The importance of knowing how to perform CPR
Members from National Paramedical Services (NPS) are urging residents, especially parents, to do their basic life-saving course.
Do you know what to do if your baby stops breathing? Have you ever needed to start CPR on somebody whose heart has just stopped beating? When seconds count, there is no time to Google.
“Early recognition of cardiac arrest and the correct performance of CPR saves lives. You need to know what to do immediately when the time comes. If your baby has other caregivers – grandparents or a helper – invest in a course for them, too. And if you have had some training, take a minute to refresh what you know. It can be the most important thing you ever do,” said Chantal Peel, a paramedic from NPS.
The importance of knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
Would you know what to do if your child went into cardiac arrest? Calling an ambulance should always be your first step, but before the paramedics arrive, immediately performing CPR will greatly increase the chance of survival.
Statistically:
• About 92% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital; statistics prove that if more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.
• Seventy percent of cardiac arrests happen at home.
Most bystanders are untrained in CPR are afraid they will do something wrong.
“Multiple scenes attended to by NPS and many other emergency services in recent weeks could have had a very different outcome if members of the public had known how to and when to initiate CPR,” said Chantal.
What if I am untrained to do CPR?
New guidelines indicate that those not trained in CPR should provide chest compressions only.
For adult patients:
• Kneel beside the patient.
• Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest on the nipple line (imaginary line joining the two nipples) on the breast bone.
• Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand.
• Lean over the victim with your arms straight, elbows locked inwards and your shoulders directly above your hands.
• Press down vertically on the victim’s breastbone 5cm to a count of “one-and-two-and-three-and-four…,” giving one push each time you say a number. When saying “and” release the pressure, allowing the chest to recoil but do not move your hands from their location on the chest.
• Push hard and fast: compression rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
• Minimise interruptions in compressions.
• Continue with chest compressions until the paramedics arrive.
How can you learn to perform life-saving CPR?
The best way to learn CPR is to attend a CPR or first-aid class. CPR is a skill both to be learnt, practised and regularly updated. These courses are designed for the public and are quick, easy and fun. NPS offers a variety of courses.
Contact them on 071 530 2479 or at info@nationalparamedics.co.za
