CPR training course

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 03:46 PM

Who's done this course? did it change your life, have you ever done a proper cpr on someone and saved his/her life ? Im thinking of taking this course, what do you guys think of it? Ive never been in a situation yet were i could have done a cpr on someone but for the future you never know what happens.

**5ifthCitizen** · 08-04-2007, 03:55 PM

it didn't change my life haha. but i think its definitely good to know, its easy to get certified. usually about $30 and about a 4 hour class. if you do it go to one that teaches you how to use an AED also

**Big** · 08-04-2007, 04:32 PM

I took the class about 15 years ago, although thankfully I've never had to use it.

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 04:37 PM

also the reason i wanna take it is because i tried applying for few jobs and almost all of them required cpr certificate to be hired.

**Big** · 08-04-2007, 04:50 PM

Yeah it's required at my job, which is why I took it in the first place. I've been there almost 20 years, but about 5 years after I hired on they made it mandatory, so they sent all the then present employees and they footed the bill.

**Amorphic** · 08-04-2007, 05:43 PM

I have level 2 First aid, which is cpr and basic lifesaving skills (open wound management, amputations, splints etc) and although I have never had to perform any major lifesaving interventions (thankfully) I feel good knowing that in an emergency I can help or possibly save someones life.

It's always nice to know that you could be of use in an emergency or just feel safe when you're camping or out etc. Definetly worth having.

**anaBROLIC** · 08-04-2007, 06:28 PM

ive taken the course but honestly if im ever going to need it hopefully it will be for friends or family. really dont want to put my mouth on anyone. if it becomes the case ill ask someone else to do that end of it.

**Red Ketchup** · 08-04-2007, 06:37 PM

I'm a FF so I've done CPR and defibed people a few times for my job... but outside the job no never.

I can tell you on the other hand that when I show up on a patient thats coded, I REALLY appreciate having someone there already pumping him. The CPR you do during our 3-7 minutes response time can make a world of a difference in that patients survival odds.

Red

**Sir Lifts-a-lot** · 08-04-2007, 07:03 PM

the gym I worked at made me go for liabilty... The guy who taught it honestly didnt give a **** if we knew it or not... passed us all. I didn't learn a thing, and it wasn't because I didn't want to, but rather because the guy didnt explain it at all.

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 07:43 PM

Originally Posted by pgilligan10

it didn't change my life haha. but i think its definitely good to know, its easy to get certified. usually about $30 and about a 4 hour class. if you do it go to one that teaches you how to use an AED also

whats an AED ?

**K.Biz** · 08-04-2007, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by x_moe

whats an AED ?

Automated External Defibrillator

I am trained in CPR and AED as well and have used cpr once when i was a lifegaurd. never had to use the aed (thank god) but the one time i performed cpr it was 1 breath and 3 pumps before tthe little girl was up and spitting out water, so i have never had to use it substantialy, but im glad i do no it.

**cj1capp** · 08-04-2007, 08:34 PM

when I was an actively working paramedic FF i saw and or assisted in CPR maybe 100 plus times in 5 years, did it change my life: maybe ,i think life is more precious and I know tomorrow is promised to know one.

**wascaptain5214** · 08-04-2007, 09:11 PM

retired ff/medic here....learning cpr is a good thing. i did it more times then i care to remember. and i hope i never do it again.

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 09:57 PM

thanks for the replies, im looking to take the course soon, tho i never expected everyone who knows cpr to say "thank god i never had to use it, or i hope i never will", i would want to try it on someone(girl) sometime.

**Pooks** · 08-04-2007, 10:04 PM

Originally Posted by x_moe

thanks for the replies, im looking to take the course soon, tho i never expected everyone who knows cpr to say "thank god i never had to use it, or i hope i never will", i would want to try it on someone(girl) sometime.

it happens when people are honest and not brainwashed by society.

I took EMT classes.. and we learned, it was pretty much a repeat of what you kind of already knew from high school one day classes.

Have never had to use it.
Not looking forward to it. I guess if its a life and death situation the adrenaline rush will put all hygiene questions aside, and you'd go n do what need to be done, without too much hesitation.

**Red Ketchup** · 08-04-2007, 10:45 PM

Originally Posted by x_moe

thanks for the replies, im looking to take the course soon, tho i never expected everyone who knows cpr to say "thank god i never had to use it, or i hope i never will", i would want to try it on someone(girl) sometime.

Nah, you don't wanna try it... trust me. There is nothing pleasant about it.

Keep in mind that the person you are doing CPR on is practically dead... it's a human being, often with a loving family and you're doing your darnest to help cheat death.

When you take the course, don't think of it as a "job requirement"... Keep in your head the thought that you are doing it for your family and friends, make sure you study and practice as if you were learning it for your mother or father or your own child.

Enjoy the course bro, but I hope you never have to use those skills.

Red

**Red Ketchup** · 08-04-2007, 11:04 PM

Originally Posted by Pooks

I guess if its a life and death situation the adrenaline rush will put all hygiene questions aside, and you'd go n do what need to be done, without too much hesitation.

Absolutely NOT!

Hate to disagree, but in this day of deadly transmissible diseases, you look out for #1 first. You aren't of any use to anyone as a trained rescuer if you get contaminated by a patient.

When it comes to a stranger, no pocket mask? NO facial contact. Period. (Obviously things may a little different with a family member.) You can always start the cardiac massage while someone finds a pocket mask, but unprotected mouth-to-mouth is truly a thing of the past.

In first aid and cpr courses now, the first thing they teach you is to insure your personnal safety (that includes scene safety AND adequate personnal protection).

