Hands-Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation with Supplemental AED

Created and Presented by Tim Swanson, Divide County Ambulance Service

Two girls, age 10 and 12, saved a Sheboygan mothers life by using CPR one girl learned while watching the TV medical show Greys Anatomy. Today Im here to show you hands only CPR, and CPR with an AED. Even with todays advanced medical care, the American Heart Association lists early CPR as number two on their Chain of Survival. CPR is relatively easy; its as simple as pushing on anothers chest. Sadly, 70% of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency. Thats not good, as quick CPR can TRIPLE the chance of a victims survival. It was warm and sunny in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, and Fifty-one-year-old Jim Pausha decided it was time to mow his lawn. As Jim puts it, "After a while, I didn't feel good, so I decided to rest under a tree. A neighbor across the street noticed Jim lying on the grass and called Jim's son (who was in the house, unaware his father was unconscious right outside). Thankfully, Jim's son knew two key things that would save his father's life: call 9-1-1 immediately, and begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A Sheboygan EMS team arrived and had to deliver only one lifesaving shock with the defibrillator, and Jim gained his second lease on life that day. He spent the next five days at St. Luke's Hospital, where he was treated and released.

Steps to proper Hands Only CPR

1. Shout for help and check for a pulse by feeling the carotid artery. 2. Place the heel of one hand on the persons sternum, equally between both nipples. 3. Place the heel of the other hand on top of the other, locking your arms straight. 4. Push hard and fast. a. Your compressions should be about 2 inches deep, with 100 compressions a minute. b. The song Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees has the perfect tune and beat. If you have to hum or sing it, do so. 5. If another person is available, switch every two set of compressions. a. If they are able to obtain an AED, have them do so. b. An AED is available in the schools commons. 6. Continue until emergency personnel arrive. Follow their orders and give as much information as possible.

Thank you for watching my demonstration. Thank you to Bennett for helping me and Mrs Townsend for having me. I hope you all took something useful from this, and will be better informed when it comes to CPR and are better prepared should a cardiac emergency arise near you!

Sources:
Sheboygan mother story: EMS1 Prehospital Care Provider Network CPR facts and statistics: American Heart Association
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/CPRAndECC/WhatisCPR/CPRFactsandStats/CPRStatistics_UCM_307542_Article.jsp#.TzSOuMXXHD4

Sheboygan male story: American Heart Association

http://www.chainofsurvival.com/ca/FireDepartment_detail.asp