Lyle Karasiuk – Safety
While watching TV Joe suddenly begins to have an excruciating pain in his chest. He turns to his wife of 43 years and says, “Martha I think I’m having …” and his voice trails off. Joe slumps over on the couch just as Martha walks into the living room.
“Oh my gosh, Joe what’s wrong,” as she frantically tries to wake him. Grabbing the cordless phone, she dials 9-1-1 and is transferred to the communications specialist at Parkland Ambulance Care. “Paramedics are on the way,” a calm voice tries to reassure Martha. “Do you know how to do CPR,” the voice asks? “No,” she replies, “let me help you,” the voice reassures her.
Too often the situation described above occurs in living rooms across our city. Most cardiac arrests will happen at home to someone you know such as a spouse or grandparent. For those situations that happen in public places such as a workplace having trained rescuers is not only important it’s good business.
During the month of November Parkland Ambulance and many other agencies will be promoting CPR and encouraging everyone to take a course. In as little as one minute, yes minutes you can learn a skill which when used may save the life of someone you know or give a stranger or fellow co-worker a chance to enjoy life in a brand-new way.
Compression only CPR is as easy as putting one hand on top of the other hand and placing both on the center of the person’s chest and pushing down. That’s it is that easy!
When sudden illness does strike your prompt, action can mean the difference between life and death. Recognize these symptoms and take immediate action:
- Heavy squeezing chest pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Pale, moist skin
- Denial – that this can not be happening to you
If you or someone you are with experiences any or all these symptoms immediately stop all activity, rest, take any prescribed medications and dial 9-1-1. The paramedics of Parkland Ambulance Care will respond quickly to your emergency, but your actions are important. Do not be the face lost in the crowd that will not help. Do something, anything, as anything will make a difference.
If the person suddenly looses consciousness and is not breathing, CPR must be started immediately. If the public or workplace has an automated external defibrillator (AED) send someone to get it. Follow the instructions of the machine or from the trained bystanders to use the AED effectively.
Early CPR combined with Early Defibrillation followed up by rapid paramedic response will save lives. If you did nothing, for every minute that person was left lying on the floor not breathing and with no pulse their chance of survival decreases by 7-10%.
Not sure where you are then What3Words app is an essential part of having our team send you the help as quickly as possible. It is available on Google or Apple, download your free copy today. Our expert communications team is always only a phone call away to help!
Learn CPR and First Aid. We can help! We offer regular first aid courses. Give us a call. Maybe your group wants a simple community presentation. We can help with that too as not everyone needs “certification” but everyone should “know” what to do. In an emergency time is precious.
Every little thing that you can do can and will make a difference. We’ll do our part, but we can use your help too! Some of our educational sessions and training course have a virtual learning component so it can be as easy as sitting in your living room.
