What we know about CPR has changed over the years, but it’s supposedly still pretty simple to do.
First thing’s first.
"If somebody goes down, see if they have a pulse. If they don’t, start CPR. The old way was ABC – airway breathing compressions," says Castle Medical Center R.N. Mike Barber.
Barber, an expert when it comes to the heart, says things have changed. Studies say you should call a CAB – C-A-B.
That stands for compressions – assess the airway – and if necessary, breathe for the victim.
"And when people just assessed for the pulse and started CPR and they also sped up the CPR, the chest compressions, what they found was there still electrical activity in the heart. And when you’re pushing on the chest, you’re actually delivering some electricity to the heart," Barber says.
Studies found that often started the heart again. Some people don’t want to get involved, worrying about liability.
During the Clinton administration there was a law passed called the Good Samaritan law. If you’re trying to do the right thing, you can’t be held liable. Most important, something called the chain of survival.
"Try not to break any links in the chain. It starts with the first chain of survival. Early recognition – that’s like we mentioned before. Some people, when you see somebody down on the ground,some people just walk by and don’t get involved," Barber says.
If you do nothing else, call 911. How can you find out more about the new CPR method.
"They should check our website, CastleMed.Org and in that there’s a listing of our classes through our wellness center, phone numbers where we offer our heart saver classes, not for only our employees but the public as well," Barber says.
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
