5 things you did not know about CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a rescue procedure used when a person is not breathing or the heart has stopped beating effectively. This life-saving procedure keeps blood pumping through the heart until emergency medical assistance arrives. Learning the fundamentals of a life support skill could help you save a person’s life. Whether you’re trained in CPR or going to attend a CPR training class, you should know 5 interesting things about this basic life sustaining skill:

Keep giving breaths just until you see chest rise.
A rising chest indicates the lungs are full of air. If we continue to blow and over-inflate the lungs, the air will overflow into the stomach. Since our stomach is like a balloon, it can blow up to a point and then collapses. This collapse causes vomitting or can alos go  into the patient’s lungs, causing infection leading to death.

Use 2 fingers to perform compressions on an infant
Infants are fragile. Using the full weight of your hand can crush the infant. The pain we feel in our 2 fingers is the safety measure to prevent us from applying too much pressure on the infant.

Apply the right compression on heart
If you go too fast, you don’t give the heart enough time to refill with blood before your next compression. Essentially, you are pumping an empty heart. If you go too slow, you won’t build up the necessary blood pressure to allow for the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide to occur.

CAB vs ABC.
CAB stands for compressions, airway, breathing. Studies show that there is still oxygenated blood in a person’s body. We can give them breaths, but that is not going to do anything. Until we start compressions and raise their blood pressure, the oxygen they have will not get to those vital organs.

People are scared of performing CPR
There are people who are scared to perform CPR during an emergency because of  the legalities attached to it. The fear of getting sued, if they make a mistake while giving CPR makes them jittery. There isn’t any lawsuit against such mistakes or errors. Lawsuits are enforced on certified CPR professionals or when they make use of AED.

5 things you did not know about CPR

 

AHA First Aid Guidelines – Video

This video titled as “AHA first Aid guidelines” is created with the intention of telling users first aid guidelines in case of a health emergency.

It’s a serviceable video and therefore should be watched.
In case of a stroke first aid provider should use assessment system in order to identify the systems of strokes.  The assessment system with glucose measurement should be used.

For open chest wounds the first aid provider can leave the wound open however if dressing is required to stop the bleeding then the proper dressing can be done but make sure that it is not saturated.

If spine movement is restricted than it is not recommended to use cervical collars by the first aid providers. Use of immobilization devices can be harmful. A person should be asked to stay still.
Hemostatic Dressings can be considered for providing standard bleeding control measures. When direct pressure fails to control severe or life-threatening bleeding, first aid providers who have specific training in their indications and use may consider a hemostatic dressing.

For a person having   Anaphylaxis a dose of epinephrine is recommended. Sometimes he may not respond to the initial dose and there is still time for the advance care to reach to the patient, in that case repeat dose can be considered.

You can know more about such First Aid guidelines by watching the video below

Heart attack symptoms in men and women: How they differ?

When it comes to heart problems, men and women are not equal. The classic thinking of most people say that chest pain is the common symptom of a heart attack both in men and women. However, more recent studies have suggested that women are more likely to experience a heart attack without chest pain than men. That’s why it’s important for people to understand the variety of symptoms of a heart attack. The early symptoms of heart attack in men and women may include discomfort in the chest, pain in the neck and shoulder area, stomach or abdominal pain, severe anxiety, breathlessness and nausea & vomiting.

Heart attack symptoms in men and women: How they differ?
Women are more likely to experience the following heart attack symptoms:

•    Dizziness or nausea
•    Unexplained weakness
•    Recurring chest discomfort
•    Sense of impending doom
•    Discomfort or pain between the shoulder blades

Men are more likely to experience the following heart attack symptoms:

•    Standard chest pain and a squeezing sensation that may come and go
•    Rapid heartbeat
•    Stomach discomfort
•    Shortness of breath
•    Dizziness
•    Breaking out in a cold sweat

Though men and women have different symptoms of heart attack, but sooner they get help from first aid responders/bystanders, the better are their chances to survive. Only people trained in CPR can recognize the signs and symptoms of heart attack and revive someone whose heart has stopped. Attend a CPR training course today to help someone survive heart attack emergency.

