On December 12, 2023 I found myself in a position of saving another individuals life, my sisters life. If it had not been for my CPR training along with my experience in the medical field my sister would have would not be here today. I would have never imagine having to perform CPR on a family member.
I noticed that my sister was acting a little strange, as she sat in the bathroom, I noticed that she was having a difficult time breathing, her eyes rolled into the back of her head. I called out her name and there was no response, I checked her pulse I could not get one. I picked her up laid her onto the floor, I made sure that her mouth was clear and started chest compressions. I called out Siri call 911. While still performing chest compressions I informed the 911 operator what was going on, we counted out loud together 1,2,3,4, the 911 operator stated do you hear the ambulance, I replied no, the operator stated are you and your sister the only one in the home, I replied yes while still counting 1,2,3,4.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It plays a crucial role in maintaining blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. Here are some key points about CPR:
Purpose: CPR aims to restore blood circulation and prevent brain damage by providing artificial chest compressions and, if necessary, rescue breaths.
When to Perform CPR:
Heart Attack: When someone experiences a heart attack, their heart may stop beating effectively. CPR can help maintain blood flow until medical assistance arrives.
Near Drowning: In cases of near drowning, where oxygen supply is compromised, CPR can be life-saving.
Other Emergencies: CPR is also useful in situations like choking, drug overdose, or sudden cardiac arrest.
Hands-Only CPR:
For untrained bystanders or those unsure about rescue breaths, the American Heart Association recommends hands-only CPR.
Perform uninterrupted chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute until paramedics arrive.
No need for rescue breathing.
Trained and Ready to Go:
If you’re well-trained, check for a pulse and breathing.
If absent, start CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Trained but Rusty:
If you’ve received CPR training but lack confidence, focus on chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
Remember, the difference between doing something and doing nothing could be someone’s life. If you’re unsure, it’s better to try than to do nothing at all. To learn CPR properly, consider taking an accredited first-aid training course that includes CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use.https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600
Bystander CPR improves survival.
The location of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) most often occurs in homes/residences (73.4%), followed by public settings (16.3%), and nursing homes (10.3%).
If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out of hospital cardiac arrest.https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats/#:~:text=CPR%20Facts%20%26%20Stats%201%20In%20one%20year,survival.%20...%204%20Help%20is%20needed%20immediately.%20
Here is something for you to ponder on. Would you know what to do in an emergency situation to save a family member life? If not I encourage each and everyone that is reading this to enroll in a CPR training class.
Reference
Mayo Clinic
American Heart Associan
