Last year, the American Heart Association released new CPR guidelines that encourage rescuers to start chest compressions immediately on anyone who is unresponsive because victims still have oxygen in their lungs and bloodstream during the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. In the event of an emergency, rescuers should remember these important tips:
· Give chest compressions at a rate of at least 100 times per minute, a faster pace than previously recommended. This can be done to the beat of the song Stayin’ Alive.
· Push deeper on the chest, compressing at least two inches in adults and children and 1.5 inches in infants.
· Avoid leaning on the chest between each compression to allow it to return to its starting position.
· Continue chest compressions until emergency responders arrive. If you need a break, have someone else fill in.
· Give 2 breaths for every 30 chest compressions.
“Knowing how to properly perform CPR is important for anyone, but especially for those living or working in rural areas,” says Amy Rademaker, farm safety specialist at Carle. “Since emergency crews could take more than 10 minutes to arrive at a rural residence, it’s critical that CPR be started before they arrive.” She also urges having more than one person on a farm or workplace be CPR-certified in the event a trained responder is the one who requires medical attention. Remember to keep up with new CPR requirements and get re-certified when cards expire, she adds.