The Orion Township Senior Center was recently the site for a very important lesson taught by Orion Township Assistant Fire Chief Bob Smith to Orion area seniors.
Smith came to the center to familiarize the seniors with CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation), an exercise that can help save someone’s life if their heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Smith said that is the only two instances when CPR should be performed.
‘Always contact 911 first, then begin CPR,? he cautioned. ‘With adults, the only thing that will help that person if they’re in true cardiac arrest is defibrillation or drugs.?
Smith said performing CPR is strenuous and will tire people out quickly.
‘You may end up collapsing too if you’re sitting there doing CPR for 10-15 minutes,? he said. ‘Always call 911 first.?
Smith said the way CPR is done has changed in recent years, and should now begin with two slow (two-second) breaths instead of the former quick breaths in to the person.
‘Now you check for signs of circulation, not a pulse,? he said. ‘See if the hands and feet are moving, or if they are breathing…if they’re not, start chest compressions.?
Smith said people in poor health should not attempt to give someone CPR because they can end up in a health risk situation themselves.
‘You’re going to be very fatigued,? he said. ‘And CPR is for unconscious people only…we continue doing CPR on anyone without a heart beat or who is not breathing.?
Smith said an easy way seniors could remember what to do was to remember ABC, and now a fourth step, defibrillation.
‘Airway, breathing and circulation,? he said.
Smith said defibrillation devices are more common now and have also been included as part of CPR, but can only be operated by people certified in CPR.
‘But it’s purely up to you if you want to intervene and help that person,? he said. ‘Good Samaritan Laws say if you are trying to help someone you can’t get in trouble, although anyone can sue.?
The senior center presentation was not a certification class, but rather an orientation to CPR. For information on certified courses, call 1-877-AHA-4CPR, or log on to www.cpr-ecc.org to find a location near you through the American Heart Assocation.