The AED Superstore Weblog

Companion Pet Resuscitation

Would you, without hesitation, perform CPR on a family member?

A recent Associated Press-Petside.com poll detemined "that 58% of pet owners would be at least somewhat likely to perform CPR on their pet in the event of a medical emergency." An interesting concept, don't you think?

CPR on animals is basically the same as it is on humans, it's just the difference in size and anatomy that matters. You would still give rescue breaths and perform "chest" compressions. Many CPR instructors have included Companion Pet Resuscitation in their repertoire for pet-owners or others who care for animals.

The poll also ascertained that few pet owners are prepared for pet emergencies in their home, with just one-in-five having a pet first aid kit on hand. Most, however, said they would do whatever they could to help their family members who happen to be animals.

At the AED Superstore we haven't forgotten Fido or Fluffy! Check out our pet CPR and pet First Aid products, like CasPeR the CPR Dog manikin by Simulaids, Life/form's Advanced Sanitary CPR Dog manikin, the Pet First Aid kit from First Aid Only, and the Pet First Aid and Disaster Response Guide.

Accidents can and do happen. Make sure you're prepared if Spot or Snowball need your help!

New CPR Saves Lives

It seems almost weekly we are hearing more and more reports for the recent "hands-only" CPR technique. There have been several articles where the responder has used this method with success.

The latest AHA addendumto their 2005 CPR Guidelines recognizes the efficacy of CCR (Chest Compression Resuscitation), or "hands-only" CPR, when applied to a witnessed collapsed victim who is non-responsive and not breathing.

Several agencies have been teaching this method exclusively, while others demonstrate it in conjunction with the traditional method of CPR training. The original recommendation was for a "witnessed" collapse, where the responder knows how much time has elapsed from collapse to initiation of CPR. When the collapse is not witnessed, it is hard to determine how long the victim has been unconscious, and therefore, rescue breaths may be crucial.

We can see, almost certainly, that the AHA will incorporate the hands-only technique in their CPR guidelines when they meet again in 2010. We will keep you updated on the recommended 2010 AHA CPR Guidelines when they have been finalized. 

Stay tuned!

Strangers more likely to perform CPR--friends and relatives are less likely

We found an interesting post over at The Straight Dope that really surprised us. They chewed on some research results involving resuscitation statistics that reveal strangers are more likely to perform CPR on you than someone you know would.

Conventional wisdom held (without any basis other than it sounded "good") that strangers were less likely to perform CPR on others. We thought the reasons included the unknown medical history of strangers, unknown airborne and bloodborne pathogens you could be exposed to--stuff like that. It goes along with the American Heart Association's "hands-only" CPR program that addresses this.

It turns out rescuers panic more when they know the victim.

What's the moral of their blog post? 

"...if you're planning on having a heart attack, I recommend you arrange to have a trained stranger on hand who can start CPR immediately upon your collapse."

Click the comment link below and tell us your thoughts!

Stayin' Alive

When the AHA changed its CPR Guidelines in 2005 to increase the rate of chest compressions to 100 compressions per minute (CPM), it was found that many responders had difficulty grasping just exactly how fast that is.  "The most common error is to push too fast," according to Alson S. Inaba, a pediatric emergency physician at Kapiolani Medical Center in Honolulu.  When he asks CPR class members to demonstrate 100 CPM on a manikin, the usual rate is 120-150 CPM, which is much too fast to allow the chest to fully recoil (also part of the new recommendations).

One day, while Dr. Inaba was listening to a recording of the Bee-Gees 1970s disco hit "Stayin' Alive", and acting on a hunch, he timed the song's rhythm and found it was exactly 100 beats per minute.  He now uses that song during CPR training, and the students consistently deliver chest compressions in the range of 99, 100, or 101 CPM.  "Most people know the tune, and it sticks with them" says Dr. Inaba.

He now uses the song in all his CPR classes and has shared it with other CPR instructors.  According to Dr. Inaba, "Hollywood couldn't have written a better script:  'Staying Alive' describes the AHA mission and reminds us what we're trying to achieve with chest compressions, and the song was number 1 in 1979 when AEDs first came out."

Just as a side note:  There is another song with the same tempo that could be used in keeping pace with the proper compression rate, but the title may not be quite as appropriate.  That song is Queen's "Another One Bites the Dust."

Philips applies for patent for "CPR coaching device providing tactile feedback"

    

     Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. has applied for a patent for a CPR coaching device to be used in conjunction with, among other things, their defibrillator products.

     While there have been other combination CPR coaching and feedback devices available for some time, namely integrated into the AED line from ZOLL Medical Corporation as well as a stand-alone product, the Philips patent application shows their device to have some advanced capability. Specifically, it coaches the rescuer via voice prompts to "press "harder" or "softer" or "faster" or "slower," during the chest compression phase of CPR.

     ZOLL's "Real CPR Help(R)" is integrated into their single-piece electrode system while the Philips patent graphic shows what appears to be a separate device or module.

     It's clear the importance of properly performed and effective CPR isn't lost on AED manufacturers as more integrate CPR coaching and/or feedback into their devices.

The "new" CPR...your questions answered here

 

    If you haven't heard about it, yet...where have you been? Yesterday the American Heart Association validated the new "chest compression only" CPR method (a.k.a. CCR, Hands-Only, or CC-CPR) as an "acceptable alternative" to the way previously taught using rescue breathing. You can download and read the entire article here. CPR instructors should click here to view the AHA web cast.

