Life happens and it happens fast! In all the years that I have worked in emergency medicine have any of my countless patients ever started their day by saying, "it's a great day to get hit by a car" or, "I think I'll have a heart attack today". Emergencies happen whether we are ready for them or not. That is why everyone should know CPR and basic first aid.
Here are some reasons that I heard people say why they don't want to take a CPR and first aid course. "I took a CPR course back in high school"; seeing that high school being 1980 something, things have definitely changed. The beauty about medicine is that it is constantly changing as we learn better ways of doing things. "I'll just wait for the paramedics to get there"; well by time we arrive it could be to late. "I really don't have time to take a course"; by spending the extra time to take a thorough CPR and first aid course you can potentially give someone extra time. "I watch Greys Anatomy therefore I know CPR"; hmm let me think about that for a second, I listen to the radio therefore I'm the next American Idol. I assure you that I am absolutely not. Even professional rescuers need to take a CPR class every two years to review skills.
Now imagine you have just taken a CPR and first aid course and are off to the gym to go about your daily routine. Sweat beads on your forehead like dew in the morning grass as the belt of the treadmill speeds along under your running shoes that are as bright as the neon lights on the Vegas strip. You are about to set your best time, a new personal record when, SCREECH% BANG# BOOM! The thirty something woman that was running next to you is now lying on the ground, unresponsive and is not breathing. You step into action by making sure the scene is safe. You check for responsiveness and shout for help. You tell the ridiculously muscular guy with mullet and Def Leppard t-shirt to call 911 and get the AED. You check for adequate breathing for at least 5 seconds and no longer than 10 seconds. Without delay you start chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute and 2 inches in depth allowing the chest to completely recoil after each compression. You also remember that the CPR instructor mentioned that compressions follow the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. After 30 compressions you give 2 ventilations just until you see the chest rise and fall. The AED arrives and you turn it on and follow all the prompts. It tells you shock advised so you yell, "I'm clear, you're clear, everybody clear"! You shock the thirty something woman then continue CPR starting with compressions, switching roles of compressions and ventilations with the ridiculously muscular guy with the mullet and Def Leppard t-shirt every 2 minutes or when the AED is analyzing. It is not long before the paramedics show up like white knights, whisking the patient away into the distance. Four weeks later you receive a phone call stating that there is someone who would like to meet you. As you wait on the park bench two young children run up to you with tears in their eyes as they give you a hug so big it could wrap around a giant sequoia. With soft angelic voices they whisper, "Thank you for saving my mom". The thirty something woman approaches and wraps her arms around everyone in an embrace of gratitude.
There is not a reason why anyone shouldn't learn CPR and First Aid. You could make a difference in someone life. Become a lifesaver by taking a CPR and First Aid course taught by an experienced instructor in your area. Remember, life happens fast!
For more information cardiac arrest please visit www.heart.org and www.suddencardiacarrest.org.
