Teaching CPR unofficially

[mikie]

So I have a summer job as a day camp counselor and part of the morning activities include swimming/instruction. On rainy days when we can't go swimming, the pool staff (instructors & lifeguards which are 'out sourced' to the YMCA (my camp isn't a part of the Y)), comes inside and talks to the swimming groups of campers (smaller grounds of ~8) about safety.

All of that so far is great but (we've only had this once and it was last year) then they started talking about CPR (which is Red Cross 'protocol'). They told the campers (at least my kids, 5th & 6th graders) the basics of it. Asking if you were alright, checking for breathing, airway opening (no jaw-thrust), rescue breaths then compressions! They then demonstrated in the air then 'fake' (didn't press hard) demonstrated on a camper. I don't recall if they mentioned anything about an AED (Because I didn't mention attempting to dry the patient first).

Is that OK to teach? Is that even legal?

Personally, i don't think they should be teaching that, rather the importance of 911. They do emphasize on the basics of saftety (always have an adult, no running, etc of pool behavior).

Thoughts? Thanks!

 

[reaper]

I see nothing wrong with it. A lot of services teach basic CPR to public groups. They don't need a card to be allowed to use it.

If one of those kids remember how to use it, when needed, then that is a good thing. Even if they do it half way decent, before EMS arrives. It is better then nothing.

Kids are quick learners and do retain that type of info. I have taught both my kids CPR and know that they would preform very well, if it is ever needed.

 

[mikeylikesit]

nothing wrong with instructing people unless you teach it wrong. I would be against it if all of the info was off.

 

[BEorP]

It is a great idea. All grade 6 or 7 students should be taught CPR. You don't need a card to push on someone's chest.

 

[KEVD18]

sounds a lot like an aha friends and family course. no certification, just some basic knowledge. you have to figure, if someone needs cpr, they cant get any worse.....

 

[MMiz]

sounds a lot like an aha friends and family course. no certification, just some basic knowledge. you have to figure, if someone needs cpr, they cant get any worse.....

Exactly. The Friends and Family course is a brief education without any certification. You could even get the materials they use online and hand out copies.

 

[Jon]

Friends and Family uses a mannequin... not a camper.

The Boy Scouts of America have a requirement in the First Aid merit badge to "demonstrate" CPR... and an optional requirement (choose 2 of 3) to see an AED demonstration. The idea is that a basic knowledge can't be bad.

I use an old, full-size Annie that I picked up somewhere (I think it was dumpster diving at the FD) and I borrowed an AED trainer from my AHA TI/Squad when I taught the merit badge last month (It helps that the TI/Squad's director is also an Eagle Scout).

I would hesitate to demonstrate compressions on a living human... even if they are "fake"... then again, we pair up to do the Heimlich in all our classes. But, as long as it is in the program to teach it, and there is an understanding that it is NOT a certification... I think you are probably OK.


If you really want to demo CPR... do the Friends and Family course... $5 for the book, no cert card, and you should be using dummies.

 

[MRE]

I used to do the same thing when I worked for a boy scout camp. I think its a fine idea as long as a few things are emphasized. First, that they are not being certified but only being given an overview of CPR. Second, that CPR can and probably will break ribs, so never give it to somebody who does not need it and never do full compressions on a person for training.

One of the things that I always made sure to mention is that if a person is in need of CPR, they are pretty much dead (no pulse/breathing) so even if CPR is not done completely correctly, anything that the scout can do will help them.

I would much rather arrive on scene where poor CPR has been in progress for 2 or 3 minutes than arrive to see a bunch of people standing around staring at the pt.


BTW, I think my years at that BSA camp led to my becoming a CPR/Lifeguard instructor and then and EMT.

 

[Jon]

One of the things that I always made sure to mention is that if a person is in need of CPR, they are pretty much dead (no pulse/breathing) so even if CPR is not done completely correctly, anything that the scout can do will help them.
<Snip>

I actually said the EXACT same thing when I covered CPR.

 

[BossyCow]

Definitely get a dummy! You should be able to beg/borrow/steal one from any local group if you tell them what you need it for. In my opinion, the chest compressions need to be taught correctly. Doing the hands on, physical task of pushing down to the correct depth is important in getting an understanding of the mechanics of CPR.