Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation - CPR

20th September, 2008 - This morning I had to wake up early despite not having to fetch the kids to school ... oh well ... signed up for CPR course a few weeks back and now's the time to learn this life saving skill ^_^

Under Dr. Rayney's (from Institut Jantung Negara) lively presentation, we learned the basics in theory, we were also shown 2 videos ... 1 of Mr. Bean (hilariously showing the wrong but basic alternative methods to CPR !!!) and another one on the actual procedures ... impressive. Definitely got my attention !!!

In Summary, the simple formula is : DR.ABC

- Danger (i.e. ensure own safety. Remove danger or victim)

- Respond (i.e. call and tap the patient on the shoulder for any response, if no respond, call for help/ambulance)

- Airway (i.e. position victim on his/her back. Tilt patient's head back & lift the chin to open patient's airway and check breathing )

- Breathing (i.e. check for breathing. If no breathing, give 2 effective breaths : pinch the patient's nose, take a normal breath, seal your lips around the victim's mouth to create an airtight seal and blow for 1 second into the patient's mouth, then give a second blow, then check victim's pulse)

- Compression (i.e. begin chest compressions fast and hard at the rate of 100/minute. Place heel of hands in the middle of the chest between the nipples. Compress 30 times follow by 2 breaths. Repeat for 5 cycles and re-check response)


Under Kamarudin Ayob's instruction, we learned applying CPR on adult mannequins. We had to wash and rinse our mouths before that as well as clean the mannequin with some kind of sanitiser.

Next, we also learned applying CPR on child (1-8 years old) mannequins under the instructions of matron Ramlah Shukor.


Then, we moved on to infant mannequins and learned from a cheerful lady by the name of Rabiah.



Also had fun learning the Heimlich Manouevre to help choking victims ! This was a tough one, all the girls including myself, just did not have enough strength to administer the manouevre while the victim mannequin is standing up. With the mannequin lying down, it was easy : a quick inward and upward abdominal thrusts just above the navel did the trick. Phew !!



We also learned how to use the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) as the last practical session. AEDs are computerised devices that are attached to a pulseless victim with adhesive pads. They will recommend shock delivery only if the victim's heart rhythm is one that a shock can treat. AEDs give rescuers visual and voice prompts to guide rescuer actions. Interestingly easy to follow :-)



Lastly, we had to sit for a theory test. Alas, 'A' star student came up top in the class ... he he he ... that's me lah. Phai seh, phai seh ... scored 100 marks ! Proudly showed the kids my result and guess what? Dash remarked " Wah ! Mommy why you so 'keng' one?" "Of course ! Mommy pay 100% attention during class ah, you can score 100 marks too if you pay attention." ^_^

Ha ... hope my kids will be inspired to excel too ...