Here at Aureus Medical Group, our employees are required to hold and maintain a CPR certification. However, should receiving this certification be only limited to medical providers?
An article found in “Livewell Nebraska” addresses a story about a grieving mother who lost her son after he collapsed and died from a lethal heart arrhythmia while surrounded by friends. While one friend ran to call 911, the other stayed. Unfortunately, that individual was not trained in CPR. Although it is unclear whether or not CPR could have saved the young man’s life, the mother is testifying in favor of a Nebraska rule that would require CPR training as part of a personal health curriculum among all Nebraska high schools. Seventeen states have already mandated CPR training as a requirement for graduation. What do you think?
According to the American Heart Association, about 92 percent of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital. Statistics show that nearly 383,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually and of those, 88 percent occur while in the comfort of one’s home (4 out 5). Failure to be able to take action appropriately can lead to unnecessary deaths. Less than eight perfect of people who suffer cardiac arrests outside of a hospital setting survive.
Located on the American Heart Association’s website is a 60 second instructional video in which viewers can see a hands-only CPR in action. Hands-only CPR does not consist of mouth-to-mouth breaths and it recommended for use by people who have seen someone suddenly collapse in an out of a hospital setting. From this video, viewers will find the how to’s when it comes to reacting fast to save an individual’s life.
A study published by the “Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes” showed that people who view a CPR instructional video are significantly more likely to attempt life-saving resuscitation. This particular video consists of just two simple steps.
- Step 1: Call 9-1-1
- Step 2: Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive”.
Those wishing to actually become certified can browse among the different locations where a CPR class is physically being held on the American Heart Association’s website. There are convenient online courses offered as well.
Although having a CPR certification seems basic to our employees, 70 percent of Americans may feel helpless when it comes to acting in a cardiac emergency. Many victims appear healthy with no known heart disease or other risk factors. Statistically, because these typically happen at home, the life you save is likely to be one of a family member. For more information, visit www.heart.org.
Katey Wennekamp started working as a Recruiter in the Advanced Practice Division of Aureus Medical Group in May 2012. She was responsible for finding qualified Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Katey has since become an Account Manager and in addition to finding qualified NPs and PAs, she manages a specific territory in the United States, working with hospitals and private practices to fill their job openings. In her free time, Katey enjoys volunteering at the Nebraska Humane Society, participating in sport related activities, and spending time with friends and family.