You then intervene according to your level of personnal safety, wether it's full CPR, partial, or even just calling 911 if your safety is at risk. (well, thats rules in Canada... Captn, I assume it's probably the same in the US?)

Red

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 11:25 PM

this is getting interesting, what do you mean by unprotected mouth-to-mouth Red ? is it done differently these days than the past?

**Red Ketchup** · 08-04-2007, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by x_moe

this is getting interesting, what do you mean by unprotected mouth-to-mouth Red ? is it done differently these days than the past?

Yup, absolutely no fluid contact allowed anymore. Plus with gastric dystention chances are high that the victim will vomit in your face.

You use a pocket mask to blow air into the victims lungs... it protects you from contact and has a one-way valve to prevent vomit and fluids from coming up in your mouth.

In the FD, we use a bag-mask to ventilate the victim. Pocket mask is a last resort for us.

You'll notice gloves in the photo. Always keep one or 2 pairs of gloves with your pocket mask.

Red

**10nispro** · 08-04-2007, 11:52 PM

I was a paramedic for 10yrs before back injury allowed me to switch to what i am doing now.(Tennis Pro) You always remember the ones you lose and save but the kids are the worse. Protection is the main thing. You should intubate someone that when things get interesting.

**x_moe** · 08-04-2007, 11:59 PM

ya i never knew about this mask, but at some point someone might still have to do it mouth to mouth right, i mean not everyone who knows cpr carries a mask with them everywhere they go when they are just trying to have a normal day out of their job right

**10nispro** · 08-05-2007, 12:02 AM

you can buy a mask, but most dont carry them on them. if they did,(grimreeper) i wouldnt be warry of them. lots carry them in their vehicles or briefcases.

**10nispro** · 08-05-2007, 12:03 AM

sorry... would be warry

**x_moe** · 08-05-2007, 12:12 AM

Originally Posted by 10nispro

you can buy a mask, but most dont carry them on them. if they did,(grimreeper) i wouldnt be warry of them. lots carry them in their vehicles or briefcases.

so its usually included now in a first aid box ?

**Red Ketchup** · 08-05-2007, 01:23 AM

It's a standard item in a properly stocked first aid box yes...

As for not having a mask with you, I would not ever do mouth-to-mouth unprotected... period. The risks of catching infectous diseases are way too high nowadays.

One of the paramedics I occasionally work with did unprotected mouth to mouth with a 4 month old baby (he didn't have a pediatrics bag-mask)... figured at that age it's pretty safe right?

Ends up the baby had tuberculosis... medic had to go into infectious diseases control treatment, got medication and antibiotics, and was under observation for a while...

I certainly do not carry a pocket mask everywhere with me, but I have one in the trauma bag in my car.

Red

**wascaptain5214** · 08-05-2007, 03:39 AM

deleted

**S.P.G** · 08-05-2007, 07:44 AM

i done this about 2 years ago!! did they name the manikin lol they did where i was lol...

but to be honest it was one of the most boring days of my life....

**PROTEINSHAKE** · 08-05-2007, 02:56 PM

definitely worth it to have.....just in case. its not hard at all...just learn it & you'll be glad you did.. I got mine & a month later a guy seziured in the gym & we had to defib & cpr him...... he lived. you never know who it mite be that you may save if you have it...could b a family member or friend.

**lightwaytbaby** · 08-05-2007, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Red Ketchup

I'm a FF so I've done CPR and defibed people a few times for my job... but outside the job no never.

I can tell you on the other hand that when I show up on a patient thats coded, I REALLY appreciate having someone there already pumping him. The CPR you do during our 3-7 minutes response time can make a world of a difference in that patients survival odds.

Red

that would be nice...but its a proven fact.i would definately reccomend taking this course.you will never know when you will have to use it, especially if you have alot of old or fatasses in your gym.i am a certified cpr/acls instructor, and i think this would be a great idea, cpr has recently changed per the AHA, and i would suggest a refreshor to some who's cards have expired.

**lightwaytbaby** · 08-05-2007, 07:07 PM

Originally Posted by Red Ketchup

Absolutely NOT!

Hate to disagree, but in this day of deadly transmissible diseases, you look out for #1 first. You aren't of any use to anyone as a trained rescuer if you get contaminated by a patient.

When it comes to a stranger, no pocket mask? NO facial contact. Period. (Obviously things may a little different with a family member.) You can always start the cardiac massage while someone finds a pocket mask, but unprotected mouth-to-mouth is truly a thing of the past.

In first aid and cpr courses now, the first thing they teach you is to insure your personnal safety (that includes scene safety AND adequate personnal protection).

You then intervene according to your level of personnal safety, wether it's full CPR, partial, or even just calling 911 if your safety is at risk. (well, thats rules in Canada... Captn, I assume it's probably the same in the US?)

Red

ya...f that, i dont care who you are, your not getting mouth to mouth from me. which in a way is kind of irrelevant because your blood will stay oxygenated for several minutes once you stop breathing, chest compressions are much more important, you need to circulate that blood! and ofcourse early defib is the life saver...

***Doc.Sust*** · 08-05-2007, 10:40 PM

i have done it several times, if you dont use it on a regular basis, you forget it

**x_moe** · 08-05-2007, 10:47 PM

Originally Posted by Doc.Sust

i have dome it several times, if you dont use it on a regular basis, you forget it

why how hard is the procedure ?

***Doc.Sust*** · 08-06-2007, 09:31 AM

Originally Posted by x_moe

why how hard is the procedure ?

learning the procedure is easy. performing the procedure for a long period of time, very hard, chances are you wont ever have to use it.still, it is a good thing to know. first time i leaned this was when i was a lifeguard at 15 years old, if they were able to teach me at 15 years old, than i am convinced anybody can learn it and perform it correctly.