Dad Saves Daughter’s Life with CPR after Seeing It Performed on TV Show

It suddenly happened in the summer of 2021. An unexpected cardiac arrest. This time the victim was a 4-year-old girl.

Fortunately, the girl’s father, Mat Uber, 46, of Carmel, Indiana, saved the little girl’s life after deploying CPR – something he remembered from watching The Office, a sitcom on NBC.

Mr. Uber spoke of the horrifying moment when he realized he had to move fast to rescue his daughter, Vera Posey.

A sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)  during a game of tag was the reason. Having watched CPR on the series, The Office, Uber revived his daughter using what he had remembered. He said Steve Carrell, who played MIchael Scott on the TV show, performed CPR on one of the episodes.

After a few seconds of laughter during the game of chase, Uber’s daughter suddenly slowed down. He said he saw her lying on the ground when he turned around.

Uber added he thought she had hit her head. At that moment, his mind flashbacked to the TV show and CPR. He urged his 16-year-old daughter to call an ambulance.

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In the episode, a CPR teacher visits Dunder Mifflin to educate the staff on how to do chest compressions in tune to the Bee Gees’ 1970s tune Stayin’ Alive.

Uber said, he wondered, “‘What do I know about CPR?’ I don’t have formal training.” He added that the scene from The Office suddenly came to him during that panic-stricken moment. He needed to do something to keep his daughter alive, and do it immediately.

The family later found out that Vera had a life-threatening and rare syndrome that affects the heart’s rhythm called calmodulinopahty.

Paramedics used a defibrillator (AED) to shock Vera’s heart back to a normal while resuming  CPR and resuscitation efforts.

At Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, Uber and his wife discovered that their daughter had gone into cardiac arrest. According to Uber, Vera had no warning signs before the event.

Little Vera received a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), an implantable device that shocks the heart into working if it stops functioning. Uber hopes that his family’s story will inspire people to get officially certified in CPR and AED.

The father added that Vera is “. . . doing spectacularly [well]. We’re incredibly lucky.”

While CPR, no doubt, saves lives, knowing how to use an automated defibrillator (AED) ensures increased survival rates.

Because it is a medical emergency, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) must be taken seriously. That is why both CPR and AED training are imperative. When an AED is used, an electric shock is delivered to the heart via the AED. A heart that has stopped beating is brought back into rhythm by applying a jolt of electricity.

Needless to say, both CPR and defibrillation work best when performed as soon as possible following the  onset of an SCA. SCA survivability decreases at an alarming rate with each passing minute.

First responders, such as police officers and paramedics, are familiar with the steps used for defibrillation. If someone is showing signs or symptoms of SCA, call 9-1-1 immediately. The sooner you seek assistance, the sooner they can start receiving life-saving care.

Bystanders can use AEDs and do not need to be emergency personnel. The portable devices often are found at public sites, such as golf courses, airports, cansinos, malls, and hotels.

If an arrhythmia is detected, an AED is programmed to deliver an electric shock. The programming only allows the current to be transmitted to SCA victims. CPR should be given until you can gain access to an AED.

If you or a loved one is at risk for an SCA, you might consider getting advice from a doctor about adding an AED in your home. SCAs can happen without warning. Make sure you are equipped by learning CPR and the AED process.

How CPR Saved One Golfer’s Life

On July 30, 2013, Ralph Harms, 78, was out on the course with his son Joe and friend Doug Green. At the fourth hole, Ralph was excited. He shouted, “Yeah, baby!” after nailing a long putt.

However, three days later Harms awoke in the hospital. He had gone into cardiac arrest and did not recall anything until then.

He compared the event to suddenly switching off a light switch. He did not experience any signs that anything was wrong.

Ralph’s son, Joe, learned CPR from his father about 4 years earlier. At the time, the two men were watching football and saw an ad about getting CPR certified. To maintain his certification, the elderly Harms continued to maintain his endorsement every two years. Ralph remembered showing Joe how to perform chest compressions during a break in the game.


According to Ralph, it was good Joe remembered how to do the compressions, as he would never have been able to tell his tale of survival.

As Doug dialed 9-1-1 on his mobile phone, Joe performed CPR on his Dad. Ralph’s heart stopped three times while emergency personnel were on the way. Joe continued the chest compressions while he waited for help.

For the first three days of his recovery, Ralph was kept in in a drug-induced state of unconsciousness.

The knowledge and use of CPR were both critical to Ralph’s survival. Again, because of CPR, Ralph survived so he could tell people about his experience.

CPR saves lives and does not take a lot of time to learn. Moreover, you can glean this must-have skill easily anytime.

Besides saving lives, learning CPR and AED, in combo, prevents brain death and reduces recovery times. CPR is used when the heart stops beating during a cardiac arrest,

Brain death typically happens four to six minutes after the heart has stopped pumping. When CPR is performed, the brain and other vital organs get the oxygen they need to continue to operate.

