You Can Learn to Save a Life in 60 Seconds

The new Hands-Only CPR has been out for a while now. It looks like it's here to stay. I would like to share some information regarding the new Hands-Only CPR and some links to some of the best new videos on the subject.

In the past, one of the problems encountered by first responders like firefighters and paramedics was no bystander CPR was being done when they arrived. One of the links in survival, effective CPR prior to EMS arrival, was not being performed. I was a paramedic for years and the number of times that CPR was being done when I arrived was close to zero. I do remember a few and, not surprisingly, those are the saves.

So the AHA looked at why CPR was not being done and they concluded that people, regular folks just walking along minding their own business, did not feel comfortable placing their mouth on the mouth of a dead or dying individual, not even their relatives.

So, research was done and they found that the way oxygen binds to the blood allows for several minutes of CPR before more oxygen is needed. I don't know about you but I think this is a phenomenal breakthrough.

Millions of people can now be taught CPR without giving breaths. That means no more ratios, no more numbers. Just push hard and fast. They have even found that the tune “Stayin' Alive” by the Bee Gees is the perfect tempo.

Could there be a better song? What once took 3-4 hours for a person to attend a CPR class at their local fire department or hospital can now be learned in a 60 second commercial.

Check out this one by the American Heart Association. Funny commercials like this are able to take on a serious subject and teach something that we hope you will remember. The important part is whether or not people will embrace this new way of doing CPR and actually use it. I hope they do. I really think it will help save lives. Here's a funny one from the United Kingdom.

Just to keep the record straight, this Hands-Only CPR is for lay rescuers only--those who do not work in the health care industry. Health care providers are still using breaths combined with compressions, but even the numbers they use have become easier to remember.

So what do you think about funny advertising for serious matters such as CPR? Are they offensive? Are advertisers less interested in selling/teaching and more interested in winning awards and developing entertaining mini-videos? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.