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What kind of tests are performed by a paramedic on an adult after CPR has resuscitated them from a drowning in a bubble bath?

Sully — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 06:40:57 -0800

What kind of tests are performed by a paramedic on an adult after CPR has resuscitated them from a drowning in a bubble bath? I am writing a novel and this is part of the plot, and I suspect that they must do something, but I don't know what. If anyone knows anything, you have my thanks!

Infant CPR classes?

ND¢ — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 13:53:05 -0800

Do you know of any free or cheap infant CPR classes? So the wife and I are expecting our first child, and I came up with the bright idea for us to both take infant CPR classes. I was all sanctimonious about it when I mentioned it to my wife last night too, really playing up how responsible I was being, but then I was looking around today, and the damn Red Cross wants to charge $67 per person for the classes! I am sure that my first born son or daughter's life will be worth a lot to me, but $134? I don't know. Anyone know of any free/cheap infant CPR classes in Columbia, SC (online courses will not suffice I am afraid, cause then it will look like I am cheaping out on something that I was so high and mighty about last night)? Thanks.

Is the portrayal of CPR on tv/in movies totally inaccurate?

Nelsormensch — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 09:35:25 -0800

Is the portrayal of CPR in tv/movies totally bunk? I read somewhere that CPR can't actually return someone to consciousness, but rather just keeps them alive long enough to receive more advanced medical treatment. Is this actually the case, or could CPR alone revive someone? I've been rewatching Lost lately (with my gf who's never seen the first 3 seasons) and was reminded of something I read about CPR. I don't remember where it was, but the claim was basically that the portrayal of CPR on tv/in movies is dead wrong. Whatever this was said that CPR can't ever actually return someone to consciousness, but rather it merely serves to keep the unconscious' heart/lungs moving enough oxygenated blood to keep the brain from dying. This won't bring someone back to consciousness, but it will keep them alive until the paramedics arrive.

So, if that's correct, whenever someone on the island has been shot, strangled, nearly drowned, etc. and Jack brings them back with CPR, that's basically impossible. I realize that tv/film isn't a bastion of realism, but is that really the case? Is CPR useless unless more sophisticated medical care (crash cart or whatever) is available? Could CPR alone return an unconscious person to consciousness?

Believe it or not, this could be a life or death question

TedW — Wed, 28 Jun 2006 18:37:17 -0800

What are some catchy, popular songs that have a tempo of about 100 beats per minute? Why is this health-related? That's why there's... I help teach CPR (specifically ACLS and BLS for those in the know) at the medical school where I work. The latest (2005) American Heart Association guidelines specify a rate of 100 compressions/minute when doing CPR on all patients. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this is to do compressions while humming to the beat of a familiar song. One good choice is "Another One Bites The Dust"; however, given the emerging practice of having family members present during resuscitation, it might be inappropriate at times. "Onward Christian Soldiers" is another song with a similar tempo that might also be inappropriate at times. So what are some other songs with this tempo that people delivering CPR can use to pace their compressions? The best answers will find their way into our training. Thanks in advance.

Just go around savin' lives, resuscitatin' each other willy-nilly.

neda — Tue, 30 May 2006 00:56:52 -0800

Did you learn CPR before 1988? If so, did you they teach to to shake your resusci-Annie and say "Annie, Annie, are you okay?" The first time I learned CPR in swim class in the 1990s, that's what we did. When I got retaught this year, we didn't use Annie's name--it was more of a shake and go "HEY! HEYYYYYY!" sort of thing. Also, the ratio of compressions to breaths had increased significantly. And the AED portion of the course was new. Since things were different between those decades, I was wondering if there were other changes before. Or is what is said to the mannequin too little of a detail to be mentioned in what AHA says must be taught in an official course, so that there's variations between instructors?

I've found out that the dummy's name was always Annie since her inception in the 1960, but was the procedure always to say "Annie, Annie, are you okay?"

full disclosure: I'm kinda asking because I've always wondered if the CPR phrase or the Smooth Criminal line came first.