Two minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) increases a person’s chances of survival twofold. The longer a patient goes untreated the greater the physical toll it takes.

While you don’t have to get formal training in CPR, it still is better to have it. In the event of an emergency, phone 9-1-1 immediately.

If a bystander is present, start CPR while he or she calls 9-1-1 and looks for an automatic external defibrillator (AED). This will save you valuable time. Defibrillators (AEDs) are devices that shock the heart and restart it.

Aim to do 100 to 120 pushes each minute in the middle of the chest. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you time the compressions. Hands-only CPR is an alternative to mouth-to-mouth CPR, and does not require breathing into the mouth of the victim.

Continue giving CPR until medical help arrives.

When the heart stops beating abruptly and unexpectedly, it is called a sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). If this occurs, essential organs, such as the brain and heart, are deprived of their blood  and oxygen supply. If SCA isn’t treated within minutes, it frequently results in death.

An understanding of the heart’s mechanisms helps in defining SCA. The heart’s electrical system regulates the heartbeat’s pace and rhythm. Therefore, the heart’s circuitry, when it malfunctions, leads to an arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.

Arrhythmias come in various forms. As a result, the heart may beat too fast or too slow. In some cases, it may beat erratically. Arrhythmias that prevent the heart from pumping blood to the body trigger an SCA.

It is important to distinguish between an SCA and a heart attack. A heart attack happens when blood flow to a portion of the heart  is disrupted. The heart normally doesn’t stop beating immediately during a heart attack. Even after a heart attack, an SCA may still occur during recovery.

An SCA may also strike healthy individuals with no history of heart disease or another predisposing condition. Therefore, don’t discount the importance of CPR and AED training. With the knowledge you receive, you might very well end up saving the life of someone you love.

Child Respiratory Emergencies

My son was two years old when I returned to work in 2005.  Each day, I strapped him into his car seat to take him to and from his childcare center.  One afternoon, as I drove my son home, I heard a strange sound from the backseat.  I looked in the rearview mirror and my stomach dropped.  His lips were blue, and the strange sound I was hearing were his attempts at gasping for breath.  I took him straight to the emergency room, where the staff treated him using a nebulizer and told me to see his pediatrician right away.  I did, and the hospital’s diagnosis was confirmed – pediatric asthma.

For about three years, I strapped a mask over my son’s face while he sat in my lap and breathed in Albuterol, a bronchodilator that restored his breathing to normal.  The attacks were often sudden – often enough for me to keep the nebulizer in the car and the Albuterol in my purse.  A few times I even rushed into coffee shops or fast-food restaurants and begged them to let me use an outlet to plug in the nebulizer so I could treat my son right away.

Respiratory emergencies are frightening, and, according to Registered Respiratory Therapist Nancy Johnson, respiratory disorders are the second leading cause for parents to take children to the ER.  They are the number one cause for children under the age of four.  Johnson also notes that children under respiratory distress deteriorate quickly and “airway urgencies can quickly progress to airway emergencies.”  She uses the ABCDE Assessment Tool to assess respiratory conditions:

  • Airway (Is it obstructed?)
  • Breathing (Are there signs of distress?)
  • Circulation (Does their color look OK?)
  • Disability (Are they functioning normally?)
  • Exposure (Are there any wounds or notable injuries?)

Approximately half of children with pediatric asthma outgrow it, and my son was in that lucky half.  However, while his asthma was a threat, I received training in child and baby CPR.  Fortunately, I never had to use it, but the knowledge gave me peace of mind.

Does CPR really save lives? Yes, it does.

By Liv Hernandez

Does CPR really save lives? Yes, it does. There is one recent news story that can attest to that. The CDC estimates that administering CPR to a person suffering from cardiac arrest can double their chances for survival. Cardiac arrest can strike an individual at any time or place.

In the case of Steve M., it struck him when he was at his home. He was alone, and very scared when the attack came on. Thankfully his son, Skylar, arrived for a visit a short while later. He was shocked to find Steve lying there unconscious on his bathroom floor. Skylar called the paramedics and was informed that it would be a few minutes before they could arrive.

Skylar jumped into action and began administering CPR to Steve. This ended up saving his father’s life. Steve was conscious again by the time the paramedics arrived. This is just one case that proves how life saving CPR can be. Since Cardiac arrest can strike at any time, you could describe it as a sudden killer. Taking the time to learn and become CPR certified means you can save someone’s life.

You can help them become one less statistic. Death rates for cardiac arrest victims are very high. The majority of these attacks occur in public. This increases the chances of the attack being witnessed by a bystander. If this bystander were to administer CPR they could save the victim’s life.

