

[Eric]

I kinda expected the new AHA guidelines to not include ventilations aside from Healthcare Provider.  And I wouldn't have been surprised if even HCP was compressions only.  Put a non-rebreather on them and thump away.  Each compression you do, you are significantly reducing the size of the intrathoracic cavity, which increases the pressure inside the lungs.  Then the air rushes out to equalize the pressure with the atmoshere (taking CO2, etc with it).  When the chest is allowed to recoil, the cavity increases in size.  Now the pressure is less than the atmosphere due to the size change.  So air rushes (taking O2 with it) in to neutralize the pressure.  If you apply this theory, coupled with the science that shows that longer (continuous) sequences of compressions increase coronary perfusion pressure, it seems like that might be the most beneficial way to do CPR.

Wow my brain hurts.  Maybe I should go start my own GLCPR webite.

[djkimmel]

Sounds like it. You have my blessing. I'm not sure I'll branch out in that direction.

[Eric]

OK.  I'll get working on GreatLakesEmergencyMedicine.com.  At least I'm qualified to speak on that, unlike catching bass.  Dan, do I have to buy that from you, or did you miss that one?

[Jmeis]

Have been a certified Red Cross CPR Instructor for a long time and this is definitely the latest and the best. There are also some videos available that demonstrate what to do if you are alone and it should happen. I will c if I can find them.

[djkimmel]

I need to bone up on this stuff... darn genetics...

[Jmeis]

Let me clarify.. this is all over the board...What Eric and Jeff obviously first responders, brought up are all valid points. especially the point about public perception. The general  public has absolutely no idea what their right nor obligations are when it comes to this. If u have a doubt SOMETHING is better then NOTHING....and tha is a PERSONAL opinion

[djkimmel]

OK.  I'll get working on GreatLakesEmergencyMedicine.com.  At least I'm qualified to speak on that, unlike catching bass.  Dan, do I have to buy that from you, or did you miss that one?

Somehow... that one got by me.

But... if you decide you want to go for it - here's a cheap way to give it a try right now:

99 cent dotcom Domains limited time!

[Eric]

If u have a doubt SOMETHING is better then NOTHING....and tha is a PERSONAL opinion

I completely agree with your opinion.  I tell folks that if it's me, do your best, but don't feel bad if you  screw it up, because as long as you are doing something, you're still giving me every chance to live that I otherwise wouldn't have had. 

[LAPORTE]

If u have a doubt SOMETHING is better then NOTHING....and tha is a PERSONAL opinion

I completely agree with your opinion.  I tell folks that if it's me, do your best, but don't feel bad if you  screw it up, because as long as you are doing something, you're still giving me every chance to live that I otherwise wouldn't have had. 

I think the hands only is just that. It is something that Joe public will do in a pinch. As long as they don't have to give a breath....

[Firefighter Jeff]

I kinda expected the new AHA guidelines to not include ventilations aside from Healthcare Provider.  And I wouldn't have been surprised if even HCP was compressions only.  Put a non-rebreather on them and thump away.  Each compression you do, you are significantly reducing the size of the intrathoracic cavity, which increases the pressure inside the lungs.  Then the air rushes out to equalize the pressure with the atmoshere (taking CO2, etc with it).  When the chest is allowed to recoil, the cavity increases in size.  Now the pressure is less than the atmosphere due to the size change.  So air rushes (taking O2 with it) in to neutralize the pressure.  If you apply this theory, coupled with the science that shows that longer (continuous) sequences of compressions increase coronary perfusion pressure, it seems like that might be the most beneficial way to do CPR.

Wow my brain hurts.  Maybe I should go start my own GLCPR webite.

   OK Eric, now you're just showing off !!!!!  LOLOLOLOL