It is always a good idea remember basic CPR. It’s lifesaving. Apparently doing compressions to the tune of the Bee Gee’s “Staying Alive” helps maintain a perfectly spaced, even rhythm. “Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive. Ah, ha, ha, ha, stayin’ alive…”
The emphasis has switched to CAB–chest, airway, breathing. Here are the new CPR Guidelines from the American Heart Association for emergency situations:
- First call 911. If you cannot do it, have other people call.
- Try to get the victim to respond. If he/she does not respond, roll him/her on his/her back.
- Start giving chest compressions by placing the heel of your hand in the center of the victim’s chest, with the other hand placed on top of it, and interlace your fingers.
- Now press down and compress the chest approximately 2 inches for children and adults and 1.5 inches for infants.
- Open airway by tilting the victim’s head and lifting the chin. ( Proper knowledge and training in CPR can give you a better understanding of how to properly tilt head and lift the chin.)
- Pinch the victim’s nose and breathe normally into his/her mouth by covering his/her mouth completely. This helps create an airtight seal. Give rescue breaths for 2 seconds and determine whether the victim’s chest rises or not.
- Continue giving chest compressions and breaths in the ratio – 30:2 for 100 compressions per minute, until medical assistance arrives.
The new CPR guidelines of AHA encourage people to perform CPR in emergencies. Giving traditional mouth-to-mouth resuscitation may not be easy for the untrained person. However, doing chest compressions is not that difficult. There is a good chance that if you perform accurate chest compressions, you can save a life. Take a good look at these steps from the American Heart Association, so that you might be able to remember them in an emergency!
For more information, visit http://www.cprcertificationonlinehq.com/aha-cpr-guidelines-latest-jan-2014/)
– Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts, acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist. “The articles that I write are to educate and provide a further understanding of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine can aid in the treatment of a variety of health conditions and work well in complimenting other medical approaches.”