First Aid and CPR Certification: Getting Ready for Emergencies

Getting a first aid and CPR certification can prepare you for emergencies and make you a better caregiver. Nobody welcomes emergencies but being ready for them is much-required. A new parent, a senior care helper, a nanny or a babysitter, the value of CPR and first aid training is priceless in case of an emergency.

What will First aid and CPR training teach us?

•    Checking the scene of the emergency
•    Determining the needs of a victim
•    Calling 911
•    First aid skills for controlling bleeding and treating cuts, scrapes, bee stings, insect or snake bites, etc.
•    Understanding the signs and symptoms of a heart attack, choking, etc.
•    Treating sudden illnesses
•    Preparing you for tackling these common childhood occurrences.

Finding the right First Aid and CPR Course
You can choose from online or in-person courses all around you. Many local hospitals and community centers offer First Aid and CPR programs or they can guide you in the right direction. You can also find safety training courses through the websites of the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council. These agencies offer a wide range of courses, aimed at helping both adult and child victims.

Maintain a First Aid Kit
Even if you are not able to get First Aid and CPR Training, you need to have a completely stocked first aid kit in your car, home, office and nanny bag. It’s quite resourceful during emergency — from scraped knees to snake bites to car accidents and earthquakes. Your kit should include things like different size bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, hand sanitizer, gauze, scissors, etc. You can also purchase ready-made ones online.

First Aid and CPR Certification: Getting Ready for Emergencies

While facing an emergency, dial 911 first. You need to have the skills to detect, assess and treat victims until professional medical personnel arrive.

Things you need to know before starting as a babysitter

Have you chosen babysitting as a career path? Do you know about the various expectations associated with this job? Let’s find out what is expected from this role.

  • Learning first aid and CPR is very important. Always choose a CPR course near you. American Red Cross babysitter class is ideal for those aged 12-15.
  • Get all the required instructions and information from parents that you need. Gathering all the emergency information you need is necessary. You can even bring your own checklist and match it with the one provided by the parents.
  • Babysitters should know safe sleep guidelines to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Put babies to sleep on their backs in a crib—not on their sides or tummies—to lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
  • Avoid shaking a baby or young child. Even children as old as five can be seriously injured by shaking. Take the help of parents in case the baby won’t stop crying.
  • Be prepared for a fire and other fatal accidents.
  • Ask parents where the first aid box and medicines are located.
  • Knowing basic first aid treatments is essential for every babysitter.
  • You should be well equipped to handle difficult situations like choking, minor scrapes or cuts, minor falls or head injuries, getting locked inside the house, fire, burglar breaks in or the child runs off.

Babysitter - Things to know

While working as a babysitter you need to impress the parents, winning their confidence is important. Parents will be happy when you arrive on time and if you share with them your experiences with the kids. Your positive attitude and following the rules of a particular home will overwhelm the parents. These are some of the basic tips which can be resourceful for both parents and babysitters ensuring the safety of children.

Alternative Techniques and Ancillary Devices for CPR – Infographic

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is basically a lifesaving technique in case of an emergency situation. It is one of the most vital part of any first aid course that helps in keeping a person alive for a longer period of time till he/she receive a medical treatment. CPR technique is something that everyone should know how to do. CPR technique can be very helpful in a number of situations such as in case of a massive heart attack, when someone has been drowning or in case of a drug overdose, etc. This technique is very effective in an array of different emergency situations.

The most common way of performing CPR generally includes 30 chest compressions and 2 deep breaths, after that, again chest compressions and 2 more deep breaths. This process is maintained unless proper help arrives. However, the person who is performing the CPR must know how to do it properly otherwise it will be of no use. Further, there are many devices that are being used for CPR purpose.

Over the years, a variety of alternatives to conventional CPR have been developed with an aim of enhancing cardiac output during resuscitation. Several techniques and devices, which are used nowadays for CPR, need specialized training and equipment as compared to conventional CPR. For instance, Impedance Threshold Device (ITD), Mechanical Chest Compression Device, and Extracorporeal Techniques and Invasive perfusion devices are some of the most common devices that are used as an alternative to conventional CPR.

 

Get CPR Trained for a Pet Emergency

Do you find yourself unequipped at the time of pet emergencies? As a pet sitter, are you looking for proper training that can add value to your resume and help you get new clients?