We all live in this world together, so we should all look out for one another. If you look online you will discover many local institutions that will offer you CPR training. If you were in the same situation as Steve from the story, you would want someone to come to your aid. We all would. Learn CPR and start the change first. Help someone and you just might get the help you need in return. As cardiac arrest numbers rise, more people are joining together to become CPR certified. Join them and help save lives. No one wants to be a statistic.

https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/cpr-saves-lives-steve-munatones-is-here-to-prove-it

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/cpr.htm

Respiratory emergencies in children

Respiratory emergencies in children are not uncommon and when they occur, they are somewhat more difficult to manage than in adults for several reasons. First, the patient is fragile, secondly, the entire oral cavity and upper airway are small and easily prone to obstruction, and third, without having the right tools and equipment, resuscitation can be difficult. Finally, unlike an adult, the child has a limited respiratory reserve and respiratory distress can quickly lead to cardiopulmonary arrest. To know how to manage respiratory emergencies in children, it is important to know some of the common causes and how they present.

Asthma

Asthma is one of the most common lung disorders that affect adults and children. Each year, children lose close to 14 million school days to asthma. The disorder is characterized by recurrent symptoms that are triggered by many factors that include the following:

  • Environment-air pollution, smoking, allergens, poor air quality
  • Indoor allergens like roaches, pet dander, perfumes dust mites, mold, feathers
  • Having a medical condition like allergic rhinitis, atopic eczema, hay fever
  • Use of certain medications like beta-blockers, aspirin
  • Viral and bacterial infections of the upper respiratory tract
  • Stress

Asthma may occur several times a day or it may occur once a month. In most cases, asthma tends to worsen with exercise or at night.

Presentation

  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry cough

Asthma can present with recurrent symptoms that include:

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of asthma is based on the presentation, pattern of symptoms, and response to treatment. Lung function studies (spirometry) can be used to confirm the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made the condition is graded depending on the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. The treatment of asthma is with prescription medications.

Status asthmaticus

Acute asthmatic attack (status asthmaticus) is a medical emergency that presents with severe shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. The individual will have little or no air entry into the lung and some may not even be able to speak. They may use their accessory muscles to breathe and bluish discoloration of the nails and skin is not unusual. An acute asthmatic attack may be triggered by an infection, allergen, or inappropriate or insufficient use of the asthma medication. These patients need immediate treatment in the nearest emergency room. The treatment goals include:

  1. Reversing the airway obstruction immediately with the use of beta-agonists and corticosteroids
  2. Correcting the hypoxemia by administering oxygen
  3. Prevent complications like respiratory arrest and pneumothorax. 

These patients need to be admitted until the acute attack has subsided. Some may even require admission to the ICU because of the need for mechanical ventilation.

The education of the patient is vital in preventing status asthmaticus. Status asthmaticus can usually be prevented if patients are compliant with their medications, avoid triggers and stress factors. 

Croup

Croup also referred to as laryngobronchitis is caused by a viral infection (usually parainfluenza viruses) and mostly affects children between 6 months to 3 years of age. The condition appears to be more common in males than females and tends to occur during the fall season. Besides viruses, croup can also be caused by many bacteria including H. influenzae and Strep pneumonia. The infection leads to a swelling of the larynx, trachea, and large bronchi, which then causes airway obstruction. The classic symptoms of croup include:

  • Stridor
  • Barking cough
  • Hoarse voice
  • Fever
  • A runny nose may also be present

The symptoms usually start at night and last about 24-48 hours.

While many cases of croup are mild, in some children the symptoms can be quite severe and lead to respiratory distress. The diagnosis of croup is made clinically by excluding other causes of airway obstruction. A lateral x-ray may show the classic narrowing of the upper trachea (steeple sign). The Westley score is used to classify the severity of croup and includes five features:

  • Cyanosis
  • Degree of mental alertness
  • Stridor
  • Muscle retractions 
  • Air entry

Most cases of croup are managed conservatively but those with moderate or severe symptoms need epinephrine and steroids. Oxygen is administered if hypoxia is present. Severe cases also need to be hospitalized and monitored. The rare child may even require mechanical ventilation.

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a relatively common childhood lung disorder that is associated with wheezing and respiratory distress. In children, it is often mistaken for asthma. Bronchiolitis is caused by the respiratory syncytial virus and affects children less than 2 years of age. The condition is most common during winter. Children at risk for bronchiolitis include those:

  • Who have associated congenital heart disease
  • Were preterm at birth
  • Are immunodeficient
  • Have exposure to tobacco smoke
  • Have a neurological disorder

Typical symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, runny nose, fever, and a cough. While most cases are mild, severe cases can present with grunting, nasal flaring, and an irritable child. 

