Even Kids can Save Lives with Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
According to the CBC November 27, 2018, two Canadian boys aged 7 and 10 saved their grandmother’s life by performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on her. Their grandmother went into sudden cardiac arrest, which progresses very rapidly to sudden cardiac death. The kids noticed she had stopped breathing and had no pulse. They tried to phone their parents, but no one answered, so they phoned 911. They were told to put their grandmother on the floor and were given instructions what to do. The kids already knew a little CPR from their mother who is a nurse. One of them did the compressions to her chest while the other one did mouth-to-mouth breathing and they continued like this until the paramedics arrived seven minutes later. Their grandmother, who is also a nurse, claims that her two grandsons saved her life. Without their lifesaving CPR treatment she would most likely have died by the time the paramedics arrived, or she might have been left with permanent brain damage. The mother of the boys said that this shows that CPR should be taught to children.
Everyone Should Know how to do CPR And the American Red Cross Offers Training
Everyone should know how to do CPR, as this has to be done immediately to save a life. The American Red Cross offers CPR training for both adults and children. The courses are available on week days and weekends. The courses are taught to groups, but CPR training is also available online. Also, refresher courses are available in order to stay updated.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest
Sudden cardiac arrest is a malfunction of the heart that suddenly stops beating. If emergency treatment is not given on the spot, the person may die or be left with permanent brain damage. According to the American Heart Association, about 350,000 Americans suffer from cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting every year. Sudden cardiac arrest is not a heart attack, although sometimes a heart attack can cause sudden cardiac arrest.
How to Perform CPR
The Red Cross lists the following steps to take when someone is in need of CPR. Ideally, there should be two people to carry out the two functions of CPR. However, one person can do both tasks of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing.
Before Starting CPR
Be certain that the person really does need help. Tap them on the shoulder and ask them if they need help.
Phone 911 or ask a bystander to phone. Ask if anyone has a portable automated external defibrillator (AED). This AED uses electricity to correct the abnormal heartbeat rhythm or to start the heart to beat again.
Begin CPR
The person should be lying on their back. Tilt their head back slightly to lift up their chin. Listen for no more than 10 seconds to heck if the person is breathing. Gasping sounds do not indicate breathing.
Follow the online steps of the American Red Cross to see exactly how to perform CPR.
When Cardiac Rehabilitation (CR) is Needed
If you or your loved one need to go to a rehab for cardiac rehabilitation (CR), the Royal Suites Healthcare and Rehabilitation in scenic Galloway Township, New Jersey offers state-of-the-art cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Royal Suites is also located in a very beautiful setting and has some great amenities like fine dining with heart healthy foods. See more about cardiac rehabilitation (CR) in our blog post from March 1, 2019.
Conclusion
This heart-warming story shows how important it is for everyone, including children, to learn how to perform CPR.