C is for ..... CPR and a Competition!!

CPR stands for Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation. Sounds scary hey? Sounds messy? Sounds like hard work? Well you know what .... yes it is!  Hate to say it but the alternative is not good. By performing CPR you are keeping the heart pumping, moving blood around the body and delivering oxygen to the cells. You are keeping the body viable until help arrives, you are making a vital difference in saving a life!!

When do we perform CPR? 
- when the patient is unconscious,
- shows no signs of life and ...
- is not breathing normally.

How do we perform CPR on an adult?
- Place patient on their back on a firm, flat surface
- Kneel beside chest and place heel of hand between nipples ('nipple nipple in the middle')
- Place other hand on top of first, keep arms straight and shoulders over hands
- Push in a downwards motion on the breastbone to a depth of 1/3 the chest
- Complete 30 compressions
- Tilt head back opening the airway, block nose and give 2 rescue breaths
- Continue with another 30 compressions, 2 breaths at a rate of 100 compression per minute
(If for any reason you are unwilling/unable to perform the rescue breaths then continue with the compressions until help arrives)

	Adult (9yrs +)	Child (1-8yrs)	Infant (<1yr)
Compressions	30	30	30
Breaths	2	2	2
Rate per minute	100	100	100
Depth Compression	1/3 chest	1/3 chest	1/3 chest
Head Tilt	Yes	Yes	NO
Method	2 hands	1 or 2 hands	2 Fingers

Note: the above information is for both for one or two operator CPR.

When do we stop CPR?
- when trained help arrives ie ambulance
- when the patient shows signs of life (then place them in the recovery position)
- or when you can not physically go on any further and/or the scene becomes unsafe

The above information is intended as a guide only. 'First Aid Training' is highly recommended as it provides hands on practise with mannikin's that simulate real life patients and situations.  The courses provide further essential information and help you to develop the confidence to know what to do in any emergency. 


Serious part over and now for the fun part ...... Competition Time!

What I would like to know is 2 things: firstly tell me about how you console your little one when they get hurt, secondly how did your Mum and/or Dad console you when you were little and you were injured. To enter please complete the survey found here.

The top 3 stories will each WIN a 'Kiss It Better Bag' wallet!!

Thank you and good luck.

~v~