Who’d have thought that learning about CPR could be such fun?! Members who attended this week’s session had a blast thanks to Rosie O’Sullivan, a volunteer trainer with the Clonakilty Cardiac First Responders organisation.
Rosie explained the symptoms of a person suffering a cardiac arrest and the necessary first response from anyone close by. After ensuring the safety of the victim and oneself, dial 999 or 112 and explain the situation to the operator, keeping your phone on loudspeaker if possible. The immediate treatment involves a sequence of chest compressions and ventilation of the patient which should be continued until help arrives.
Rosie demonstrated the correct CPR technique and then showed us how an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) operates. We all had a go at both CPR and attaching the AED and following the automated instructions.
Rosie clarified the differences between a cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke and she described the symptoms of each. Finally we learnt how to deal with a person who was choking, 5 rapid whacks on the back and if unsuccessful, the Heimlich manoeuvre. The wearable teaching aid for this last procedure had us in stitches.
Thanks, Rosie for an informative and possibly invaluable evening. We hope we don’t have to use the skills you showed us but in the event that we happen to be in a situation where someone suffers a cardiac arrest we are much better equipped to help than before.
