CPR
THERE ARE 2 TYPES OF CPR…
Its confusing when you watch TV or a movie and you see the actors applying CPR which is probably different to how you are taught in a first aid course. In today’s world there are two type’s of CPR. There is an actual cardiac arrest event where a trained first aider responds into action to help and movie/TV CPR
Movie/TV CPR can create confusion on our view of CPR.
In a cardiac arrest situation, what you are effectively trying to achieve is to buy some time until medical professionals or a defibrillator arrives at the scene.
The theory behind chest compressions is the chest acts to artificially pump the heart, pushing blood around the body and providing oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain.
In this COVID-19 world, if you are unwilling to deliver the rescue breaths, you have the options of compressions only CPR, however the rescue breaths can also be beneficial to the casualty.
It’s important to note, however, that chest compressions are not capable of “restarting” a heart that has stopped beating. For that, you’re going to need a defibrillator. You unfortunately see this in a movie/TV and some anxiety can be an issue as your patient does not jump back to life as the screens often show this happening.
In the movie world of CPR, nothing is off-limits, in terms of what is possible to achieve. It’s often referred as poetic license.
The unrealistic demonstrations and outcomes can cloud the public perception of what to expect when cardiac arrest happens. There is sometimes anxiety following the CPR attempt because in the movies the casualty is leaving the hospital that day and back at work.
Perceptions are important to recognise as this is movie CPR and does not reflect the reality after an actual cardiac arrest.
Having workplace defibrillators is so important for enabling a quick response by workplace first aiders.
It’s important in a first aid course to learn the basics of CPR and understand that the two different CPR responses – and one is movie CPR where anything is possible but in reality, does not occur.
The basics save lives.
CPR does save lives and early defibrillation is almost essential for good outcomes. First aid teaches us to seek help quickly and know where the closest defibrillator is. First aid knowledge is essential in this quickly evolving world. We are here to help you.