I like the idea of simplifying the CPR procedure for the lay person, but I'm exhausted reading this. We try to utilize a switch at 2 minutes to maintain effective consistent compressions. Depending on the size of the patient, 2 minutes is a good time to switch. I also have found our success rate has increased over all in "saves". And by a save, I mean someone who can talk to me later when I pull their ETT.
However, I'm a little concerned here for the health of the lay person doing the compressions.
I see "compressions only CPR" was briefly mentioned in another thread.
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=5470
Comments from Oklahoma? Rid?
Any other regions considering adopting this through their dispatch as instructions for CPR?
http://www.ems1.com/managersandsupervisors/articles/313735/
'400 chest compressions' procedure touted by Okla. EMS
By Jeff Raymond
The Oklahoman
Copyright 2007 The Oklahoman
OKLAHOLMA CITY — A change two years ago in CPR methods has improved survival rates and made people more likely to perform the lifesaving intervention, EMSA officials say.
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation used to involve pressing on a cardiac arrest victim's chest followed by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and repeating the process. Because many people aren't trained in CPR or fear placing their mouth on a stranger's, EMSA and other responders began instructing callers to perform 400 chest compressions — enough to keep circulation going until the ambulance arrives.
"It was a complete changeover," said T.J. Reginald, who works for EMSA's clinical oversight board. Out of 40 cardiac arrest calls a month in Oklahoma City, the 400 compressions will apply to 32 of them, he said.
http://www.ems1.com/managersandsupervisors/articles/313735/
However, I'm a little concerned here for the health of the lay person doing the compressions.
I see "compressions only CPR" was briefly mentioned in another thread.
http://www.emtlife.com/showthread.php?t=5470
Comments from Oklahoma? Rid?
Any other regions considering adopting this through their dispatch as instructions for CPR?
http://www.ems1.com/managersandsupervisors/articles/313735/
'400 chest compressions' procedure touted by Okla. EMS
By Jeff Raymond
The Oklahoman
Copyright 2007 The Oklahoman
OKLAHOLMA CITY — A change two years ago in CPR methods has improved survival rates and made people more likely to perform the lifesaving intervention, EMSA officials say.
Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation used to involve pressing on a cardiac arrest victim's chest followed by mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and repeating the process. Because many people aren't trained in CPR or fear placing their mouth on a stranger's, EMSA and other responders began instructing callers to perform 400 chest compressions — enough to keep circulation going until the ambulance arrives.
"It was a complete changeover," said T.J. Reginald, who works for EMSA's clinical oversight board. Out of 40 cardiac arrest calls a month in Oklahoma City, the 400 compressions will apply to 32 of them, he said.
http://www.ems1.com/managersandsupervisors/articles/313735/
Obstacles remain
Although instructions from dispatchers are simpler, barriers to CPR use persist.
One of the main obstacles is the strength required to move adults onto their back and press the chest hundreds of times with 25 pounds of force.
"It is a physically demanding part of EMS (emergency medical services). CPR will really wear you out," Reginald said.
A stop of even 10 to 15 seconds can be enough for the person's circulation to plummet. Don't stop pressing until the ambulance arrives, he said.
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