By Rod Brouhard, About.com Guide

Updated March 29, 2010

There is no substitute for learning cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), but emergencies don’t wait for training. These instructions are for conventional adult CPR. If you’ve never been trained in CPR and the victim collapsed in front of you, use hands-only CPR.

Not every CPR class is the same. There are CPR classes for healthcare professionals as well as CPR classes for the layperson. Before you take a CPR class, make sure the class is right for you.

These are the steps to perform adult CPR:

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: CPR should start as soon as possible

Here’s How:

1. Stay Safe! The worst thing a rescuer can do is become another victim. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. Use common sense and stay away from potential hazards.
2. Attempt to wake victim. Briskly rub your knuckles against the victim’s sternum. If the victim does not wake, call 911 and proceed to step 3. If the victim wakes, moans, or moves, then CPR is not necessary at this time. Call 911 if the victim is confused or not able to speak.
3. Begin rescue breathing. Open the victim’s airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Put your ear to the victim’s open mouth:

• look for chest movement
• listen for air flowing through the mouth or nose
• feel for air on your cheek

If there is no breathing, pinch the victim’s nose; make a seal over the victim’s mouth with yours. Use a CPR mask if available. Give the victim a breath big enough to make the chest rise. Let the chest fall, then repeat the rescue breath once more. If the chest doesn’t rise on the first breath, reposition the head and try again. Whether it works on the second try or not, go to step 4.

1. Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand in the middle of the victim’s chest. Put your other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced. Compress the chest about 1-1/2 to 2 inches (4-5 cm). Allow the chest to completely recoil before the next compression. Compress the chest at a rate equal to 100/minute. Perform 30 compressions at this rate.
2. Repeat rescue breaths. Open the airway with head-tilt, chin-lift again. This time, go directly to rescue breaths without checking for breathing again. Give one breath, making sure the chest rises and falls, then give another. Remember, if the chest doesn’t rise on the first breath, reposition the head before you give the second breath.
3. Perform 30 more chest compressions. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for about two minutes.
4. After 2 minutes of chest compressions and rescue breaths, stop compressions and recheck victim for breathing. If the victim is not breathing, continue chest compressions and rescue breaths.
5. Keep going until help arrives.

Tips:

1. If you have acces to an automated external defibrillator, attach it to the victim after approximately one minute of CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths).
2. Chest compressions are extremely important. If you are not comfortable giving rescue breaths, still perform chest compressions!
3. It’s normal to feel pops and snaps when you first begin chest compressions – DON’T STOP! You aren’t going to make the victim any worse. Cardiac arrest is as bad as it gets.
4. When performing chest compressions, do not let your hands bounce. Let the chest fully recoil, but keep the heel of your hand in contact with the sternum at all times.
5. For more information on these steps go to the Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC) Guidelines from the American Heart Association.

Reference:
2005 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Circulation. 2005 Dec 13;112(24 Suppl):IV1-203. Epub 2005 Nov 28

From page 45 of the Instructor Resource for Resuscitation Programs in Canada

-         Thoroughly wash and scrub all external and internal surfaces with warm soapy water and brushes. Microbial contamination is easily removed from smooth non-porous surfaces by scrubbing with a cloth or brush and a detergent solution. There is no evidence that soaking alone in any liquid is as effective as the same procedure accompanied by vigorous scrubbing.

-         Rinse all surfaces with fresh water. Soap residue will deactivate the disinfectant action of the sodium hypochlorite (Bleach).

-         Soak all surfaces or 10 minutes in a sodium hypochlorite solution having at least 50ppm free available chlorine such as 60 ml or ¼ cup liquid household bleach (approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite) per 4 litres or 1 gallon of warm tap water. Hot water destroys the disinfecting action of bleach and causes fumes to be released. This solution must be made fresh after each class and discarded after each use since chlorine loses its effectiveness when exposed to light and air.

-         Rinse all surfaces with fresh water and immediately dry all external and internal surfaces. Rinsing with alcohol will aid drying of internal surface, inhibiting the survival of bacterial and fungal organisms.

