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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Last week I renewed my CPR and first aid certification. I took the course through Saddleback College. It was from 8am to 2pm, then we returned the next morning to take the exam.  You must score at least 84% to get your CPR card. There is a practical exam as well.  We took the practical after each segment of the first day. 

In the class we went over the sequencing of steps to take when you think someone needs help. The first thing is to check for a response. If the person is unresponsive, you check to see if they are breathing.  If they are not breathing you should tell someone to call 911 (and get an AED if available) or do this yourself.  Then immediately start chest compressions.  It's 30 compressions at a rate of 100 per minute. (that's pretty fast)  Then you tilt their head back by lifting the chin, pinch their nose, give 2 full breaths and watch for the chest to rise. Go right back into chest compressions and repeat until EMT arrives. This is single person adult CPR.  It is different for 2 person and infant CPR.  We also went over how to respond to choking victims.

I was surprised to learn in class that you increase a person's chance of survival by only 5% by starting CPR;  40% if you have an AED.  Anyone can use an AED.  They are very simple and many places are required to have them on site.  Once turned on the machine will give you instructions.

I highly recommend everyone get certified in CPR, especially if you have children.  It's very inexpensive and takes just a couple of hours.  My class was fun and I made some new friends.