Knock Down The Barriers To CPR

A first aider can keep a victim of cardiac arrest alive by compressing their chest and blowing oxygen into their lungs. One major barrier arises due to the fear of cross infection from the mouth to mouth component of CPR. The modern world has drummed in to us that we are at a constant risk of cross infection, and that it is for medical professionals to save lives. Resuscitation face shields are the answer to this problem, but unfortunately not enough are in the hands of first aiders or members of the public alike.

Every year seven out of 10 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital, which means it is down to members of the public to save lives. Unfortunately only 5% of people in the UK survive these types of events. This low percentage is largely down to the human body shutting down, but a lack of assistance and inadequate CPR also play a role. In essence many more lives could be saved if members of the public gave full CPR to victims of cardiac arrest. However this requires getting more people through basic life support courses, as it must be stressed you should not give CPR unless you are first aid trained.

Research carried out by the American Heart Association found that if bystanders do give CPR then a casualty's chances of survival can double or even triple. Sadly only 32% of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from these bystanders. The bottom line is that the vast majority of the public will not make mouth to mouth contact with a stranger. Heart related charities have picked up on these findings and have switched their focus towards training people in 'hands only CPR'. This requires an individual to solely compress the casualty's chest up and down at roughly twice a second.. The body however demands a constant supply of oxygen and it is unlikely but not impossible that a cardiac arrest victim will survive through just chest compressions alone. Basic life support courses will certificate you in the correct CPR method, and are taught all across the world.

The resuscitation face shield in its simplest form is a clear plastic sheet with a one way valve attached. The sheet is designed to be placed over a casualty's face with the one way valve inserted in their mouth. Basic life support courses teach candidates how to administer CPR and use resuscitation shields effectively. The shields retail at between £0.50 to £3 depending on the type that you use. This could be considered a small price to pay for saving a life

Manufacturers have created resuscitation face shields that can be clipped onto your car keys, or put into your wallet, which means they can be carried at all times. Unfortunately when cardiac arrests occur many minutes are wasted with people pondering what to do. Ultimately time is wasted because individuals do not want to give mouth to mouth. The first aider who is carrying their face shield has no such worries and can immediately begin the full CPR cycle. Surely this has the power to save more lives than just simply focusing on chest compressions.

If you imagine a scene where on a busy high street a man is found not breathing on the sidewalk. Many have simply walked passed or stepped over the man believing he is a drunk or not willing to help him. Others are gathered around looking at the vomit on his face simply not knowing what to do. The ambulance is on its way, but there are no guarantees that this will be enough. The man is lucky as a bystander walks pass who always carries a resuscitation face shield on her car keys.. She takes the simple device off her car keys and calmly places it over the man's face in order to blow oxygen into his mouth. Another bystander focuses on the chest compression and the chain of survival is re-ignited

The morale of the story is that without the lady using her resuscitation shield the man would have little to no chance of surviving. Making the all important call to the emergency services is vital, but just waiting for them to arrive may not be enough.

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