Everyone should take a CPR class. Since there are classes in your home town maybe even this evening, no one has any excuses not to take one. MN PA FL

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis is usually made from the history and clinical presentation. Most mild cases are treated with supportive treatment. However, severe cases of respiratory distress need hospital admission for oxygen and fluid hydration. Some children may benefit from bronchodilators and nebulized epinephrine. If severe cases are left untreated, death can occur. To prevent spread, parents should be encouraged to wash their hands and avoid smoking.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia, although rare in healthy children, can be very serious. It remains the number one killer of children in many nations. Children who have a weak immune system, are under-nourished, or have a disease like HIV are more prone to pneumonia. It can be caused by viruses and bacteria.

Trigger factors for pneumonia include:

  • Air pollution
  • Smoking exposure
  • Asthma
  • Medical conditions like cystic fibrosis

Typical presentation includes:

  • Fever
  • Wet cough
  • General malaise
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anorexia
  • Congestion
  • Chest discomfort.

In addition, children can also present with lethargy, irritability, and poor feeding. 

Diagnosis & Treatment 

The diagnosis of pneumonia is made from the clinical exam, X-rays, and culture. The treatment usually depends on the type and cause of pneumonia. Bacterial pneumonia is treated with antibiotics but viral pneumonia is managed with supportive care. In most cases, children tend to develop severe pneumonia which compromises their breathing; and without treatment, the bacteria can spread into the systemic circulation. 

Besides oxygen, IV fluids, and antibiotics, some children may require mechanical ventilation. Bacterial pneumonia can be prevented but millions of children do not get the recommended three doses of the childhood vaccine. 

Foreign body aspiration

One very common cause of respiratory distress in children is foreign body aspiration. It is the 6th most common cause of accidental death in this population, with the majority of cases occurring in children aged less than 4. Children tend to put everything in their mouth like coins, buttons, batteries, solid food particles, paper, medications, etc and because the childhood airway is narrow, these objects often get stuck in the upper airway. The symptoms of foreign body aspiration are unfortunately non-specific and may include

  • Fever
  • Wheezing
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest discomfort
  • Inability to speak
  • Hypoxia. 

The most common location of the foreign body is in the bronchus followed by the trachea and larynx.

Children with complete airway obstruction can present with respiratory failure and cardiac arrest often requiring a surgical airway or rapid intubation. The diagnosis must be suspected in any child with no prior history of any lung disease like asthma and appropriate workup is vital. 

Besides x-rays, bronchoscopy may be required since not all foreign bodies are radiopaque. Prompt removal of the foreign body is necessary to prevent pneumonia, atelectasis, or pneumothorax. In children with respiratory distress, immediate bronchoscopic removal is recommended. The longer the foreign body remains in the airway, the higher the risk of complications like aspiration, pneumonia, or pneumothorax.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening emergency usually due to an allergic reaction. Even though cases of anaphylactic shock are not common, they have been increasing gradually over the past few years, especially in children. An anaphylactic reaction can occur within seconds after exposure to an allergen. 

The symptoms may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Wheezing, stridor
  • Hypoxia
  • Extreme respiratory distress
  • Inability speak
  • Swelling of the oral and facial area

If not treated immediately, it can quickly lead to cardiorespiratory arrest.

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis of anaphylaxis is usually clinical and treatment requires immediate administration of EpiPen (IM epinephrine). These individuals should be transported to the nearest emergency room for further treatment including fluids, steroids, and antihistamines. Individuals with allergies should always carry Epipen on them and wear a bracelet indicating their allergies.

Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax is not as common in children as adults, but when it occurs it can quickly compromise respiratory function. The majority of pneumothorax in children are spontaneous but may occur due to trauma or even asthma. Pneumothorax can be life-threatening if it is large (tension pneumothorax). The classic symptoms include:

  • Chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Shortness of breath

Diagnosis & Treatment

The diagnosis can be made from the presentation, physical exam, and imaging studies. If the patient is in respiratory distress, immediate treatment requires needle insertion in the chest cavity to evacuate the air. Once stabilized, a chest tube can be placed. 

Know the signs and symptoms of respiratory distress in children

Several common disorders can lead to respiratory distress in children. The key for the responders is to recognize signs of respiratory distress because if left untreated death may follow quickly. Classic signs of respiratory distress in children include:

  • Nasal flaring
  • Labored or rapid breathing
  • Use of accessory muscles
  • Wheezing
  • Grunting
  • Muscle retractions
  • Tripod position
  • Lethargy
  • Irritability
  • Cyanosis

Final point

Pediatric respiratory emergencies can be frightening but if one is alert and decisive, death can be prevented. The key is early detection so that the child can be treated accordingly.

