CPR and how effective it is:

[}Dragon{]

OK: IF you are a LEO; an EMT-x/FF; or someone who is certified who has used thier training here please post. If you aren't- pls just observe.

A few of us here have done CPR. What is differed from your training to your real life experience?

What would you tell others?

I'm happy that we trained and equipped our S.O. (in my old neighborhood) with AED's and the Dep's made a few saves as first responders :thumbup


It seems most LE agencies in CA don't respond to major medicals. :(

[saizai]

:Popcorn

FWIW: I haven't had to use CPR so can't comment on that part... but I work for a medtech company that has a very large market share in AEDs, so may be able to answer questions about that (assuming it's not under my NDA).

[}Dragon{]

OH God :rolleyes Please help me. ^^^

[AndyM]

I've been certified for a little better than 15 years and had to use it for real once.
A friend got electrocuted at work and we responded and did cpr until the calvary arrived. My friend did not survive but our training kicked in and we did everything right.

[silversvs]

Never had to use it. We've had AEDs for a few years and have not had to use them. We do not respond to fire calls unless we hear 'em on the scanner and are real close. One of our guys got an off duty save with an AED at the gym he was working out at. Said his training kicked in and the AED worked as advertised.

[RolnCode3]

Honestly, the training is the greatest. It's relatively simple and easy to follow.

My CPR/Defib save was before I was a peace officer...was a CSO. My hands were literally trembling as I got the CPR mask out. Units started code3 w/defibs, and beat Fire there. Most of our units have dfibs now. Mine was the only use of one in the department.

Expect to break ribs. *Don't take it too hard if the person doesn't survive.* Do your best. They're already dead, and you can't make them more dead.

Don't get too hung up on 15/2, 5/1, or any of that stuff. If you can't remember, do what you can. Pocket masks will sometimes have emergency CPR instructions as well.

I only really worry about having to do children or infants and getting it wrong. Adults, I figure 15/2 will work if I can't remember the newest numbers.

[ALANRIDER7]

I just read an article that says don't bother with the breathing part- just keep the chest compressions going without a break.

[RolnCode3]

Originally posted by ALANRIDER7
I just read an article that says don't bother with the breathing part- just keep the chest compressions going without a break.
That's because they're figuring out that with so few compressions, the oxygen isn't getting circulated.

Citizen CPR Foundation shows 30/2. http://www.citizencpr.org/learncpr.html

I'm pretty sure that's what our last CPR update said as well.

[Burner]

Originally posted by RolnCode3
That's because they're figuring out that with so few compressions, the oxygen isn't getting circulated.

Citizen CPR Foundation shows 30/2. http://www.citizencpr.org/learncpr.html

I'm pretty sure that's what our last CPR update said as well.
I just got CPR/AED certified in Nov. by Red Cross. They taught 30/2 for adult, child and infant. Child is done pretty much the same as adult, you just don't compress as far. Infant is done with 2 fingers.

[CBRIT]

It all depends on the situation; is it a shockable rythym? how long have they been down and how old are they?

Kids always get worked up no mater what, but an adult traumatic code is often called at the scene especially if others can be helped.

I've been a paramedic for a while and field saves are rare but they do happen... just not like. T.V. So with that in mind please ride safe and wear all your saftey gear.

[Bad Kitty]

1 time, 15 years ago. I pulled a drowner out, I was a deep water (12 feet) lifeguard at Raging Waters. He hit his head (I think) on the slide, didn't come up... Was down less than 2 minutes, and when I got him out, no breathing no pulse... I started the drill with 3 whistles and began CPR... 15/1. My partner was right there, I never had to breathe, just compress. 45 compressions, he came to, threw up on me, and cried... he was 14. I was 16 and I totally held it together to clear him into paramedic custody.

I went home and cried my eyes out, I have never lifeguarded since that summer, and never had to do CPR again. I told my parents, they were proud.

[RolnCode3]

Sorry...I just happen to have "The Sandlot" playing on the TV. Was thinking about the scene where Squints kisses the lifeguard.:cool

Now back to the thread.:teeth

[windex]

Originally posted by RolnCode3
That's because they're figuring out that with so few compressions, the oxygen isn't getting circulated.

30/2 are is the standard for now, but Alan's right. Within a year or two it will be compression only CPR. They found that with each push down air gets expelled; and with it's released the lungs equalize with the out side air, thus refilling the lungs.


Originally posted by }Dragon{
OH God :rolleyes Please help me. ^^^

:laughing You asked for it.:p

I stay :shhh on things like this; most of the time. But after the ribs break it becomes much less work for compressions.

[}Dragon{]

A lot of people have great expectations of CPR... the younger the patient- the better the chance for survival (esp. in cold water drowning cases)... traumatic codes have the least chance of survival:(

I've lost count on how many codes I've worked, but I remember the first one clearly.

RC3 brought up the most important point: Don't take it too hard if they don't survive.

