Posts: 27,574
5/4/12 11:31 P

By all means I think an approved course on CPR/first aid is an excellent idea.

This article was not meant as an OK to go at it whenever you feel the need.

This is just me, but, if I keeled over of a heart attack I'd rather someone try to help me than just let me lay there just staring at me.

I was in this position with my mother who had a heart attack, I was directed, by phone, by the emergency operator, on what to do. While my mother did not survive (and wouldn't have if the emergency workers were there either according to the doctor) I feel that I did the right thing and would never have forgiven myself if I just left her there without trying.

Posts: 656
5/4/12 9:36 P

I can't help but reply to this - as a healthcare provider, I would very strongly encourage people to take the course before trying to perform CPR on a person. All it takes is one wrong move and you could permanently injure or kill someone. That, of course, could potentially result in a lawsuit, especially in the US. Be very careful, please. Good Samaritan laws can cover you to a point, but if you make the attempt, be sure of what you're doing. I'm not trying to step on any toes, I only want care to be taken if anyone finds themselves in that position.

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Posts: 5,573
5/2/12 1:46 P

I'd love to take a class on this some time and learn infant/child CPR. Thanks for the post!

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Posts: 27,574
4/22/12 4:40 A

This is a subject I think we all wish we would never have to perform, but it's something that can be lifesaving. In a perfect world we would all do first aid courses, but in real life most of us never seem to have the time for it.

Here is an overview of CPR that will give you the basics to be able to perform it.

I don't know what it's like in the US but here in Australia when you call emergency (000 here) they will stay on the line and explain and give you support until an ambulance gets there.

Be aware it's hard work and breaking a rib while doing it is not unusual. You don't have to press hard just follow the instructions. If you are able to perform it and save someones life it's a wonderful thing believe me.

firstaid.webmd.com/tc/cpr-basics-topic-ove
rview?ecd=wnl_day_042112

I hope it is of some use to somebody.