November is CPR Month
Posted in First Aid Articles, on November 14, 2022
If your loved one suddenly collapsed to the floor and stopped breathing, would you feel prepared to save their life? Every year, an estimated 35,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in Canada- that’s one every 15 minutes1. Knowing how to respond can increase your loved ones chances of survival and recovery. November is CPR month, and we at Lifeguarding Academy have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about CPR to spread awareness of the topic.
What is CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a lifesaving technique used when someone's heart stops beating regularly, and they lose the ability to pump blood around their body. CPR consists of compressions and breaths which supports oxygenation and moving blood around the body. If a rescuer starts CPR in the first few minutes of the emergency, survival rates can double or triple2.
What is an AED?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator, and is used to help those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. It analyzes a person's heart rhythm, and if necessary, administers an electrical shock to help the heart re-establish its normal rhythm. Studies have shown that if an AED was applied along with effective CPR, cardiac arrest victims had survival rates as high as 85%3. Early intervention is important as every minute a victim in cardiac arrest does not have an AED, the survival rate drops 7-10%4. This is why it is imperative to have AEDs accessible to the public, along with CPR training.
What Level of CPR Training Do I Need?
The Lifesaving Society offers four levels of CPR. To help you figure out which level you should have, we have outlined some of the key differences below:
CPR-A
Teaches how to do CPR and choking procedures for adults and includes the importance of early defibrillation and how to use an AED.
CPR-B
Teaches parents, grandparents, babysitters or childcare workers the CPR and choking procedures for adults, children and infants. CPR-B includes the importance of early defibrillation and how to use an AED. CPR-B certification is included in Emergency First Aid.
CPR-C
Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adults, children and infants including two-rescuer CPR skills. CPR-C includes the importance of early defibrillation and how to use an AED. CPR-C certification is included in Standard First Aid.
CPR-HCP
Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant victims, including rescue breathing (artificial respiration) and the use of AEDs and bag-valve-masks (BVM). This HCP level is designed specifically for those who, as part of their job descriptions as Health Care Providers, have a duty to respond to medical emergencies (e.g., doctors, nurses, paramedics and allied health care professionals).
Lifeguarding Academy Offers all of the above types of CPR training, along with Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid courses. Our vision is to see communities equipped with valuable lifesaving skills, such as CPR, which can be used to help those in need. Do you part today; register for one of our first aid course offerings here!
1Saving Lives, HeartandStroke.ca, cited November 8th, 2022
2Three Things You May Not Know About CPR, cdc.gov, cited November 8th, 2022
3Position Statement, heartandstroke.ca. cited November 8th, 2022
4Position Statement, heartandstroke.ca. cited November 8th, 2022
