Time to Review CPR

So you had a CPR class at your workplace or maybe you attended a community CPR class at your local church or library? Most certifications are good for about two-years…that’s a long time! Did you know that studies show that what you learn during a CPR class starts to fizzle out after about 3 months!

With October being Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, there is no better time than now for a quick refresher. Because remember…anyone can save a life!

DISCLAIMER: This review does not replace an actual CPR training class.

What To Do If Someone Suddenly Collapses:

Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”

If the victim does not response, shout for help and send someone to call 9-1-1 and get the AED.

Look for no breathing (no chest rise) or only gasping (remember, gasping is not considered normal breathing).

Start CPR with compressions first. Push HARD and FAST to the beat of “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. If you can remember to follow the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, do so. If not, perform hands-only CPR by compressing on the chest with no interruptions. Remember that doing SOMETHING is better than doing NOTHING.

If you are delivering breaths, after 30 compressions, open the airway (if you know how) and give 2 breaths.

Keep repeating the sets of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

As soon as an AED arrives, power it on and follow the prompts. Remember that an AED will tell you what do to.

Remember that the most important part of CPR are the chest compressions, so if anything, perform hands-only CPR until an AED becomes available or EMS arrives.

And of course, if you have never taken a CPR class, sign up for one today, because you never know when these life-saving skills can come in handy.

Click here for information on classes in the Pittsburgh area!

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