References

  1. Respiratory Management in Pediatrics . http://www.creighton.edu/fileadmin/user/EMS/docs/Respiratory_Management_in_Pediatrics.pdf
  • Respiratory Emergencies in Pediatrics. https://www.slideshare.net/tfalgiani/respiratory-emergencies-in-pediatrics

Learning CPR Pays Off with Beach Save

As part of my health science classes, I was asked to take CPR classes. At that time, I thought that this was a complete waste of my $100. Little did I know that this money would one day save someone’s life. After 8 years, I decided that this was the last time I would renew my CPR certificate because I had never had an opportunity to use the technique on anyone. In 2010, I was visiting the beautiful island of Aruba which is famous for its sandy beaches and pristine blue waters. 

At around noon, I watched a young male wade about 50 meters from the shore and suddenly I noticed that he disappeared under the water. I did see his arms flailing and I realized that he was in trouble. I was never a good swimmer and did not even have a life jacket- the thought of us both drowning did cross my mind but my heart overcame my brain reasoning and I swam to where he was. I quickly noticed that he was unresponsive. I had a major struggle pulling a dead weight and struggled to get him near to the shore, where other people helped me pull the individual out of the water. 

Because he had swallowed water, the first thing I did was place him on his side and pump his stomach. I then started CPR which was another ordeal as I was exhausted from the rescue. Nevertheless, with the help of other people I coordinated the CPR  For the next 12 minutes, there was no sign of life. We all thought he was dead but decided to continue with CPR for another few minutes. We all took turns breathing into his airways and conducting CPR at the same time. 

Finally, just before the ambulance came, we saw some arm movements. The emergency staff transported him to the hospital where he was intubated and resuscitated. I had no idea what his name was, who he was or where he came from. All I could tell was that he was a young  male. For confidentiality reasons, the hospital refused to divulge all details about the individual. In any case, I left my name and number with the nursing staff. Six months later while I was in Toronto, I got a call from a female in Houston; she wanted to thank me for saving her brother. Incredibly he had suffered no adverse effects of the cardiac arrest that lasted about 12 minutes. He was alert and had no neurological or physical deficits. His family wanted to meet me but, alas, I had other things come up. Moral of the story; it is a humbling experience to save a life – it does help to be certified in CPR.

Florida Husband Collapsed

Cardiac arrest happens more than we may think. It is most likely to occur while at home and sadly only about 10 percent of them survive. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. You can be young, healthy, old or sickly. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops due to electrical issues and the person stops breathing. When your heart stops pumping blood, your limbs and vital organs, including your brain, do not get the oxygen rich blood that it needs to function.

Learning CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) could be one of the most important things you do for your family and friends. Having an AED (automated external defibrillator) in your home and learning how to use one is also important. The AED is very simple to use and will let you know how to use it and when to use it.

Jennifer and Rich Chap know just how important it is to learn these life saving skills. During the summer of 2012 in Orlando, FL, what started out to be a normal work day for Jennifer ended in her saving her husband’s life. Jennifer was working from home when her cat Buddy started acting strangely as if he was trying to get her attention. She started looking around and found her unresponsive husband collapsed on the kitchen floor gasping for air. He began to take agonal breaths in his wife’s arms. Jennifer sprang to action and called 911 who helped instruct her how to perform CPR until help arrived. When help arrived they took over CPR and used the AED in order to restart Mr. Chap’s heart. Although they were able to get a heartbeat after using the AED, he still wasn’t breathing on his own. The EMT’s had to place an endotracheal tube and use an ambu bag to breathe for him. Since they were unable to feel a pulse at his wrist, they put Rich into therapeutic hypothermia to cool down the body in order to protect the brain. Essentially he was in an induced coma. The doctors were unsure of what his neurological status would be in the future as they were waking him from his coma. Doctors quickly found that answer when Rick’s brother was visiting the hospital and was joking around with Rick. Rick then lifted his arm, turned to his brother, and  used a specific finger to communicate with his brother. Since the incident, Rick is doing well. Jennifer has become an advocate for Sudden Cardiac Arrest awareness and survival

Camping and First Aid safety

Camping is a popular recreational activity throughout the United States, with over 41 million people taking to the wilderness each year to camp in the outdoors.  They have good reasons to do so, as camping has a number of physical and social benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • Improved fitness
  • Stress reduction
  • Increased social connection with family and friends
  • Exposure to fresh, clean air

However, as is the case with any outdoor activity, camping is not without its risks.  Because of camping’s popularity, “Now is a vital time to learn how to manage medical emergencies in remote environments” says Morgan Tilton, a trained Wilderness First Responder.  According to Tilton, issues that campers should be prepared for include musculoskeletal injury, cold injury, infection, blisters and lacerations.