Here’s How:

1. Stay calm. It’s important to take a deep breath and not get excited. Any situation that requires 911 is, by definition, an emergency. The dispatcher or call-taker knows that and will try to move things along quickly, but under control.
2. Know the location of the emergency and the number you are calling from. This may be asked and answered a couple of times but don’t get frustrated. Even though many 911 centers have enhanced capabilities — meaning they are able to see your location on the computer screen — they are still required to confirm the information. If for some reason you are disconnected, at least emergency crews will know where to go and how to call you back.

As the call progresses, you will hear clicking – do not hang up!

1. Wait for the call-taker to ask questions, then answer clearly and calmly. If you are in danger of assault, the dispatcher or call-taker will still need you to answer quietly, mostly “yes” and “no” questions.
2. If you reach a recording, listen to what it says. If the recording says your call cannot be completed, hang up and try again. If the recording says all call-takers are busy, wait! When the next call-taker or dispatcher is available to take the call, it will transfer you.
3. Let the call-taker guide the conversation. He or she is typing the information into a computer and may seem to be taking forever. There’s a good chance, however, that emergency services are already being sent while you are still on the line.
4. Follow all directions. In some cases, the call-taker will give you directions. Listen carefully, follow each step exactly, and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
5. Keep your eyes open. You may be asked to describe victims, suspects, vehicles, or other parts of the scene.
6. Do not hang up the call until directed to do so by the call-taker.

Tips:

1. No matter what happens – Stay Calm.
2. Cell phones may not tell the call-taker where you are. Know the differences when calling 911 on a cell phone.
3. Never program 911 into your automatic dialer (phone memory). You’re not going to forget the number and accidental 911 calls are more likely with auto-dialers. If someone calls 911 and doesn’t speak, emergency services must still be dispatched.

Home First-aid kits bought commercially often are expensive and have few practical items. The following is a guide on how to assemble your own home First-aid kit economically and with very useful items.

First get a casserole sized plastic or rubber storage container to place the items in.  You want it deep enough to have room for all your stuff and to place important items at the top within sight.

Bleeding is a common emergency. Here are some items to pick up at the Pharmacy.

1. Have at least six 4”x4” sterile gauze pads. These can be used for direct pressure or cleaning out small wounds.
2. Two 4” gauze rolls. This is used for wrapping and securing bandages. Imagine the stuff you would wrap a “Mummy” with. When purchasing from a pharmacy, get a named brand preferably wrapped in plastic. The ones wrapped in paper are of a very cheap quality and are difficult to work with as it usually falls apart.
3. For very heavy bleeds you will need some kind of Pressure/Trauma bandage or Abdominal pad. Again there is varying degree of quality with these items. An alternative can be having at least Two large and thick Maxipads.
4. Have at least Four Triangular bandages. These useful items are easy to use and are great for making slings and tying bandages in place.

Disinfectants.  Stay away for rubbing Alcohol and Peroxide. It burns and is not necessary. Hand sanitizers often contain Alcohol so beware. A small bar of soap with water is all you need to clean cuts and scrapes. Put a bar in a zip lock sandwich bag to keep you kit from getting soapy.

Tape. One two inch role on medical tape is all you need.

Scissors.  Any scissors (Office Scissors) will work well. Make sure they don’t have pointed ends. The little Pre-school scissors often found in commercial first-aid kits are not reliable in an emergency.

Zip lock sandwich bags are great for making ice-packs for all sorts of injuries that involve swelling.

Tweezers, a small Flashlight and disposable gloves are also useful items.

From page 45 of the Instructor Resource for Resuscitation Programs in Canada

-         Thoroughly wash and scrub all external and internal surfaces with warm soapy water and brushes. Microbial contamination is easily removed from smooth non-porous surfaces by scrubbing with a cloth or brush and a detergent solution. There is no evidence that soaking alone in any liquid is as effective as the same procedure accompanied by vigorous scrubbing.

-         Rinse all surfaces with fresh water. Soap residue will deactivate the disinfectant action of the sodium hypochlorite (Bleach).

-         Soak all surfaces or 10 minutes in a sodium hypochlorite solution having at least 50ppm free available chlorine such as 60 ml or ¼ cup liquid household bleach (approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite) per 4 litres or 1 gallon of warm tap water. Hot water destroys the disinfecting action of bleach and causes fumes to be released. This solution must be made fresh after each class and discarded after each use since chlorine loses its effectiveness when exposed to light and air.

