Community Chat

[august_1]

I completed a BLS (Basic Life Support) CPR training class this weekend, and the training included the technique of doing 30 chest compressions on adults (and children over the age of puberty), followed by 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths. This training was part of a clinical course I'm taking, but it was taught by someone who came to our classroom for the CPR training, using equipment that was marked with a Red Cross logo. The trainer talked about things in a way that sounded like he's a paramedic or works in an ER or something because he mentioned having to do CPR on a baby recently and how the child lived, although I don't think he actually said what his full-time job is.

My question is: It seems like I've heard or read in recent years that the mouth-to-mouth step isn't used any more....am I confused? I'm thinking that may be a new line of thinking, but the mouth-to-mouth is still part of the official training. But it does make me wonder. Inexplicably, I didn't even think about this until today, or else I would've asked during the class!

Just as reassurance, I won't take anyone's word here as "medical advice," but I'm curious if anyone else has done a CPR training lately: was this the same way you were taught (compressions AND mouth-to-mouth breaths)? It was called the "BLS" class, if that makes a difference (Basic Life Support). Maybe there are different types(?). The card I was issued is from the American Heart Association.

May I just add to those of you who HAVE performed CPR in a career capacity--kudos to you! It seems like it would be a remarkably difficult task, especially with the added duress of a true-life emergency situation (as opposed to using the practice dummies), and I salute you. I would dearly love to save a life, but I hope and pray that I NEVER am faced with having to attempt CPR. The trainer said that adrenaline would help sustain you, but I truly believe it's a Herculean task....one performed by genuine heroes.