Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR, is a psychomotor skill and lifesaving emergency procedure which combines chest compressions and, sometimes, artificial ventilation of airways by means of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. CPR is performed in an effort to manually preserve brain function until further measures can be taken to restore breathing and circulation in someone suffering from near drowning, a cardiac arrest or even a drug overdose.
CPR 101
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends a CPR course in order to properly practice and learn the skills of CPR which include high-quality chest compressions. Those trained in CPR are more likely to give correct chest compressions and are more prepared and confident in their emergency preparedness skills than those who haven't been trained. A brief CPR training provides the skills and practice that can properly prepare you to perform high-quality chest compressions.
Early defibrillation and CPR can more than double a victim's chance at survival. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, however, the chances of survival decrease by seven to ten percent. CPR keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore normal sinus rhythm. A simple guideline to remember in an emergency is to call, or designate someone to call, 911 immediately, before providing CPR. An emergency dispatcher can ensure that help is on the way and also provide proper instructions until help arrives.
2019 AHA Feedback Requirement Updates
As of January 31, 2019, AHA will require the use of an instrumented directive feedback device or manikin in all AHA courses teaching the skills of adult CPR. Feedback devices that provide audio or visual (or both) feedback help in many ways. Firstly, these devices provide feedback on the rate and depth of chest compressions during a CPR training session, allowing students to self-correct their skills in real time. Feedback device technology not only help students in learning proper chest compressions, but also boost student attention and retention of instructions.
There are many types of instrumented directive feedback devices available for AHA Training Centers to meet the updated requirement, including:
- High-fidelity manikins
- Those that are part of manikins
- Monitors or defibrillators used with manikins
- Those that can be added to and used with existing manikins
As shown in the options above, feedback device can be integrated into a manikin or serve as an accessory. Departments or training facilities can upgrade current training equipment, including manikins, or choose to buy new. The feedback devices will need to be used in all training environments both in new trainings and refresher courses.
Overall, these devices help students master critical CPR skills and shorten the time to demonstrate competency. In the future, as more devices become available for child and infant CPR, the AHA will also require the use of feedback devices in courses that teach the skills of child and infant CPR.
Concordance Healthcare Solutions continuously works with our suppliers to remain informed on the latest industry trends and requirements. We strive to provide our customers with both reliable information and the newest products.
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