The campsite itself also presents dangers, including burns (from campfires), bug bites and rashes, and injuries from sharp objects, such as utility knives and hatchets.  Lifelong camper and trail racer David Parnell says, “The goal of having a first aid kit is never having to use it, but that objective is not always realistic.” Parnell recommends that every camper’s first aid kit contains –

  • Medications for personal medical conditions
  • Bandages, gauze and medical tape
  • Antibiotic spray or wipes
  • Tweezers (for splinters and ticks) and scissors
  • Moleskin for blisters
  • Burn cream
  • Nitrate or latex gloves
  • Emergency blanket

“Also”, says Parnell, “a mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device is vital to saving someone’s life while performing CPR.”  The leading cause of death in national parks is drowning, and heart attacks are also possible during camping.  Peter Mitchell. Founder of Decide Outside says, “It’s not that the trees, the sun, and the wind cause heart attacks. Heart attacks can happen if you exert yourself in ways you’re not used to.  A two-mile hike may not seem like a big deal, but if you are not active, this may be a lot to ask of your body.”

Preparation is key for a safe camping trip.  A good first aid kit is a must-have, but avid campers should also consider adding first aid and CPR training to their safety arsenal, especially when camping in remote areas where it will take time for responders to arrive.  “Before my training, I was lucky,” says Morgan Tilton.  “I stumbled across a few remote tragedies but was not needed on the scene, and, honestly, I would not have known how to help.  Now that I have training in first aid and CPR, I can.”

What’s the purpose of an AED?

An AED can be the difference between life and death! The survival rate without an AED is 7% but with the use of an AED, the survival rate goes up to 33%! (According to the American Heart Association in 2011) that means out of 100 peaple,7 survive without an AED but 33 survive with an AED!

But what does it do?

What an AED does is take that chaotic heart and stops it for just that moment so maybe it’ll listen to you.

An AED takes a heart that’s in Ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia and stops it for just a moment so we can get our message across and tell the heart what to do. The heart is like a teenager, they’ll argue and argue. There’s all this chaos and you’re trying to get your point across but they’re not listening So, sometimes you just have to yell “STOP!” and they’ll stop, for just a moment so you can quickly get your message across. But soon chaos arises again and you just have to yell “STOP!” again, so you can get your message across and hopefully they’ll listen this time. What an AED does is take that chaotic heart and stops it for just that moment so maybe it’ll listen to you.

What is Ventricular fibrillation and ventricular tachycardia?

Ventricular fibrillation, otherwise known as V fib. V fib is when a heart quivers and shakes very fast and isn’t able to pump blood anywhere                                                                                                                      

Ventricular tachycardia, otherwise known as V tach. V tach is when a heart beats so fast that its not able to pump blood anywhere. Both V fib and V tach cause loss of circulation to the places that need it like: your heart, lungs, brain and other important organs.

V tach

V fib

Normal

Can an AED kill someone?

No, an AED cannot kill someone. Unless the victim is in V fib or V tach, the AED will not allow a shock. You could put an AED on someone who’s alive and well and it will say “no shock advised, continue CPR” or you could put an AED on someone who’s been in the morgue for a few days and it will say the same thing. However, an AED can harm the people around, IF they are touching the victim while the AED is shocking (or if they are in the same puddle as the victim while its shocking.) Just stay clear of the victim while the AED is administering a shock then no harm can be done to anyone from the AED.

Can an AED be used on someone with a pacemaker?

You can use an AED on someone with a pacemaker. If a victim is having a heart attack and they have a pacemaker, then obviously the pacemaker isn’t working. Most new pacemakers are located on the top left, but if the pacemaker is located on the top right, just move the AED pad just a little so the pacemaker is not in the way.

Why should I use an AED?

You should use an AED because the success rate is much higher, (according to the American Heart Association in 2011) there’s a 7% success rate without the use of an AED, but with an AED it’s a 33% success rate! That means Out of 200 people, 14 survive without an AED, but with an AED, 65 people survive! AEDs are useful tools when doing CPR, there easy to use and save time. They improve survival success in cardiac arrest victims.

Common questions

Can I use an AED alone?

Absolutely! The sooner an AED is used, the better the outcome.

Can I take off the pads?

You should not take off the pads. Most hospitals have cord adapters and will use the same pads.

Can I just put the AED on and leave?

No, an AED is almost useless without the use of CPR. An AED stops the heart for just a moment, so you can tell the heart what to do by resuming quality chest compressions.

If you want to find out more information, take one of our classes, we’ll teach you how to use an AED and how to perform CPR. Visit www.inpulsecpr.com for more information about local community classes to attend.

CPR on a Karate Kid

karate cpr

By:  Melissa Grant

On an afternoon in 2015, 10-year-old Samantha’s karate class was performing its usual drills, when, without warning, Samantha dropped to the mat.  “There were absolutely no warning signs that I noticed,” says Samantha.  “My heart rate was always high, so everything felt normal to me.”

Fortunately, her karate instructor knew CPR and immediately jumped into action.  He performed CPR for five minutes as the class looked on, waiting for an ambulance to arrive.  The paramedics administered one shock with an AED.  “Unbelievably, I was awake and talking during the ten minute drive from my arrest site to the hospital.  I spent eight days in the cardiac ICU and was discharged straight from there.”  While in the cardiac ICU, doctors implanted an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), which administers a shock if Samantha’s heart ever beats above 240 beats per minute.  “Thankfully,” says Samantha, “that’s only happened once.”

