CPR

I spent the entire day yesterday in CPR and First Aid training.  The American Heart Association has modified the CPR technique over the years and I think they have simplified it a great deal.  Now the emphasis is on how quickly you begin CPR once the need is determined.  They recommend assessment and activation be completed within 10 seconds of arrival at scene.  Initiate compressions within 10 seconds of identifying cardiac arrest.  Now that is fast.  You only hope that if you were in a situation that required your intervention that you would remain cool and calm enough to initiate the proper response.  It's one thing to perform adquately in a controlled situation like we had yesterday and a completely different thing when it is a true emergency.  At least with proper training you can hope that what you have learned will kick in and just take over.

I was really glad to have a chance to practice using an AED to shock the heart back into normal rythym.  I didn't realize how easy it is to use the machine.  It is designed so that anyone, regardless of training, can operate it.  It tells you everything to do very clearly.  It is a shame that we don't have more machines out in the public.  

Someone said the gym they go to doesn't have one.  I think that should be the first question a person asks when they are considering joining a gym.  Especially seniors although healthy young men have had heart attacks after exercising.  All the YMCA facilities have AED's and people trained to use them.  Health clubs should make that a priority as well.  Does your health club have an AED or a trained first responder?  It might be worth asking.