CPR is a critical first aid skill.
In an emergency, every second counts. Taking the time to be prepared can save someone's life when disaster strikes. Would you know what to do for someone who is having cardiac or respiratory arrest? St. Louis residents have a choice among first aid training resources for CPR and related skills.
Definition
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a technique first responders use to treat emergency patients suffering from cardiac or respiratory arrest. It can be performed in a hospital, but is also commonly used in the field by EMTs or others who have been trained in the procedure. CPR was invented in 1960 and has been an instrumental lifesaving tool for decades. Because of its relative simplicity, almost anyone can use it to help save a life.
Function
There are two components of CPR: chest compression and mouth-to-mouth respiration. Together, these circulate oxygenated blood to a victim's vital organs. This can keep the victim alive until medical help arrives to apply more advanced techniques, such as defibrillation. Time is of the essence for patients needing CPR, and layman intervention can be the difference between life and death. According to the University of Washington, a bystander starting CPR doubles the patient's chance of survival.
First Aid Training
Children and adults can learn basic CPR techniques through classes offered in the community. These courses may last only a few hours, but provide instruction and hands-on training using dummy patients. Those administering the courses charge a fee for training. Some companies provide group or corporate training at discounted rates. Other organizations, such as YMCA St. Louis, may provide discounts on CPR training to members. For a selection of St. Louis organizations offering training, see the Resources section. Basic, non-certified informational training is also available through online videos and mobile apps provided by the University of Washington.
Professional Training
CPR training is a basic skill for medical first responders. It is included in training for those in the medical field, including emergency medical technicians (EMTs), paramedics, and firefighters. Even 911 operators receive training, which they may provide over the phone in an emergency. Some nursing and medical programs require CPR certification prior to student enrollment; check with your school's admissions office for program-specific guidelines. In addition, professional training encompasses a variety of advanced life support techniques including automated external defibrillation (AED).
Considerations
CPR is not the best course of treatment for every medical emergency. But if someone has stopped breathing, it can help keep them alive until professional assistance arrives. Do not let common misconceptions hinder you from possibly saving a life. There has never been a documented case of AIDS being transmitted to someone performing CPR. Nor has there ever been a successful lawsuit against someone who did CPR unsuccessfully. Good Samaritan laws cover those providing medical assistance in emergencies. And if you perform CPR incorrectly, you cannot kill the victim, because they are already clinically dead.