What do Pet Training Classes offer?
• Helps you understand basic pet owner responsibilities
• You can administer medicine
• Managing breathing and cardiac emergencies
• Assessing vitals in case of pet emergencies
• Managing urgent care situation
• Treating wounds
• Treating electrical shock
• Preparing for disasters

Choose the Right Training
It will be wise to choose a training that adds value to your resume. Choose a training that equips you to tackle unexpected issues and accidents. Also trainings should prepare you avoid accidents from taking place. As a pet sitter or owner you need to understand the pet’s personality. Take the course that will help you address their safety concerns.

Where from should you do Pet CPR and First Aid Course?
Pet CPR and First Aid Course can be done online or in a one-on-one personal training session or group class. Many organizations like the American Red Cross offer these courses globally. Learn CPR or First aid for all exotic animals and not just cats and dogs.

Get Trained for a Pet Emergency

Keep a Pet Emergency Preparedness Kit ready always
• Keep medications and medical records in a waterproof container and a First Aid kit ready.
• Keep strong leashes, harnesses, and/or carriers to transport pets safely ensuring that your animals can’t escape.
• Keep current photos of your pets in case they get lost.
• Food, drinkable water, bowls, cat litter/pan, and manual can opener need to be placed in the kit
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to foster or board your pets.
• Pet bed or toys if easily transportable.

AHA CPR Guidelines Update 2015: Top 5 Changes – Video

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that can help a person who has stopped breathing. Approximately 92 percent of cardiac arrest victims die in out-of-hospital conditions because of not receiving immediate CPR, but if more bystanders know how to perform CPR, more lives could be saved. The American Heart Association’s 2015 Guidelines Update for CPR also places much emphasis on high-quality CPR training for rescuers, BLS providers, and bystanders. The following video showcases top five changes in CPR procedure as issued by AHA in its 2015 CPR Guidelines Updates.

Updated CPR guidelines refine how deep and how fast chest compressions should be given to a cardiac arrest patient during an emergency situation. For adults, a rescuer should provide chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and push down at least 2 inches, but not more than 2.4 inches. The new CPR guidelines also recommend allowing full chest wall recoil after each compression to avoid any damage to the sternum. See the video below to know more about the latest updates in CPR guidelines.

2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR – Infographic

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure that helps in improving the chances of survival of cardiac arrest victims. The earlier the CPR is given to the patient, the greater are the chances of successful resuscitation. After every 5 years, the American Heart Association (AHA) releases a new set of CPR guidelines to help BLS providers in performing correct CPR procedure. This year the AHA has released the new CPR guidelines in October 2015. The Infographic presents the current recommendations for chest compressions, compression-ventilation ratio, compression rate & depth, and hand placement.

The basic steps for preparation of CPR according to the 2015 CPR guidelines remain virtually identical to the 2010 version. A bystander or BLS provider should check for responsiveness, activate emergency response system, and then begin CPR by giving chest compressions at 100-120 compressions per minute and 1 breath every 6 seconds. See the below infographic to know about the do’s and don’ts of high quality CPR.

 

2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR

CPR, First aid training is “essential” for parents

Do you know what to do in a situation when your child has swallowed something toxic? What you’ll do if your child is not breathing properly? Accidents are obvious when children grow up. Parents should always remain prepared to handle unexpected medical emergencies. CPR and first aid training courses help parents understand about basics of life-saving procedures.

What are the important elements of CPR training classes?

CPR classes give parents some background knowledge about CPR including when it should be done and how it is performed. A detailed pediatric CPR course provides the correct technique of performing CPR on infants or child to increase the chance of survival.

How first aid training can help make a difference?

In an emergency situation, you cannot wait for medical professionals to arrive and attend your injured child. First aid treatment knowledge can make a difference between life and death for a victim. With a background in first aid training, parents can provide necessary medical care in a life-threatening situation until medical technicians arrive.

CPR/first aid training is “essential” for parents

First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills help parents gain more knowledge about how to respond to emergencies. These safety training courses provide them confidence to handle emergency situations. So, CPR/first aid training is “essential” for parents.