COMMENTS
I agree with you that it is very important for workers to be able to EFFECTIVELY respond during an emergency.
That is why in this article you need to explain the difference between Lay Responder and Professional Rescuer. Lay Responder (the level where most workers are) don't use CPR all the time.
The study, that both American Heart Association and the American Red Cross recognize, found that people only stay functional for 10.5 months. A newer study says 6 months. This is why ARC uses a 1 year certification. So if it is you lying on the floor do you want the person who MIGHT remember how to do it correctly or the person who's training is fresher.
Bruce, I would agree that a lay rescuer who completed the training within one year may remember more than someone who does it every two years. But, why is it that when EMS arrives more often than not, no one is doing CPR? How many in that crowd new CPR but did not choose to help. Was it that they didn't remember the steps of CPR or are they afraid to get sued or catch HIV? Is there not enough people trained? I don't think that people don't help because they can't remember, I think that the community is not being properly educated about how to manage the first few minutes of emergencies while they wait for professional help to arrive?
Thank you for the post. You are correct being trained on what to do "before help arrives" is very important. Because, depending on the area the person is in, it may be more than a few minutes before EMS arrives.
You statement that more people need to be trained on what to do "before help arrives" has just made my case. Here is an outline of the first 45 minutes to 1 hour of a Red Cross class, the portion that is not used in AHA classes.
1. Deciding to take action (including what might keep people from helping)
2. Good Samaritan Laws
3. Basic Bloodborne pathogens (possible disease exposures, using gloves and breathing barriers)
4. Cleaning up a blood spill (if in workplace setting)
5. OSHA Bloodborne regulations are mentioned. If more OSHA information is needed there is a OSHA compliant Bloodborne Pathogens course.
Now all that said as far as the CPR skills themselves go ARC and AHA are compliant. However, if someone is going to "ding" ARC because the courses are longer, than the information the student gains in the longer setting and that informaitons value needs to be at least mentioned.
About 41/2 years ago, when my frist grandaughter was half a year old I won a two day [10 HOUR] course for cpr,1staid & paddles.Ten HOURS of films and reading from a book, followed by a limited pratical application on each other & dummies!! BORRRRING!!Then I went to a 4HOUR trainning with Darcy Cook! NO FILMS All hands on,All simulations of actual circumstances that you encounter and practical info like; OPEN THE FRONT DOOR!! Red cross did not mention that... If you use a cell phone; BE READY TO TELL THEM WHERE YOU ARE!! Red cross skipped that one..All in All, the best trainning available is from Safety Trainers!!
Doug. Thank you for your kind words. Sounds like you took a class that did not meet your needs. We are happy that the Family and Friends program gave you the information you needed to take care of your granddaughter. Take care.
Bruce, I believe that all trainings should include that information. I encourage instructors to get the additional education on these issues because your class participants will ask questions about Bloodborne Pathogens and the Good Samaritan Laws regardless of it being ARC or AHA. I don't believe that participants retain information well that is presented in a long one day program that is mostly lecture. A class needs to maximize the time a student is practicing the skills. The new format for AHA is a watch then practice model. Less time talking more time practicing.