Why is there a reluctance by bystanders to perform CPR? There are many reasons. Some claim that CPR is too complicated. Others feel that training methods are inadequate so that there is little skills retention after the class. There are also some who are afraid of disease transmission if they were required to perform CPR or mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
In 2005 the American Heart Association CPR Guidelines and ECC changed. They decided to change how CPR is performed to make it easier for bystanders to step in and save a life. The courses were also revamped to create easier DVD’s to learn the steps. Students have found the new steps and methods of training have improved. This still leaves a fear of contracting communicable diseases though. The actual transmission of a disease is very unlikely in mouth to mouth resuscitation; however, those willing to administer cPR are taught to carry a barrier device. A barrier device allows for the resuscitation to occur without actual contact with the skin and mouth of the individual. Also new class formats offer compression only CPR, which negates the need for ventilation.
Learning CPR and performing it as a bystander is critical because 3 of the 4 links in the Chain of Survival are administered by them. These include: Early recognition of an emergency and activation of the emergency medical services (EMS). Early CPR: immediate CPR can double or triple the victim’s chance of survival from VF (ventricular fibrillation) SCA (sudden cardiac arrest). Early defibrillation, (use of an AED, automated external defibrillator): CPR plus defibrillation within 3-5 minutes of collapse can produce survival rates as high as 49-75 percent. Early advanced life support followed by postresuscitation care delivered by healthcare providers. By providing these life sustaining steps you give the victiim a chance for survival.
If enrolled in basic CPR class, adults will learn basic life support skills. These skills teach the signs of heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, extraction of a foreign body in the airway, and the use of AEDs which are very common today. Don't wait until you have an emergency involving a loved one. Get enrolled in a CPR class today.
For more information on CPR Training in Atlanta or for First Aid Training in Atlanta come see us at www.CardiacareCPR.com

















































