St. John Ambulance encourages people to recognize Heart Month by taking Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) training. Cardiac and respiratory emergencies can happen anywhere, and at any time. Studies show that quick application of CPR and an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to a person suffering cardiac arrest will substantially increase their survival rate.
St. John Ambulance's Standard First Aid courses include both CPR and AED training as they recognize the importance of practicing these techniques to feel more comfortable in a real life situation. One important part of this training is the Chain of Survival:
1. Immediate Recognition - of heart attack signs and quickly getting help. This may be the toughest job you have to do. When someone complains of chest pain, you should consider it a serious problem and call for help right away.
2. Early CPR - with an emphasis on chest compressions. If a person stops breathing, these steps must be started immediately:
Place person on a firm, flat surface
Place hands on center of chest
Position shoulders directly over hands and keep elbows locked
Compress 30 times. Push hard - push fast.
Tilt head to open airway. Pinch nose and make a tight seal over mouth
Give two breaths
Continue cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives, the casualty responds or an AED instructs you to stop.
3. Rapid Defibrillation - Apply the AED as soon as possible. It will monitor the heart rhythm and decide if the shock is necessary.
Knowing what to do in an emergency can make all the difference. As a volunteer based non-profit charity, St. John Ambulance is dedicated to improving individual's health and safety. For more information on courses and how to protect yourself and your family when an emergency occurs, visit www.sja.ca.
