November is CPR Month

 While watching TV Joe (not his real name) suddenly begins to have an excruciating pain in his chest. He turns to his wife of 23 years and says, “Martha (also not her real name) I think I’m having …” and his voice trails off. Joe slumps over on the couch just as Martha walks into the living room. “Oh my gosh, Joe what’s wrong,” as she frantically tries to wake him. Thoughts of fear and panic race through Martha’s head. Grabbing the cordless phone she dials 9-1-1 and is transferred to the emergency medical dispatcher. “Paramedics are on the way,” a calm voice tries to reassure Martha. “Do you know how to do CPR,” the voice asks? Soon Martha has placed her husbands lifeless body on floor and in a few easy steps is pushing down on his chest and breathing into his mouth. Some call it the gift of life, others call it a necessary life skill, and many refer to CPR as just being able to do the ‘right thing. Whatever your reason CPR is a skill everyone should know and refresh on a regular basis.

Too often the situation described above occurs in living rooms across our province. Most cardiac arrests will happen at home to someone you know such as a spouse or grandparent. For those situations that happen in public places such as a workplace having trained rescuers is not only important, it’s good business.

During the month of November, Parkland Ambulance will be promoting CPR and encouraging everyone to take a course. In as little as 4 hours you can learn a skill which when used may save the life of someone you know or give a stranger or fellow co-worker a chance to enjoy life in a brand new way. Learn CPR. Get hands on and don’t just stand there waiting for someone else to help. You are the person who can and will make the difference!

When sudden illness does strike your prompt action can mean the difference between life and death. Recognize these symptoms and take immediate action:

• Heavy squeezing chest pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Pale, moist skin
• Denial – that this can not be happening to you

Learn the signs

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If you or someone you are with experiences any or all of these symptoms immediately stop all activity, rest, take any prescribed medications and dial 9-1-1.  The paramedics of Parkland Ambulance Care will respond quickly to your emergency.

If the person suddenly looses consciousness and is not breathing or breathing normally, CPR must be started immediately. If the public or work place has an automated external defibrillator (AED) send someone to get it. Turn the device on and follow the instructions of the machine or from the trained bystanders to use the AED effectively. Early CPR combined with Early Defibrillation followed up by rapid paramedic response will save lives. If you did nothing, for every minute that person was left lying on the floor not breathing and with no pulse their chance of survival decreases by 7-10%.

Most people are simply reluctant to start CPR for fear they will make a mistake. What’s worse; breaking a few ribs or losing a loved one? You make the choice.

Remember that compression only CPR, no ventilations, can also be done when we have no barrier device or are no willing to place our mouth onto the victims mouth. Push hard and push fast keep doing CPR till paramedics arrive or another trained bystander takes over for you.

Please just don’t stand there but do something. You can learn CPR and first aid by taking a course from Parkland Ambulance. Please visit our web site at www.parklandambulance.com for course dates.