WorldWide Drilling Resource

14 APRIL 2014 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Safety Spotlight: CPR Training by Scott Cosby Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving tech- nique useful in many emergencies - including heart attack or near drowning - where a victim’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends everyone, even untrained bystanders and medical per- sonnel alike, begin CPR with chest com- pressions. Remember, the difference between doing something and doing nothing could be someone's life! Further advice from the AHA: Untrained. If you're not trained, provide hands-only CPR. This means uninterrupted chest compressions of about 100 a minute until paramedics arrive. Trained, and ready to go. If you're well-trained and confi- dent in your abilities, begin with chest compressions instead of first checking the airway and doing rescue breathing. Start CPR with 30 chest compressions before checking the airway and giving rescue breaths. Trained, but rusty. If you've previously received CPR training, but you're not confident in your abi l ities, just do chest compressions at a rate of about 100 a minute. There are three simple CPR steps to keep in mind: CALL: Check the victim for unresponsiveness. If the person is not responsive and not breathing or not breathing normal- ly, call 9-1-1 and return to the victim. In most locations the emergency dispatcher can assist you with CPR instructions. PUMP: If the victim is still not breathing normally, coughing, or moving, begin chest compressions. BLOW: Tilt the head back and lift the chin. Pinch the nose and cover the mouth with yours, and blow until you see the chest rise. Give 2 breaths. Each breath should take 1 second. Consult the Internet for more information on this topic. The local Red Cross may also be a good source of quality CPR train- ing. All drilling professionals and crew members should be trained and certified in CPR. The AHA Web site (www.heart.org) can provide more information on this topic as well. Scott Scott Cosby may be contacted via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com