Why learn CPR and first aid?

Emergencies can happen anywhere at any time and it is better to be prepared. The American Red Cross has various opportunities to help people of all ages become prepared to deal with emergency situations.
The programs offered by the American Red Cross include various Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), first aid, bloodborne pathogens, babysitters training, and Automated External Defibrillation (AED). Each of these classes can help prepare you for an emergency situation.
It is important that everyone take a lifesaving class in CPR. While the following information should not serve as a substitute for such a class, it could help save a life. In any emergency, always wear gloves and use a pocket mask for protection however: if you do not have a breathing barrier or disposable gloves available, do not delay care.
In an emergency requiring CPR, use the following steps:
* Make sure the scene is safe.
* Check to see if the victim is conscious or unconscious. If the victim is unconscious, call 911.
* Look, listen and feel for breathing for five seconds. If the victim is not breathing, give two breaths. If air goes into the victim, check for circulation.
* If the victim has circulation, start rescue breathing. For an adult, give one breath every five seconds, and for a child or infant, give one breath every three seconds.
* If the victim shows no signs of circulation, begin performing CPR on an adult at a rate of 15 compressions and two breaths. For a child or infant do this at a rate of five compressions and one breath. Continue this for about a minute, then recheck for circulation.
To help a person who is conscious and choking, use abdominal thrusts. When performing abdominal thrusts, ask the person if they are choking, and tell them to continue coughing. Then, go behind the victim and place one foot between the victim's feet. Make a fist with one hand and place the thumb side right above the navel. Grab your fist with the other hand and give quick upward abdominal thrusts. Continue this until the object comes out.
Both of these techniques can save a person's life, but they should not be used as a substitute for training. It is highly encouraged that individuals take a lifesaving class and practice these skills before performing them on a human.
There are many lifesaving classes offered throughout the year at the American Red Cross. For more information on upcoming classes, please call the Tri-County American Red Cross at (563) 583-6451.