It’s a given. When most of us hear the term 'CPR' we automatically think of having to put our mouth over and/or near someone else’s mouth - and well …that’s just not okay.
 
I mean its one thing to perform CPR on a dummy while in training class where the mood is a little up beat. 

But it is another thing in its entirety, to perform CPR in a real life emergency on someone who may be bleeding from an injury, or have vomitus or foaming around the mouth, right??? (ewwww)

In fact, I would venture to say, that a lot of us, if not all of us, would rather stand around in hopes that someone else would step up to the plate so we don't have to.

Shameful, I know.  But true.

And besides, who the heck can remember the formula for the ratio between chest compressions-to-breaths??  

Well there’s good news!

A new form of CPR has been developed by the doctors at Mayo Clinic.  The doctors say there is enough oxygen in the blood to keep the brain supplied for ten minutes.

Performing chest compressions would keep the blood flowing to the brain, heart and other organs – which is the whole reason we perform CPR in the first place.

So, in light of these new developments, the America Heart Association has changed the CPR guidelines to chest compressions only - dropping the mouth-to-mouth component.

What does this mean to us?  No more breathing in someone else’s mouth.  Yea!!!!

The new procedure requires that you apply rapid (about 100 compressions per minute) and deep presses to the center of the chest.  

Now, I have heard that a lot of people say they are afraid they may hurt the person by pressing too hard - ‘FYI’ - if the victim has suffered cardiac arrest they are close to death already and you can't hurt a dead person right?  I mean, what person wouldn’t trade a couple broken ribs for life?  So press hard moving as quickly as you can. 

It can be tiring - but don't stop until medical help arrives.

Here’s another useful tip.  Perform the chest compressions to the pop song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. 

In a trial study of medical students performing CPR to the song ‘Stayin Alive’ - they maintained close to the ideal rhythm of 100 compressions per minute (the song has 103 beats per minute).

This may help you focus more on the words and beat of the song than to what is going on around you - saving a person’s life.

Here’s a little refresher on how to perform chest compressions.  Place the heel of one hand on top of the other and place the heel of the bottom hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Lock your elbows and begin forceful chest compressions.

Remember 100 compressions.   Ah, ha, ha, ha, Stayin' Alive. Stayin' Alive. Ah, ha, ha, ha,  Stayin' alive …..

- Survivor Jane

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