On Feb. 15 I took an excellent "Hands-Only" CPR course at Longwood Fire Company, sponsored by the Chester County Hospital/Penn Medicine. The recommended rescue protocol when you encounter someone who has suffered a heart attack has changed considerably from when I first learned CPR. Now you call 911; give chest compressions, but not artificial respiration; and use an AED if there's one available.
During our practice session on mannequins, I learned that giving chest compressions at the proper depth and speed is quite a workout for the wrists and shoulders. The three paramedics who supervised our practice agreed and said that's part of the reason they try to get as many people trained as possible, so that one rescuer can take over when the first gets tired.
It was invaluable having the paramedics as instructors, as they were able to share their firsthand knowledge. In the lecture part of the class, Matt Eick, a Longwood Fire Company paramedic, emphasized the importance of knowing the signs of a heart attack in case you ever suffer one, and factors that can increase your risk.
Despite the snowstorm and the slippery roads, more than a dozen people showed up for the training, including my friends Ann and Tom Nale of Kennett Township.
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