CPR KNOWLEDGE
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure consisting of chest compressions often combined with artificial ventilation, or mouth to mouth in an effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest.

Why is CPR important?
Keeping the blood flow active - even partially - extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site.

There are six steps in the adult out-of-hospital chain of survival:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and notifying 911.
- Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions.
- Rapid defibrillation
- Advanced resuscitation - by emergency medical services and other healthcare providers.
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Recovery (including additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation, and psychological care)

How does one administer CPR?
There are two commonly used versions of CPR:
- For healthcare providers and those trained: conventional CPR using chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing at a ratio of 30:2 compressions-to-breaths. In adult victims of cardiac arrest, it is reasonable for rescuers to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120/min and to a depth of at least 2 inches for an average adult, while avoiding excessive chest compression depths (greater than 2.4 inches).
- For the general public or bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse compression-only CPR, or Hands-Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting (such as at home, at work, or in a park).
Please note that if you are not familiar with CPR, a dispatch operator from the 911 call will help walk you through the process of administering CPR.

When is CPR NOT advised?
- When the benefits, burdens of risks and treatment are unlikely to be clinically appropriate for the patient.
- When a DNR is signed you are not legally allowed to do CPR.
- When death is apparent, such as in cases of catastrophic injuries, rigor mortis, cold body and lividity.
- When a doctor or another appropriate emergency medical professional tells you to stop.
- When you become exhausted and cannot continue.
- When the patient recovers and asks/tells you to stop.

What are the risks with CPR?
Even when done correctly, CPR can have potential risks, such as:
- Damage to internal organs
- Rib fractures
- Hypoxic brain damage
- Increased physical disability
- Tissue injury
But always remember, a broken rib is something the body can usually heal, death is not.

Take a CPR class and become CPR certified!
Taking a CPR class will help alleviate any fear you have surrounding CPR and can help you save a life! Learn more here

Learn more about CPR here


FIRST AID KNOWLEDGE
First aid and CPR go hand in hand, and many classes that offer CPR will certify you in first aid training as well! First aid is the immediate care that's given to someone who's ill or injured before emergency medical services (EMS) arrive on the scene. In an emergency situation, prompt first aid can be vital in helping to save a life.
When you're faced with an emergency situation, there are some important things to remember as you give first aid. These are often referred to as the "ABCs of first aid." You can learn more about this here: ABC's of First Aid

Build a first aid kit
You know you should be ready for anything and everything in case of a crisis. After all, we don't know the types of emergencies lurking at any given time.
One of the most critical things you should be prepared with is a first aid kit. As much as you would like to bring an entire hospital with you, only a few key items are truly necessary.
These items will get you through most general and minor health issues. Here are the essential first aid kit items:
- Bandages
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Gauze Pads and Medical adhesive tape
- Alcohol or iodine prep pads
- Alcohol
- Aspirin and pain relievers
- Hot and cold compresses
- Multi-tool with scissors and tweezers
For in-depth description of what each item may be used for, as well as extras you can add to your kit, please check out Survival Life
You can also purchase a pre-made kit from almost any store that has a pharmacy, or even online, like Amazon!


That concludes our blog. We hope you look into taking a class for yourself, or enrolling a teenager that wants to babysit in a CPR/First Aid class. Knowledge is key to survival!

Did we forget anything? Let us know in the comments!