CPR training is a life-changing skill, and if you’ve watched Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, you’ll know that it’s so easy that even dogs can learn how to do it… Well, sort of!
In truth, BGT’s canine CPR performance was just a clever trick, but it did highlight a crucial point—that CPR is an essential technique that can make a real difference.
CPR is far simpler to learn than many realise (and not just if you’re a border collie!). Not everyone is lucky enough to have a cardiac issue within easy reach of medical professionals, so CPR is vital for the general public to learn. Often, bystanders with this knowledge are the difference between life and death. With a little training, you might save someone’s life.
Let’s take a closer look at CPR and how easy it is to learn.
The Basics of CPR
These are the core parts of CPR that are worth learning right now!
Call for Help
Phone the emergency services before you begin CPR, especially if no one else is about to do it. Once you start CPR, you do not stop, so knowing that relief is on its way is key!
Chest Compressions
If you undertake compressions, you want to perform 100 to 120 beats per minute to a depth of 5-6 cm. One good way to do this that is easy to remember is to sing along to the tune of the well-known Bee Gees’ hit Staying Alive. The beat is perfect to keep your compressions in time.
Undertaking compressions alone is far better than doing nothing, so don’t worry if you don’t feel comfortable or confident doing more – this is already making a huge difference.
Rescue Breaths
If you are comfortable doing so, then you can give rescue breaths:
- Tilt the person’s head gently and lift up their chin with two fingers.
- Pinch their nose to seal it.
- Seal your mouth over their mouth and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for a second.
- Check to see if their chest rises.
- Give a second breath.
Using a Defibrillator (AED)
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a life-saving piece of equipment that needs no training to use – if there’s one available, it should be used.
However, it’s important that you don’t leave the person to get one. Undertake CPR and send someone else for the AED. The 999 emergency operator will be able to tell you where the nearest defibrillator is located.
AEDs are designed to be as simple to use as possible. They are equipped with verbal (spoken) instructions and will helpfully talk you through the process.
You will need to attach the AED pads to the person, which may involve cutting or otherwise removing clothing. The AED will instruct where to place the pads. Have a helper do this while you continue chest compressions.
Once the AED is attached, you should stop CPR and allow it to take over. Again, it will verbally instruct you when to do this.
If the defibrillator is automated, it will take over fully. If not, it may ask you to press the shock button when needed.
The Recovery Position
If the person becomes responsive following CPR or the AED, then you should move them into the recovery position and remain with them in case CPR needs to be resumed.
Why Everyone Should Learn CPR
CPR is easy to learn and with confidence, you could very well save a life.
Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere – there are no specific factors or moments that can cause someone to have cardiac trouble; it may happen at home, while at work, doing the shopping, or walking the dog. In most cases, a cardiac issue occurs where there are no medical personnel around to help.
Bystanders make a difference – If CPR starts early, the chance of survival doubles or even triples. Doing nothing while waiting for the emergency services to arrive will significantly increase risk, so it’s essential that members of the public – including you – are able to step in and help.
CPR is easy to learn – it’s not just a skill for medical professionals, but is for everyone. We’re all capable of learning the basic skills required to make that difference.
CPR Training Made Simple
At Envesca, we provide Qualsafe Level 2 Basic Life Support training suitable for those with no prior knowledge or experience in first aid. The four-hour course will:
- Give you the essential knowledge and skills to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest.
- Provide you with the confidence and understanding to respond quickly and calmly.
- Teach you how to manage an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally and those who are not.
- Instruct you on using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely and confidently.
- Leave you with a first aid qualification, valid for a full year.
This is a recommended course for existing qualified first aiders, as well as those with no prior training, to extend qualification for an additional year, as well as bring them up to date with the use of AEDs.
Common Concerns About CPR Training
There are many myths, confusions, and concerns surrounding CPR – here, we cover a few!
”I’m not strong enough to give CPR.”
This isn’t true – even the lightest individual can perform effective CPR. Chest compressions are more about technique than brute strength. Our instructors will show you how to use your body weight effectively.
”I’m afraid of doing it wrong.”
This is a very common concern, but the fact is that doing something in an emergency is almost always better than doing nothing.
Confidence is a key factor, however, which is why Envesca’s training is designed to give you that confidence, allowing you to act when the time is needed.
”I’m squeamish about giving rescue breaths.”
That’s absolutely fine—and you’re not alone. Hands-only CPR (just the chest compressions) is the largest component of lifesaving cardiac arrest first aid; it’s incredibly effective and will more than double the person’s chance of survival.
”I don’t have time for a course.”
Our Level 2 Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an AED is only a few hours long – it almost takes longer to say than do! Not only that, but it can be booked at a convenient time and at a location of your choosing. There’s no excuse!
”Isn’t CPR mostly for older people?”
Cardiac arrest is more common in older adults, but it can happen to anyone, including children and young adults.
Learning CPR is not about your chances of having a cardiac issue, though – it’s about being prepared to help anyone in need. Any of us could encounter someone in need during any part of our day-to-day activities.
”Someone else will be able to help.”
Hopefully, that’s true – but it won’t be if everyone thinks like that. The more people who get CPR training, the better it is for us all.
Plus, think of it this way – if a dog on a TV show can be trained to mimic CPR, you can learn to do it for real! It’s a small investment of time for a genuinely life-saving skill.
CPR Training with Envesca
With a comprehensive background in providing a wide range of training for businesses on every aspect of Health and Safety, Envesca’s trainers have the expertise to provide the support and confidence you need to react and save a life.
Contact us today to arrange a course.
The Ultimate First Aid Checklist
If you are an appointed person or first aider for your company you should carry out regular checks of your business to ensure that your first aid facilities are up to date. This comprehensive checklist will help you ensure you have everything covered! Get your FREE copy now.
If you’ve got a question or query, please contact our super friendly team, they will be delighted to help you!
Simply get in touch via phone or email.
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Here at Envesca we believe that we are good at giving proactive, sensible and useful advice. Below you will find some free resources that you can download on a host of subjects that will help you and your business.
Training Available
Envesca offer a number of different training courses, which offer advice and guidance on these topics.
Qualsafe Level 2 Award in Basic Life Support and Safe Use of an AED
This basic life support course will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills you need to recognise when someone has suffered cardiac arrest.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Annual Refresher
This half-day practical first aid annual refresher course provides first aiders with an opportunity to practise and refresh their knowledge and practical first aid skills.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in Combined Emergency First Aid and Emergency Paediatric First Aid
This one-day first aid course will provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to provide both emergency adult and paediatric first aid.Qualsafe Level 3 Award in First Aid at Work Requalification
This two-day Level 3 First Aid at Work Requalification course will update your knowledge of both the practical and theoretical parts of first aid at work.Share this article with your social Community.
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