Chain of Survival

Tools

By Stephanie Domurat

Story Published: Feb 23, 2009 at 7:10 AM MST

Story Updated: Feb 26, 2009 at 10:05 AM MST

BILLINGS - CPR is what the American Heart Association refers to as the "Chain of Survival." If performed correctly experts say CPR can significantly increase a person's survival chances if they have a heart attack.

And they say you don't need to be certified to intervene in an emergency situation to make a difference, you just need to know what to do. "We're learning how to do the chest pump," says Angela Hagestron, a student at CPR Saturday. At 12, Angelica is already learning how to administer CPR.

She is one of hundreds who attended CPR Saturday to learn what experts say is a relatively simple, but incredibly important maneuver.

"It's extremely important that the public know CPR, and not be afraid to use it," says Lockwood Fire Chief William Hash. Officials say if a person becomes unresponsive, the first few minutes are crucial.

"It makes it very important because people have the best survival possibility when CPR is administered immediately, and until life support can be administered within 3-5 minutes." says Hash.

Since 80% of all cases of cardiac arrests happen at home, officials say both children and adults should know how to respond properly. "It's helpful to me because I have a lot of sisters, and I babysit them a lot," says Hagestron.

CPR experts say there are a few simple steps that anyone can do. "One of the most important steps to begin with is calling for help," says Jennifer Toepfer, a CPR Instructor. After calling 911, she says go back to the person, and begin chest compressions.

Thirty pushes on the chest, followed by two breaths. "People say that the song Staying Alive has a good beat to push to, but definitely you want to do it quickly." They recommend repeating the sequence until life support arrives, or the person wakes up.

Officials say preparing for an emergency ahead of time is what can help save a life. "Now they feel comfortable getting in and saving a life. Since they've been here, they have practiced the steps. From calling 911 to compressing the chest and then putting it all together in a sequence."

For children, experts say you should administer five sets of compressions and rescue breaths before calling for help. For infants use only two or three fingers when doing chest compressions.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 18.0 °F
Overcast
Wind : Northeast at
9.2 mph
Humidity : 88 %
Pressure : 30.25 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Links We Like