While researching the top concerns of performing CPR I came across an article in Huffington Post by Dr. Amer Aldeen. The following paragraph from that article states not only the fears we most often hear but also some statistics that you can’t but help take notice of: “If chest compressions are so easy to learn and effective, why does only one out of every three sudden cardiac arrest victims receive them? Why do only 5 percent of victims get treated with an automated external defibrillator? Quite simply, people are afraid. They are afraid of causing more harm than good, of being sued, of performing mouth-to-mouth ventilation, and of (literally) shocking someone.”
We understand these fears some may have but we also want to help alleviate some of the anxiety of jumping in and helping save a life.
1. Let’s start with the fear of “causing more harm than good”. The victim is essentially dead so anything you attempt in keeping them alive and blood flowing is not going to cause them to be any deader. This is simply the truth!
2. Afraid? Remember that the chances of causing any injury are
very miniscule and all 50 state and the District of Columbia have some type of Good Samaritan Law which it’s protection is intended to reduce bystanders’ hesitation to assist, for fear of being sued or prosecuted for unintentional injury or wrongful death. I’ve included the Good Samaritan Law in my home state of Ohio to give you a better understanding of it.
3. Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is a vital part of performing CPR and by having a CPR mask key chain you will always be ready. And remember, do not let the fear of disease stop you from preforming chest compressions. Not doing anything is not helping in these type of emergency situations!
4. In many public places you will find Automatic External Defibrillators (AED). Look around or have someone else find one and USE IT! All AED’s have simple instructions for users and give the patient the best chance to survive.
Most sudden cardiac arrest and heart attacks do not happen around a medical professional. They happen around family, friends and bystanders! Learn CPR today. You never know whos life you may save. And remember to call 911 first!