I am one of about 15 certified CPR/AED responders for my office where I work. We are trained every two years and I wanted to share something that was taught to us in class that took me for a loop. The instructor explained that most of the time, CPR/AED is used for heart attack victims.
The statistics for providing an AED (shock) to a heart attack victim is so important and provides the victim a substantial chance of survival than someone who only receives CPR. This doesn’t mean not to give CPR, this only means that if an AED is not around it is IMPORTANT to call 911 and get emergency help immediately. Here are the statistics if you are interested http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4483.
The other point made during the training session, is that the worst people to try and help sometimes are the people who have already suffered one heart attack and may be experiencing a second one. Why? This means taking daily medications, monitoring diet and fitness and dealing with uncertainties. The aftermath of the heart attack survivor is sometimes devastating and they would rather give up then be ravaged through tests and monitoring again.
CNN recently ran a story about this same issue and you can read the full article here http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/06/30/heart.survivors.cheney/index.html. The headline reads “Life can feel like a time bomb”. It is true in a sense.
The main purpose of sharing this story is to know that most of the time second timers are worst then first timers. Knowing this information ahead of time may save a life. Have you ever heard of the Good Samaritan Law? A good Samaritan in legal terms refers to someone who renders aid in an emergency to an injured person on a voluntary basis. If a person refuses help or says leave me alone (I know I have one of those Uncles), once they pass out, you are covered by the Good Samaritan Law and can do everything you are able to do to help save that life. Always be prepared and know the signs of a heart attack since second-timers are the worst victims!
Learn how to perform CPR (Video Format) http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=How+to+perform+CPR&FORM=VDRE&qpvt=How+to+perform+CPR
How do you recognize the signs of a heart attack? The American Heart Association provides the following:
• Chest discomfort. Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain.
• Discomfort in other areas of the upper body. Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
• Other signs may include breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness
Have you survived a heart attack? Can you share your experience?