4290 Bells Ferry Rd NE #134-2224 Kennesaw, GA 30144
Practical Learning Experience
Importance of First Aid Training
- Knowing First Aid Saves Lives
- Helps to comfort the patient
The 3 goals of first aid:
Essentially, the 3 Ps are first aid training's main objectives:
- preserving life,
- preventing injury from getting worse
- aiding recovery.
Extended objectives include relieving pain and protecting the unconscious. First aid is there to reduce the suffering of victims.
The AHA's Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course trains participants to provide first aid, CPR, and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) in a safe, timely, and effective manner.
100 to 120 Compressions A Minute
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) stands as a crucial technique for saving lives in various emergencies where breathing or heartbeat has ceased, such as during a heart attack or near-drowning incident. The American Heart Association advocates initiating CPR promptly with firm and rapid chest compressions. This hands-only CPR approach is recommended for both untrained bystanders and first responders.
If you're hesitant or unsure about performing CPR correctly, remember that taking action is always preferable to doing nothing at all. The decisive factor between action and inaction could be someone's life.
CPR helps maintain the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other organs until emergency medical treatment can reinstate a normal heart rhythm. When the heart ceases to beat, the body stops receiving oxygen-rich blood, potentially leading to brain damage within minutes.
For those untrained in CPR but having immediate access to a phone, it's crucial to dial 911 or your local emergency number before commencing CPR. Dispatchers can provide guidance on proper procedures until help arrives. To acquire comprehensive CPR knowledge, consider enrolling in an accredited first-aid training course, covering CPR techniques and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
Before initiating CPR, conduct the following checks:
- Ensure the environment is safe for the individual.
- Assess whether the person is conscious or unconscious.
- If the person appears unconscious, gently tap or shake their shoulder while loudly asking, "Are you OK?"
- If there's no response and you're accompanied by someone else, designate one person to call 911 or the local emergency number and retrieve the AED, if available, while the other person begins CPR.
- If you're alone and have immediate access to a telephone, call 911 or your local emergency number before starting CPR. Retrieve the AED if one is accessible.
- Once an AED becomes available, administer one shock if instructed by the device, then commence CPR.
Remember the sequence C-A-B:
The American Heart Association employs the mnemonic C-A-B to assist in recalling the CPR steps:
- C: Compressions
- A: Airway
- B: Breathing
Compressions: Restore Blood Flow
- If alone and didn't witness the child collapse, initiate chest compressions for approximately two minutes. Subsequently, promptly dial 911 or your local emergency number and retrieve the AED if available.
- If alone and witnessed the child collapse, prioritize calling 911 or your local emergency number first. Then, if available, retrieve the AED and commence CPR. If accompanied by another individual, have them call for assistance and fetch the AED while initiating CPR.
- Place the child on their back on a sturdy surface.
- Kneel next to the child's neck and shoulders.
- Place two hands — or just one hand if the child is very small — on the lower half of the child's breastbone.
- Using the heel of one or both hands, firmly press straight down on the chest about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters), but not exceeding 2.4 inches (approximately 6 centimeters). Administer vigorous compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- If untrained in CPR, continue chest compressions until the child shows movement or until emergency medical personnel take over. If CPR-certified, open the airway and initiate rescue breathing.
Providing CPR to a Child
When administering CPR to a child aged 1 through puberty, the approach mirrors that of an adult — adhere to the C-A-B steps.
Remember the sequence C-A-B:
To aid in remembering the CPR steps, the American Heart Association employs the C-A-B mnemonic:
- C: Compressions
- A: Airway
- B: Breathing
The American Heart Association underscores the importance of prompt CPR initiation and offers guidance on performing CPR for a child:
Compressions: Restore Blood Circulation
If you're alone and didn't witness the child collapse, begin chest compressions for approximately two minutes. Subsequently, promptly call 911 or your local emergency number and retrieve the AED if one is available.
In case you're alone and witnessed the child collapse, prioritize calling 911 or your local emergency number first. Then, if available, retrieve the AED and commence CPR. If another individual is present, instruct them to call for assistance and retrieve the AED while you initiate CPR.
- Position the child on their back on a firm surface.
- Kneel beside the child's neck and shoulders.
- Place two hands — or only one hand if the child is very small — on the lower half of the child's breastbone.
- Using the heel of one or both hands, press down firmly on the chest about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters), but not exceeding 2.4 inches (approximately 6 centimeters).
- Administer forceful and rapid compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
If you haven't received CPR training, continue chest compressions until the child exhibits movement or until emergency medical personnel intervene. If CPR-certified, open the airway and commence rescue breathing.
Airway: Establish Open Airway
Upon completing 30 chest compressions, if CPR-trained, open the child's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver.
Place your palm on the child's forehead and gently tilt their head backward.
With your other hand, gently lift the chin forward to facilitate airway opening.
Breathing: Provide Breaths for the Child:
Follow these steps for mouth-to-mouth breathing for a child.
After employing the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the airway, pinch the child's nostrils shut. Seal the child's mouth with yours.
Administer one-second breaths into the child's mouth. Observe whether the chest rises. If it does, deliver a second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver first, then administer the second breath. Take care not to over-administer breaths or apply excessive force.
Following the two breaths, immediately resume the next cycle of compressions and breaths. Note: If two individuals are available to perform CPR on the child, alternate rescuers every two minutes — or sooner if the rescuer becomes fatigued — and provide one to two breaths every 15 compressions.
As soon as an AED becomes accessible, utilize it and adhere to the prompts. Use pediatric pads for children aged older than 4 weeks up to age 8. If pediatric pads aren't available, utilize adult pads. Administer one shock, then recommence CPR — beginning with chest compressions — for two more minutes before administering a second shock.
If unfamiliar with AED operation, a 911 operator or another emergency medical operator may provide guidance.
Continue CPR until the child exhibits signs of movement or until assistance arrives.