Why you should learn CPR and the benefits that come along.
So why learn CPR? This goes without saying that as humans we all are fragile and susceptible to injuries, trauma, and illness. Despite the fact that we have come to realize how fragile we are and have also learned how to take care of ourselves and others around us, emergencies might crop up anytime. Accidents happen when we least expect it or when we’re not prepared for it. Did you know that over 200,000 people die of Sudden Cardiac Arrest every year?
It is a fact that if more people are trained in CPR, the number of people surviving a cardiac arrest could double. Knowing how to administer CPR can help take care of critical situations until medical help arrives. If you still have apprehensions then consider the following seven reasons to learn CPR and understand how it can be a worthwhile pursuit.
- Easy to Learn
CPR is a pretty easy skill to acquire and you don’t have to be a genius to learn it. You are neither required to complete years of medical school to learn and perform CPR effectively nor is it necessary for you to clear a test or exam before learning CPR. During an emergency, CPR can be performed by just about anyone who has learned the technique. One can find many sources like online training or formal classes etc to see CPR performed with the right technique.
- There are no downsides
Most of the people do not want to learn or perform CPR because they are concerned with the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. If this is the case, you will be glad to know that as per the 2010 guidelines for performing CPR rescue breaths are no longer required. Performing chest compressions without breathing assistance is encouraged. This also reduces the risk of getting exposed to saliva-borne pathogens for both the receiver as well as the giver of CPR.
- It Helps Identify Emergency and Improves Survival
Another important reason for learning CPR is that the knowledge you gain from CPR and first aid training allows you to identify emergency and also know what needs to be done. You must remember that knowing CPR is not only performed on those suffering from a heart stroke or a heart attack but is also given to those having breathing difficulties or suffering from a seizure. CPR teaches you skills that can help someone suffering from any such medical emergency. And since CPR procedures are different for infants, children’s and adults it is wise to receive training from a certified instructor in order to administer the right first aid.
- It Helps You Avoid Making Things Worse
First aid and CPR training equip a person with the right medical knowledge to respond to medical emergencies. Since in most of the cases the victim doesn’t receive immediate medical help, first aid training can help alleviate his condition and prevent the situation to further deteriorate. Studying first aid and CPR involves knowing the right techniques, procedures, and equipment to use during an emergency. It not only educates you on what should be done in a critical situation but also shows you how you don’t make things worse by taking any wrong actions in the wake of helping the patient.
- Life-Saving Skill
CPR and first aid are undoubtedly a life-saving skill, which ensures that a victim receives immediate medical attention. Since most of the accidents or medical episodes like a heart attack can happen anytime and at any place, therefore getting proper medical help and support might take some time. If a person who has first aid and CPR training is around, chances of a victim’s survival can improve drastically. According to the American Heart Association, on an average 100,000 and 200,000 people can be saved if someone is present who knows how to perform CPR at the beginning of the patient’s affliction.
- For Someone, You Know
Unfortunately, most of the accidents or mishappening that we may encounter involves someone we know. A friend, family member, co-worker or neighbor can be the one in need of help. Researchers show that 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen at home. Therefore, learning first aid and CPR might actually help you save someone you know.
- Improves Confidence
During an emergency, it is always the people near the victim who provide assistance before the medical help arrives. However, the fact is that untrained bystanders hesitate to help a victim. Learning first aid and CPR reduces the reluctance of people to help as they are confident regarding what needs to be done. First Aid training prepares you to use these life-saving techniques and improve the consequences for the victim.
Having the knowledge of first aid and CPR can promote a healthy, safe and secure environment and help deal with medical emergencies effectively. Learning this life-saving skill is not only useful for oneself but the society as well.