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) claims the lives of 2,000 children and teens in the United States.  SCA occurs for various reasons.  Samantha does not know what caused her heart to stop in the dojo that day.  “Since then, I have been diagnosed with atrial tachycardia and sinus tachycardia, both of which are now controlled with medication.”

It was hard for Samantha to get used to her limitations and need for medication, but there has been a silver lining.  “Without this experience, I would never have been able to impact my community to the degree I have,” says Samantha. Now 17, Samantha plans to attend nursing school and volunteers at the hospital where she was treated after her SCA.  She is optimistic about her life — a life that was saved by her karate instructor’s CPR training.  “I am encouraging everyone to learn CPR.  It does not take long to learn, but it could allow you to save a life, a life like mine.”

New American Heart Logo usage guidelines

  • by Troy Bowman
  • Jul 15, 2021
  • 0
  • Category:
New-AHA-logo-guildelinesDownload

Please be sure any literature and websites conform to the new American Heart logo usage guidelines. You are not permitted to use any ‘Training Center’ logo’s.

An example of proper usage is as follows for Training Sites aligned with In-Pulse CPR:

Aligned with In-Pulse CPR

An example of proper usage is as follows for an individual instructor aligned with In-Pulse CPR:

Aligned with In-Pulse CPR

Classroom sales pitch

Vouchers…Keychain Sales…Reviews

WE NEED YOUR HELP. We are asking you to put on a sales hat for a 2-minute sales pitch at each class you teach for In-Pulse. That’s it, 2 minutes to promote the following – Vouchers…Keychain Sales…Reviews. Here is how you do it.

Make sure you mention it while holding up the bag of keychains before and at the end of the class, and have the bag of keychains on the check out desk with a sign for them to see when they come up to get their test graded. Offer it to the Heartcode students too.

[script – before you hand out the BLS exam]

“Our company has a really great in class promotion going on right now.  We are offering class gift certificates / vouchers for $40 each, which is a really good price and a great way to get a close friend or family member into a class. Maybe for your Mom, a babysitter, your spouse. This promotion is good for today only.

Also we are offering multicolored keychain breathing barriers for only $5 a piece. The great thing about these particular barriers is that they come with a one way barrier which is unique for something this small”

[Lastly, when student hands in test, ask them:]

“Are you able to rate me 5 stars in a google review?”

[Hand them a ‘Review Instruction Card’]

[end-script]

What To Expect From Your CPR Classes

Depending on the work you do and how you spend your free time, you might feel like everyone in the world has already taken a CPR class. It’s especially common for people who work in the medical, recreation, and public service industries. For many of those folks, they may very well be on their 10th or even 20th CPR certification class.

However, there are still plenty of people who are considering a CPR class or are scheduled to take their very first one, and aren’t really sure what to expect. After all, how exactly do you train and prepare to save someone’s life?

At In-Pulse CPR, we teach AHA accredited CPR classes in three different states — Florida, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania — all year round, so we know what you’re getting into. In today’s blog, we will take a look at what to expect from your first CPR class. Read on to learn more, or if you are still looking for an organization to certify with, sign up for one of our CPR courses in your area today.

Public and Private CPR Classes

First off, your CPR class may look a little different depending on whether it is a public course — a scheduled date that anyone from any organization can attend — or a private class for a small group.

Public classes tend to take place in public venues and have more students and instructors. These tend to feel a bit more like a traditional classroom environment because of the size and setup.

Private CPR classes for small groups are usually held at the facility that organized the training, such as a school, workplace, or non-profit. These classes may have as few as five participants and a single instructor, or they can be significantly larger.

Either way, you’ll have plenty of access to ask questions, view demonstrations, and apply what you have learned.

CPR For All Ages

In a Heartsaver CPR class from In-Pulse CPR, you’ll learn the everything you need to know about CPR for adults — more of which will be listed below — but you will also receive instruction and training on how to modify your CPR techniques if you are performing resuscitation on a child, an infant, or an eldery person in a more fragile physical condition.

Assessing & Assisting

Another thing you can expect to learn at your CPR class is how to properly assess the situation and determine what kind of assistance you need to provide.

The first thing you’ll cover is scene safety – determining if an unconscious person, or yourself, is still in a clear and present threat of harm or death.

From here, you’ll learn how to effectively check for responsiveness and breathing, as well as receive training on how to understand and utilize the best practices for delegating emergency tasks like contacting emergency medical services.

From here, you’ll receive guided instruction and practice with a CPR doll for situations involving both airway blockage removal (helping someone who is choking) and CPR.

