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Holliston EMTs Attend CPR Skills Lab

by Justin Brown, FF/EMT-P
2/28/2010

Recently, fifteen of Holliston's Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) attended training at a mid-fidelity skills lab to maintain and improve their skills for the most serious call we may respond to -- cardiac arrest.  Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when a victim's heart rhythm is no longer beating in an organized fashion therefore not pumping oxygenated blood to the body's organs. 

The sad truth is that 95% of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest will die before they make it to the hospital.  What more and more studies continue to prove is that good quality cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can make the difference. Despite all of the fancy technology, all of the equipment that can be used, all of the drugs that can be used, and any of the other bells and whistles that we may have (although all play a distinct role), the only piece of equipment that can be directly attributed to saving a life is two-hands. 

While at the lab, EMTs were able to practice their skills while viewing real-time feedback on an overhead monitor.  This new technology now allows students to actually see how well they are performing CPR while they carry out compressions and ventilation.  Information such as compression depth, rate, rhythm, and proper hand placement can all be evaluated. 

Proper airway management can also be assessed as the mannequin reports proper mask-seal, volume of air delivered, rate and rhythm of each ventilation provided, and the speed at which air is provided as these are all critical to proper patient care.  Working with this technology provides invaluable experience and muscle memory in a realistic yet calm environment.  When these skills need to be put to use when it matters most, EMTs will be better prepared. 

In addition to the hands-on training, new technology and industry news was presented as well as a review of best practice guidelines.  EMTs with additional training were able to review and practice advanced airway management.  

Studies prove that more than 80% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home and to a loved one.  Learning CPR can mean the difference between life and death for a family member.  Brain death starts to occur four to six minutes after someone experiences cardiac arrest if no CPR and defibrillation occurs during that time.  This is why it is so imperative that EVERYONE in the community learn and perform CPR.

A recent article from Fort Wayne, IN explains how a young boy's life was saved by his peers and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)  
http://www.wane.com/dpp/video/health/Homestead-heroes-save-student%27s-life

The Town of Holliston has AEDs placed in The Senior Center, Elementary School, Middle School, High School, Pinecrest, and The Town Hall in addition to police cars and ambulances/fire vehicles.

SAVE A LIFE!  The Holliston Fire Department offers FREE (only cost is $5 for completion card) CPR training to the community.

Visit http://hollistonfire.com/cprschedule.htm for more information.  All Holliston instructors are experienced EMTs and take pride in making sure people learn the skills and feel comfortable performing CPR.

If you have any questions or would like further information, feel free to email Justin at HFDCPR@gmail.com

 

Comments (5)

After completing this simlab training, I have a new found respect for all of our students. Take a class, Save a life.

Cindy V | 2010-03-13 12:47:38

To find out when CPR or First Aid Classes are being offered and to sign up, visit the Fire Department's website at www.hollistonfire.com

Andrea | 2010-03-03 10:20:42

You have motivated me to take the class! I was certified over 15 years ago, but think that I need to do it again. Great article!!!

Julie L | 2010-03-02 15:32:45

Very informative! I can't believe it's free! This is something that everyone in the community should utilize. When is the next session being offered?

Amanda | 2010-03-02 14:29:38

strong work! great class, should get more people involved. Sign up people!

Tyler P. | 2010-03-01 21:03:10