When someone suddenly collapses and becomes unresponsive do you know what to do? Do you run screaming for help or just stand there, frozen?
Every second counts when a person remains motionless before your eyes. But rest assured, there is no need to feel helpless if you are CPR (Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation) trained.
Having such life-saving skills could be the difference between someone dying or living. Being able to effectively perform CPR could be the single most effective skill that you can possess that gives a person the greatest chance of survival when they are unresponsive.
It could also be the determining factor as to the quality of life the victim will have after surviving the unfortunate event.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), an internationally recognised institution on pre-hospital and emergency care, the six (6) links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
- Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with an emphasis on chest compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Advanced resuscitation by Emergency Medical Services and other healthcare providers
- Post-cardiac arrest care
- Recovery (including additional treatment, observation, rehabilitation, and psychological support)
A strong Chain of Survival can improve the chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.
In recent years, a number of community-based activities have been held throughout Antigua and Barbuda to help bring awareness to the need for persons to be CPR trained. This growing push can only prove to serve communities well and such puts help literally within hand’s reach.
The more persons have this knowledge and lifesaving skills, the closer help is to the victim as time is critical when providing emergency care. Every second counts when an emergency happens. Let’s count the seconds to saving a life.
Organizations such as the American University of Antigua (AUA), the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Medical Services (ABEMS) and the Antigua and Barbuda Red Cross (ABRC) have been at the forefront of championing for persons to become certified.
Two emergency healthcare professionals have shared their knowledge on the importance of knowing CPR.
Mr. Anderson Tuitt has been involved in emergency response for over twenty years and highlights the significance of persons being trained in First Aid.
Mr. Marlon Destin a qualified emergency care professional with similar years of tenure also speaks to the significance of persons being trained and the benefits that can be derived from such vital knowledge.
The two veteran professionals continue to be strong advocates for persons to be CPR trained. They are also encouraging families, members of social clubs and commercial organizations to acquire the relevant training and to make it a part of their emergency plans.
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Cover Image credit AUA Healthy Perspectives (Screen Grab)
Safety Steps 