Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is defined by the American Heart Association (AHA) as an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and artificial ventilations in effort to preserve intact brain function until further measure are taken to restore spontaneous circulation and breathing. In simpler terms, when a person goes into cardiac arrest, a blockage in the heart or artery, their circulation of blood and breathing stops. This means that there is no oxygen being delivered to the vital organs including the brain, kidneys, and heart. This most often results in brain damage and death. By providing chest compressions it forces the heart to exert blood into the arteries and into the vital organs. The artificial ventilations can be in the form of mouth to mouth or using a bag valve mask. Both techniques force oxygen into the patient’s lungs. By combining these two procedures it postpones brain damage and death until more extreme measures can be taken over by first responders and emergency physicians.
So, why should everyone know CPR? Research from JAMA shows that bystanders who offer CPR to people in need can improve survival rates and neurological problems. Brain damage usually occurs after 3-5 minutes of onset, meanwhile the average time of first responders on scene is about 10 minutes. The study also found that more people who received CPR and defibrillator use by first responders also improved. CPR can be scary, especially you’re first time preforming it, however it is a relatively simple process that almost every adult can learn because in cardiac arrest, seconds matter.
There are many CPR courses that an individual can take, such as courses through the American Heart Association. Many people fear that if they make a mistake while performing CPR, they can get into legal issues. However, through the Good Samaritan Law, a person who is delivering voluntary emergency aid cannot be held legally liable in court. It also states that any individual found to be unconscious falls under implied consent. You can learn more about the laws implications and limitations here: http://definitions.uslegal.com/g/good-samaritans/
However, if you chose not to take any courses there is also “hands only CPR,” which can be performed by just about anyone which can be found here: http://cpr.heart.org/AHAECC/CPRAndECC/Programs/HandsOnlyCPR/UCM_473196_Hands-Only-CPR.jsp
You can find AHA training information here: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/CPR_UCM_001118_SubHomePage
Sources:
TIME. "Why You (Yes, You) Need to LEarn CPR." TIME: 100 New Health Discoveries 2015: 42-43. Print.
"Good Samaritans Law & Legal Definition." Good Samaritans Law & Legal Definition. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 Oct. 2016.
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