     There are 2 reasons for the acceptance of this new "Hands-Only" procedure. One, it is effective. Two, it's been known that bystanders have been reluctant to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing on strangers. Now it's no longer a concern for the most part.

     We have received a number of questions from customers who want to know how this new CPR delivery method affects them and their AEDs. We thought we'd share some of them with you in a "Frequently Asked Questions" or FAQ format.

     Does the new CPR method mean I can get rid of my CPR masks and mouth barriers?
No. CPR is used not only to resuscitate cardiac arrest victims, but also to treat choking victims and those patients with a pulse but who are not otherwise breathing. Masks and barriers are still mandatory when treating these types of emergencies.

     Will I need to reprogram or update my Automated External Defibrillator (AED) because of this change in CPR?
No. Remember, hands-only CPR is optional. About half of the AED models currently on the market offer some type of verbal CPR coaching. If you choose to perform hands-only CPR, simply ignore the prompts from the AED to give rescue breaths. To keep things simple, we still recommend you follow the AED's voice prompts whenever possible. AED manufacturers may address the new concept in future upgrades.

     Is hands-only CPR easier to perform?
Yes and no. "Yes" because one step in the CPR procedure has been removed and the threat of body fluid contact is greatly reduced. "No" because its hard work! Performing two minutes of non-stop chest compressions at a rate of 100 per minute and a 1 1/2 to 2 inch compression depth is exhausting. Now consider that you may have to do several cycles of this before EMS arrives to take over. If you've ever thought about running a mini-marathon this is a realistic simulation. Kidding aside, remember, you're doing this to save a life. Perform CPR until you're physically unable to continue or someone else can take over.

     Is this considered a CPR "Guidelines" change?
We asked our resident AHA CPR instructor about the future and here's what we learned: The hands-only way is an option for rescuers. CPR instructors will continue to teach the "regular" method of CPR using rescue breaths and chest compressions. However, CPR instructors should inform their students of the hands-only alternative. CPR Guidelines are constantly studied and reviewed, but changes are published about every 5 years. That's when CPR training materials (books, videos, etc.) are also updated. The last change was in November 2005. If history holds true, we can expect changes around 2010. The fact hands-only CPR is now a recognized alternative does not define this change as a "new" Guidelines change. It is an addendum to the current 2005 Guidelines.

     Do you have other questions? We'd love to answer them for you. Simply ask in the comments section of this article or give us a call at the AED Superstore at 1-800-544-0048.

The ZOLL PocketCPR device is now available at the AED Superstore

    It's finally here and in stock!

     We reviewed the ZOLL PocketCPR device in a previous post in this blog which you can read here. It's a pocket-sized CPR coach that goes one step further than other similar products...it provides feedback to help rescuers perform chest compressions properly during a resuscitation emergency.

     It's a great addition to a first aid kit, emergency oxygen kit, or just to have around wherever a potential emergency may occur. For those who are unsure of or uncomfortable with their CPR skills, the PocketCPR is an invaluable tool!

     Order online or call a friendly AED Superstore customer service representative at 1-800-544-0048.

PocketCPR(TM) to be released soon from Bio-Detek Inc and Zoll Medical Corporation

      PocketCPR (TM) from Bio-Detek, a subsidiary of ZOLL Medical Corporation, is coming soon and we got our collective hands on one not too long ago. (Click the photo for a bigger picture of the device.) Our sample is labeled "For Training Only" presumably in anticipation of FDA clearance for use in real emergencies. The device is intended for both uses.

     There are several CPR coaching devices on the market, but this one is really exciting to us. The PocketCPR combines a typical pocket-sized CPR voice prompting system with a unique CPR feedback function. This device prompts the user through all steps of CPR and measures chest compression depth to advise the user to "Push Harder" if needed. If chest compressions are performed correctly, the device reassures the rescuer by saying "Good Compressions." Does all this sound familiar? It should! These same features are found on ZOLL's AED Plus and AED Pro defibrillator models, too.

     The operation of the PocketCPR device is straightforward. Power it up and place it on the patient's chest using the normal "landmarks." A short power-up system test is followed by clear CPR instructions. In addition, flashing lights and a metronome further direct the rescuer. The interesting part is the rescuer places both hands in the normal chest compression position right on top of the PocketCPR unit. It then provides feedback to the user to reinforce or correct performance during the emergency.

     The PocketCPR uses a single Duracell 123 battery which is the same size battery used in the AED Plus.

     Price is to be determined.

     Check the AED Superstore website at www.aedsuperstore.com for availability.

Chest compression CPR already catching on

     Glendale firefighters in Arizona are teaching their residents the new chest compression only CPR we wrote about in a previous post. The Arizona Republic wrote about it today and it appears the turnout is huge. Their class is taught in about 2 hours which is about half the class time of a current full CPR class.

     Although the current American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR curriculum doesn't recognize this method (yet), we applaud any effort that empowers more people to save lives.

     New "Guidelines" here we come (although it could still be a few years away)!

Chest compressions without rescue breathing may be as effective as "traditional" CPR--new method known as "CC-CPR"

     The December issue of Circulation reports on the conclusions of two studies which show CPR done without rescue breathing may be as effective as the compression/ventilation combination we're taught to do now. The new method is called "CC-CPR." "CC" stands for "chest compressions."

     The studies were conducted in Sweden and Japan. An article about the findings was posted by U.S. News and World Report. It is not a part of the current American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR protocols.

     The amount of data coming out about this has us convinced that CC-CPR will be considered as part of a future Guidelines update.