Well, last night I had what I hope is a once in a life-time experience. I left my hotel in Pittsburgh to do some shopping. I almost didn't go out as I was tired from an early morning departure and it was cold in the 20s. As I drove out of the parking lot, I noticed a lady walking across the hotel parking lot when her arms went straight up and she fell stiff as a board backwards onto the pavement. She didn't move so I stopped the car and went to her side. I could not get her to respond so called 911. Her eyes were closed, she was not breathing, or responding in any way. Explained to the 911 operator where I was and the situation. The lady had a faint pulse. She gasped for a breath once. She gasped two more times about every 30 seconds. The hotel manager came out with a defibulator. The 911 operator told me to get her jacket off to start CPR. I told her could hear the sirens coming. I had her jacket open as the manager opened up the emergency equipment. Just then the ladies eye lids opened and her pulse stopped. As a hunter, I know that look. About 15 seconds after that the first policeman showed up. He stepped in, cut her clothes open and started vigorous CPR. An ambulance and 2 other police cars showed up less than 30 seconds later. She was a big lady and took 3 men to get her up on the stretcher. I estimate the lady was in the ambulance and off to the hospital within 3 minutes of my call. The policeman took my information and thanked the hotel manager and myself for our help.

As I returned from my shopping, the ambulance came back into the parking lot to drop off the fire chief to get his vehicle. I asked what had transpired after they left. They said they did get her pulse back before they got to the hospital but had no other information on her condition. I complimented them on their fast response. Their station was about a 1/2 mile away. I pray she survived.

I think I will get some CPR refresher training as my last training was 20 years ago.

Its better to be prepared and not have the opportunity then to have the opportunity and not be prepared.

Well done Slim. Two of my daughters have to do an upgrade to their medical quals every 12 months because they work with kids. I haven’t done anything in that respect for over 25 years when I was in the Army...well worth updating methinks.

Good point. It was fortunate that you were there and did the right thing. All the best...
Gil

Interestingly enough I had to take a CPR refresher at work this week.

Last year my daughter and son-in-law saved a man who had a heart attack. They happened to be driving by and noticed the problem. They worked together to keep him going until an ambulance got there. He recovered and took them out to dinner to introduce them to his family.

the beegees staying alive...is the beat. as for how many breaths/pumps...who remembers and who really cares....2 to 15 or somesuch.. good on you slim,Ive heard of a few cases in your neck of the woods where people stand back and WONT help as some who have done so get sued for cracked ribs!!!!

Yep get up to date.
EVERTHING has changed over the last decade.
I won't comment further as more stuff has probably changed in the last 4 years since I did my advanced first aid course.
Vince DVA may pay for the course give them a ring and see what you can do.
The 3 day St John course in fortitude valley is a good one.

I took my last CPR training a couple of years ago and they were teaching compression only CPR. Apparently the chest compressions are supposed to move enough air that mouth to mouth is not considered necessary. I should probably go in for a refresher but if nothing has changed it seems like a waste of time.

PaulS, I'll let you know what the procedures are when I get my refresher.

Thanks Slim, I'll look forward to it.

dhc4ever wrote:

Yep get up to date. EVERTHING has changed over the last decade. I won't comment further as more stuff has probably changed in the last 4 years since I did my advanced first aid course. Vince DVA may pay for the course give them a ring and see what you can do. The 3 day St John course in fortitude valley is a good one.

Good idea mate...I might just look into that this week. Thanks mate.

Paul wrote:

...I took my last CPR training a couple of years ago and they were teaching compression only CPR.

I remember my daughters saying something about that Paul after doing an upgrade course for their medical quals.

I have a "face mask" that covers the mouth and nose of the patient and it has a one-way valve in it that you can use for blowing air into the patient...I think it came from an oxygen kit some years ago. But, if compressions only is now the teaching, then I don't suppose it's of much use.

Our class said give breaths IF you had a "barrier" (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths). If you do not have a barrier do compressions only.

Pumpkinslinger wrote:

Our class said give breaths IF you had a "barrier" (30 compressions followed by 2 breaths). If you do not have a barrier do compressions only.

Wow, things have changed.

yip and they now teaching you have to ASK before touching someone to see if they are ok...... thus reason folk are standing back and phoning police ambulance and doing nothing else.

Yep, you have to ask.
However if the patient is unconcious and not breathing you have implied consent.
If they want to sue you for assault after the fact, meaning they are still alive it won't get much traction in court regardless what the ambulance chasing bottom feeder has told them.

I did mine about 6 months ago (a requirement for taking on a deer lease on government controlled forestry land) & TBH most of it's gone from memory already.
This thread reminds me I need to refresh my knowledge more often.

As for consent & barriers: I'd take my chances, rather than see someone kick the bucket through any inaction on my part.