-         Rinse all surfaces with fresh water and immediately dry all external and internal surfaces. Rinsing with alcohol will aid drying of internal surface, inhibiting the survival of bacterial and fungal organisms.

Urgences Reanimation

As  the exclusive Quebec distributors of the Heartsine Samaritan AED, we have already sold and trained at Laval Liberty high School, Loyola High School and Vanier College. Don’t get left behind, contact Urgence Reanimation today!

About the Samaritan AED

All inclusive package: Includes one AED, one carry case, one set of pads/battery cartridge (PAD-PAK), one fast response kit, AED window sign, and a user manual.

Size: The smallest and lightest AED available (2.4lbs)

Warranty: At 7 years, the Samaritan AED provides the longest device warranty available. Competitive products typically provides a 5-year warranty.

Economical: Patented PAD-PAK design provides for single expiration date for all consumables (batteries,pads,etc). Every competitive product will require at least two, sometimes three, separate consumable expiration dates for the customer to track.

Durability: Highest durability ratings of any AED available (IP56 Dust & Water Rating, Military Standard Drop Test).

Ease of use: The Samaritan AED provides clear and calm audible prompting along with visual prompting via 3 illuminated icon displays. Many AED units on the market provide only audible prompting that may be difficult to hear in loud crowded environments. It also incorporates a CPR metronome.

Upgradeable: Fully upgradeable in the field via a data port for downloading event, changing protocols, languages and joule settings in the field by qualified personnel. This ensures device will be compliant with any future ILCOR updates and adopted by the Heart & Stroke foundation. Many other AED units require sending the machine back to the manufacturer for upgrading at a cost to the client. We do not charge our clients for protocol changes.

Please contact Urgences Reanimation for pricing information.
514-298-4935 or at urgencesreanimation@yahoo.ca
 

An Emergency Response Plan is a document promoting preparedness in the event of unforeseen incidences in the school. This comprehensive document is designed to be reviewed and updated regularly and should be treating as essential for new staff in the employee manual. It help control the controlable in difficult situation.

Its proper use results in a coordinated effort using efficient communication in order to minimize casualties. It can offer a sense of control to staff that they can then pass on to the students in emergency situations. The document can include components of security, medical and environmental emergencies, staff protocol and response teams, exiting procedures and addresses both on-site and off-site scenarios (field trips).

With directions on how to assemble a response team to handle any such incidents, the document offers a realistic approach that staff must be familiar with to ensure their safety and the safety of the students.

 Parents can also rest assured that these situations have been considered and addressed in a responsible, professional and organized fashion.

 Approximately 40 situations are considered and thoroughly researched to establish a ‘best practice’ protocol and follow-up assessments.

For more information contact Urgences Reanimiation at
 514-298-4935 or at urgencesreanimation@yahoo.ca

For students this education is not only fun to learn but teaches civic responsibility, and gives a sense that they too can make a positive difference to another life. The lesson becomes one of teaching responsibility and confidence ,and encourages growth in these young pivotal years.

We ensure a one to one ratio of student to mannequin. This small ratio makes the best use of time, offers more practice opportunities, and guarantees a high level of hygiene. The demonstration of the Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) are used in all of the following courses listed below and are available for purchase by the schools.

Click on the links below for more information our available courses.

• CPR and First Aid – In The School
• Emergency First Aid for Teachers and Support Staff
• Babysitting Course
• Junior Paramedics

PRICING

For on-site Private Courses: $60.00 for complete refreshers or the per hour  rate for the full course.

For off-site Private Courses:  $80.00 for complete refreshers or the per hour rate for the full course.

All prices listed are per day.

• Ten pack Actars (adult): $25
• Five pack Actars (adult): $12.50
• Little Anne Torsos: $12.50
• Babies: $25 for a bag of four
• AED Trainers: $20
• Pocket masks: 10 for $20 Photo
  
• Teaching First Aid Kit: $65

To Purchase:

• Automatic External Defibrillator:  Price varies with quantity. More info.
• Pocket Masks: $20 Photo
  
• Pocket Mask Key Chains: $10 Photo
  
• Oxygen Tank: $475

RENTAL AGREEMENT- To be posted

To buy or rent any of the above items, please contact us at
514-298-4935 or urgencesreanimation@yahoo.ca