VMH to offer “Hands Only CPR” training at 2022 Allamakee County Fair
“Hands Only” CPR training ... Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering free health tests and training each day of the Allamakee County Fair in their booth located in the Pavilion. Sunday, July 24, “Hands Only” CPR training will be offered. “Hands Only” CPR is a simple technique for performing CPR that is intended for non-trained bystanders to use easily and effectively on any adult or teen needing CPR. A mannequin will be available that day for children and adults alike to practice this simple form of CPR. Pictured is a scene from a previous Veterans Memorial Hospital Family Wellness Fair where “Hands Only” CPR instruction was also offered. Submitted photo.
Veterans Memorial Hospital will be offering “Hands Only” CPR training Sunday, July 24, at their booth in the Pavilion at the Allamakee County Fair. “Hands Only” CPR is a simple technique for performing CPR that is intended for non-trained bystanders to use easily and effectively on any adult or teen needing CPR.
“Hands Only” CPR is a simple two step process. Whenever a teen or adult suddenly collapse, the bystander should first send someone to call 911 or call 911 themselves. Then place the heel of one hand in the center of the patient’s chest, with the other hand on top, and press hard and fast until help arrives.
The chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100 beats per minute, or to the beat of the song “Staying Alive.” There is no need to perform any mouth to mouth breathing. It has been proven that it is most important that the circulation be maintained through the chest compressions.
The American Heart Association states that CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival, and the song “Staying Alive” has the right beat for performing “Hands Only” CPR successfully.
Instructional wallet cards for “Hands Only” CPR will be handed out at the Veterans Memorial Hospital booth, as well as an instructional video and CPR mannequin to actually practice the correct way to perform “Hands Only” CPR. Prizes will be awarded to all participants who practice the “Hands Only” CPR on the mannequin.
In addition to learning “Hands Only” CPR, children and adults are invited to visit the hospital’s booth for free health testing each day at the fair. Thursday, July 21, free blood sugar/diabetes tests will be offered; Friday, July 22, free blood pressure checks will be offered and Saturday, free chair massages will be available. These will take place from 3-7 p.m. each day.
As always, Veterans Memorial Hospital will have a medical kit available for any first aid emergencies on the Fairgrounds. For more information, call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411.