It's great to hear that a few L/E agencies have AEDs now :thumbup

Two other states I've worked in, the LEO's roll to all medicals and ARE the first responders... When I worked down the shore in NJ: Fire did NOT do medicals (which I found odd when I said to my partner on my first run- hey we beat fire here! He looked at me like :wtf)

Philadelphia PD will throw a patient in the back of a paddy wagon and rush them to the hospital (Load-n-go's)

[CBRIT]

30/2 are is the standard for now, but Alan's right. Within a year or two it will be compression only CPR.

Doubtful, the reason for the increase in compressions is to keep the heart primed of blood. With 2/15 all that pressure you built up in the heart was being lost every time you paused for inspiration.

Ventilation is and will remain to be the most important intervention as the brain dies without oxygen. Oxygen exchange in the lungs takes place almost instantly so "air pushed out of the lungs by compressions" is not true either.

Probably the most important and simple act is to maintain an acurate airway, not closed but not hyper-extended either just inline. With a helmet this can be difficult so consider padding under the shoulders, but if breathing has stopped you have to take it off, just have someone help you and be careful

30/2 is the latest policy across the board, but anything is better than nothing and doing what you were last taught is always a good thing

[windex]

Originally posted by CBRIT
Doubtful, the reason for the increase in compressions is to keep the heart primed of blood. With 2/15 all that pressure you built up in the heart was being lost every time you paused for inspiration.

Ventilation is and will remain to be the most important intervention as the brain dies without oxygen. Oxygen exchange in the lungs takes place almost instantly so "air pushed out of the lungs by compressions" is not true either.

Probably the most important and simple act is to maintain an acurate airway, not closed but not hyper-extended either just inline. With a helmet this can be difficult so consider padding under the shoulders, but if breathing has stopped you have to take it off, just have someone help you and be careful

30/2 is the latest policy across the board, but anything is better than nothing and doing what you were last taught is always a good thing

Sigh, please search for the helmet thread here before you start this again.

Yes, I do the 30/2 CPR because California says I have to or I get my certs pulled. I have heard good things about compression only CPR, so has the Red Cross, shit Phoenix EMS had switched to it over a year ago with better results.

[CBRIT]

Sigh, please search for the helmet thread here before you start this again

Sorry didn't realise the helmet thing had been discussed so extensivley, but its still relevant here

And if you ever find me not breathing on the pavement pull it off. In 15 years of EMS I've never met someone who was paralyzed by movement after they hit the truck/car/wall/boat. Nor will you find a legitimate record of it in any medical journal.

[motorman4life]

Originally posted by CBRIT
Sorry didn't realise the helmet thing had been discussed so extensivley, but its still relevant here

And if you ever find me not breathing on the pavement pull it off. In 15 years of EMS I've never met someone who was paralyzed by movement after they hit the truck/car/wall/boat. Nor will you find a legitimate record of it in any medical journal.
Back in the early 1990's, I responded to a solo m/c accident where a guy riding Yamahaaaaaaa took a 15 mph curve at 40+ and launched himself. He was projected from the bike at apex and came down striking a stop sign post. I was first on scene and the rider was spitting blood. The face sheld on the full-face helmet was broken off and he had blood in his eyes, coming out his nose, etc...

I had him lay still, but he was writhing around and trying to get up and a bit argumentative/uncooperative (which is normal). The AMR paramedics arrived about 2-3 minutes after me. I told the parmedic to put him on the board with the helmet on. But, he was determined to remove the helmet. I was talking with the guy and although he was spitting up blood, he was talking and answering questions, so it was clear his airway was NOT compromised significantly.

The paramedic started feeling for the helmet strap and I told him (again) to leave the helmet on. We went back and forth and he reminded me that it was HIS patient. I told him it was obvious there was head trauma and he should be x-rayed and the helmet should only be removed by a doctor or someone trained to do it properly. Well, that must have pissed him off. He found the buckle about that time and jerked the helmet off.

The guy's last words were, "My head hurts, I can't see anything, but, I'm okay you guys, really." The helmet came off and his brains pretty much came out both ears. He died instantly.. after I had been talking with him for over 5 minutes.

Anyhow, as for CPR, I've given it 9x in 21+ years as a LEO. All 9 regained a pulse. Of those that regained consiousness at the scene, all barfed violently. Of those that did not regain consciousness, they all ended up being put on life support and having the plug pulled days later or after organ donor p/w was formalized.

You do what you can.

[motorman4life]

FYI, the helmet thread was: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=184584&highlight=remove+and+helmet

Another thread that brushes the topic: http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=152981&highlight=remove+and+the+and+helmet

[}Dragon{]

I don't wanna start the whole helmet thing again :rolleyes

It pisses me off seeing and hearing of screwups regarding improper helmet removal at trauma scenes. :mad

Like I've said before; Anyone wishing to discard a used helmet- please donate it to a local EMS training facility or fire department. It could be your own life you save :thumbup