Breath of life (January 2009)
Breath of life
Learn some basic CPR for this holiday season
Summer is the time for kids, outdoor gear and padkos to be bundled into the family car for the annual trip to the nearest beach or dam. Unfortunately, South Africa has one of the highest incidence of road fatalities and injuries – 11 577 fatalities last year, according to Arrive Alive. What can you do? Besides keeping to the road rules, you can also learn some basic CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) so that if you do come across an accident (or worse, are part of one), you can help out. Follow our step-by-step guide from Damian Taylor, paramedic and trainer for H.E.L.P. Emergency Medical Training, and save the emergency numbers to your cellphone.
1 Check for hazards around the victim
Make sure the necessary road beacons or triangles are set up to highlight the accident scene.
2 Shout hello!
Check the victim for responsiveness by tapping the victim on the shoulder and shouting “Are you okay?”
3 Get help
Without panicking, shout for bystander assistance. If you are alone, immediately phone the emergency medical services by dialling 112 from your cellphone, or 10177 from a landline. (Netcare 911 is 082 911 and ER24 is 084 124).
4 Start CPR
To start, open the victim’s airway. Do this by tilting the head gently backwards and lifting the chin upwards.
5 Look, listen and feel
Look at the chest for movement, listen for breathing and feel with your cheek for air movement by putting your face alongside the victim’s. Do this for no more than 10 seconds. If there is no breathing, block the victim’s nose and give the victim two breaths. Each breath should make the chest rise. Each breath should be given over one second.
6 Circulation
After giving two breaths to the non-breathing victim, place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest between the nipples; place the other hand on top of the first hand; and give 30 chest compressions at the rate of 100 compressions per minute (approximately two compressions per second). Push hard and fast. Allow the chest to return to normal position between compressions. Continue with cycles of two breaths to 30 compressions until the victim regains consciousness or until the emergency medical services arrive to take over. The best thing you can do is to take a CPR course. Most courses only last half a day but can result in you saving a life. Try www.helpemt.co.za, www.netcare.co.za or www.stjohn.org.za.
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