Performing CPR

The next part of your 4-hour long CPR class will cover training, demonstrations, and practice with providing assistance for choking and assistance for breathing and circulation. 

This training will include learning about how to provide breathing assistance and chest compressions when performing CPR as well as the various alterations that are made for special circumstances such as using CPR on a small child.

AED Walkthrough & Demonstration

Finally, you’ll be introduced to an AED — and Automated External Defibrillator. These incredible life saving devices are found in most public spaces and offer an effective and relatively simple way to restart or stabilize someone’s heart. 

Even though it is in the name — automated — many people don’t realize that an AED does all of the hard work for you. However, it is still important to understand what they look like, where they are found, how they are activated, where pads are placed, and what to do after use.

Sign Up For Your Heartsaver CPR Class with In-Pulse CPR Today

All in all, CPR classes are informative, applicable, and even though we are working through a serious subject, quite a bit of fun. At In-Pulse CPR, our goal is to provide a CPR class that meets the standards of the AHA, qualifies for virtually any CPR certification needs, and helps you be prepared to save a life. Sign up for our Heartsaver CPR classes today, or if you are a healthcare worker, sign up for our BLS CPR classes.

When And How To Undertake Your CPR Recertification

First of all, if you are reading this post because you have already been certified in CPR once and are looking for recertification, let us thank you. Your decision to take the time to learn a lifesaving technique is a selfless and incredible thing to do, even if it is because of a work requirement.

Your CPR certification does expire and making sure that you don’t let it lapse before chatting CPR recertification taken care of is important. In today’s blog from the CPR recertification team at In-Pulse CPR, we will take a look at certification, recertification, and everything you need to know about getting it done on time.

To learn more, continue reading. If you know what you are doing and you are ready to get signed up for a recertification course, then check the schedules of our CPR classes near you in Minnesota, Florida, and Pennsylvania today. 

What Does Certification Look Like?

To become CPR certified, you need to enroll and take a CPR class (we recommend courses backed by the American Heart Association) that lasts roughly four hours and covers the following kinds of topics through instruction, modeling, and guided practice.

  • Scene safety assessments
  • Checking responsiveness
  • Assessing breathing
  • Activating emergency medical services
  • Assisting someone who is unresponsive
  • Assisting someone who is choking
  • Use of protective barriers
  • Compressions and breaths
  • And Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use

Once you have completed the coursework and test successfully, you can expect to receive a digital CPR certification card in your email that can be shared or printed with your employer or organization.

How Long Am I Certified For?

Various organization’s certification can last varying lengths of time, but for the American Heart Association courses that are taught by the team at In-Pulse CPR, your certification is compliant for a two-year period from the issue date on your digital certification card.

With that being said, the AHA is not the ultimate authority on the certification requirements at your place of employment. Some employers may require more frequent certifications or additional certifications to remain current with their standards. Always make sure you are keenly aware of the individual requirements mandated for your job.

How Do I Get CPR Recertified?

Recertification is just as easy and just as fun as getting certified was. All you need to do is register for a CPR certification course that meets your needs. Just like before, the course will take roughly four hours to complete and will cover all of the fundamentals of CPR along with any updates, changes, or modifications that have been made to the technique.

If you are a medical care or healthcare provider, then you probably need to make sure that you are registered for a BLS CPR certification course. For non-medical personnel, the AHA Heartsaver CPR certification class will likely meet your needs.

Other Things To Keep In Mind

Here are a few other things to keep in mind when planning for your CPR recertification.

  • Plan Ahead – The last thing that you want to have happened is for your CPR certification to expire. This can cause you to miss time at work or put your employer at risk.
  • Ask About Other Certifications – There are other certifications like first aid, Advanced Critical Life Support (ACLS), and more that may be required by your employer. Do not assume that the Heartsaver or BLS certifications are the only courses you need.
  • Make The Most Of Your Recertification – With any luck, you haven’t had to put your CPR skills to the test since you were originally certified. As such, make sure to use this time to really pay attention, ask questions you didn’t think of the first time around, practice hard, and improve your ability to save a life.

Get CPR Recertification Near You From In-Pulse CPR

At In-Pulse CPR, we offer CPR recertification courses, first aid, AED training, and more so that you, your team, and your company can have the tools and training that you need to help save someone from a cardiac arrest or choking situation using the program developed by the American Heart Association. Sign up for recertification with us today at a location near you (we have over 60 class sites) in Florida, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania.

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Disclaimer:
Use of any advise on this site is purely at your own risk.  The information supplied is designed to accompany CPR and first aid training not to replace.  In-Pulse CPR, Inc disclaims any liability for losses you incur as a result of inaccuracy of the information provided on this website.  Information on this site is for education, supplemental to examination by and advice of medical professionals.   Any information regarding first aid treatments is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals including physicians, paramedics, emergency room attendants, nurses or other licensed medical personnel.