CPR has long been the go-to method for helping to maintain someone's breathing and heartbeat patterns when they are in a life-threatening situation. Many people feel like they should learn how to do this procedure, but it is also common to feel a little apprehensive about it. Giving CPR to someone involves close personal contact during a stressful situation, which can make it hard to know if it is something that you want to do. Learning more about how CPR works and the expectations for people who perform it can help you feel better about enrolling in CPR training courses.
You Are Most Likely to Use CPR on Someone You Know
People sometimes picture being in a restaurant or grocery store when someone drops unexpectedly and requires CPR. While this does happen, the truth is that you are more likely to need to use what you learned in class when you are at home. This is simply because your house is where you spend the majority of your time. Even in public, you are typically going to be the closest person to your friends and family, which means you have the chance to react fast. Thinking about how the skills you learn in class could save your loved one's life can motivate you to try a course.
You Don't Have to Do Mouth-to-Mouth
It is a natural human response to feel squeamish about putting your mouth on a strangers, especially when you do not know their health status. The new CPR guidelines for handling this situation are covered in your courses. For instance, you can choose to just do chest compressions until the emergency authorities arrive. Your instructor can also cover how to limit potential exposure to the coronavirus by using protective layers of cloth between you and the person having the emergency.
You Are Protected by Good Samaritan Laws
One of your fears may just be about having to get involved in a potentially volatile situation. You may worry about what could happen if you hurt the person during the procedure or if they don't survive. This is also a valid concern, and it is covered by the laws in your area. Good Samaritan laws protect people who administer CPR, and your instructor can let you know how to make sure you are covered.
You Can Make a Difference Even With an Imperfect Technique
Few people can do CPR perfectly because it requires you to do chest compressions to a certain depth at a specific rhythm. Instructors understand this and help show you strategies to get as close to perfect as possible such as pressing to the beat of a well-known song. You can also rest assured that anything you do can be beneficial and make a difference in the victim's outcome.
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