[theoddz]

I'm another health care provider (Respiratory Therapist) who has participated in more CPR/ACLS events than I care to even think about. Speaking from my own experiences and training, I can say that Selly is right in saying that most CPRs and ACLS events are *not* successful, even in the hospital environments, if we are speaking about "meaningful" recoveries. Outside of the hospital environment, however, a person does have a better chance at some level of survival if chest compressions, in particular, are administered right away. Outside of the hospital, most of the poor/bad outcomes are due to the patient not receiving chest compressions/circulatory rescue in a timely manner. All it takes is 6 minutes without oxgen to the brain before irreversable brain damage....then death, occurs.

Here in Las Vegas, as well as in other places, almost all, if not all, of the casinos now have AED's (Automatic Electronic Defibrillators) publicly accessible. These are really easy for really anyone to use and the units literally walk a rescuer and layperson through the process of resuscitation. If you're out in the middle of nowhere, however, and this sort of thing isn't available, it's important that chest compressions, in particular, are administered right away!! The "old style" used to think that rescue breaths were just as important as chest compressions, but the new training has been putting much more emphasis on chest compressions, as there is usually enough oxygen in the lungs during an arrest to provide immediate sufficient oxygenation, if compressions are started right away. Effective chest compression is defined by depressing the sternum by 2 inches with the heel of the hand. And yes, in many, many cases, especially with frail and/or elderly people, ribs are usually fractured during this process. A CPR/ACLS event is NOT a "pretty" sight, as the patient usually loses his/her bladder and/or bowels and there can be a LOT of vomiting involved. This is why I carry a pocket mask in my truck at all times.

I want to also encourage everyone to take a simple CPR class. You never really know when you'll need it, or a loved one's or a stranger's life will depend on it. It's easy and I think it may be free if you call the American Heart Association and ask about a simple layperson's class.

This is a good thread!!!!

~Theo~