New CPR Technique Announced

I took a first aid course years and years ago. As part of that course we were taught CPR. At that time the approved way of administrationg CPR was to tip the head back, pinch the nose, put your mouth over the patient's mouth, and give four big breaths into the patient's mouth. Then compress the patient's chest ten times.

The American Heart Association has now approved a new technique for giving CPR. It's easier to remember and hopefully people who are hesitant about putting their mouth against another person's mouth (especially if that person is a stranger) will use this new technique.

The new technique requires chest compression only. Simply put your hands on the patient's chest and compress 100 times per minute. Continue this until help arrives. (Of course the very first thing you do is call 911.)

This new method is to be used on adults who have suddenly collapsed or stopped breathing, which is usually indicative of a heart attack. When a heart attack occurs suddenly like this, there is enough oxgyen still in the lungs and blood so that compressions alone will keep the blood moving and carrying oxygen to the heart, brain, and other important organs.

The American Heart Association warns that this technique should not be used on children. That is because when children stop breathing it is not from a heart attack but from breathing problems, therefore, mouth to mouth must also be used.

The old method using mouth to mouth is also recommended for adults who are oxygen deprived because of a drug overdose, carbon monoxide poisoning, and near drowning. Under these conditions these people do not have the oxygen still in their lungs and blood for compressions only to work. However, if you are not comfortable giving mouth to mouth, compressions only is better than nothing.

Knowing both methods of CPR is something that can come in handy when you least expect it. You never know when a friend, family member, or complete stranger will suffer a heart attack or some other problem that will cause them to stop breathing. Knowing CPR can keep that person alive until medical help arrives.

Local community collegs often offer first aid or CPR couses, as does the American Red Cross. If you belong to an organization or get a bunch of co workers together, you can arrange for the American Red Cross to give instruction in giving CPR to your group. I don't think there is a charge, but of course a donation to the American Red Cross is expected. But it is money well spent. You never know; you may be the one that needs CPR someday. If the people you associate with know CPR, it could be your life they save.