The first rule of first aid – anything is better than nothing! This is what Dr. Andrzej Nabzdyk, an emergency medicine specialist, advises in the podcast CO NA TO SZWÓJ DOKARZ. Following specific instructions can save someone's life. It's also important to call 112 for help as soon as possible.
"Accidents? They happen to others, not to me." How many times have we heard this sentence, and even if we don't say it ourselves, we subconsciously believe that this is the case. However, statistics say otherwise, sudden events happen often and potentially can happen to anyone. About 90 Poles die every day due to sudden cardiac arrest. Many deaths can be avoided by quick resuscitation. That is why it is worth finding a moment to update your first aid knowledge.
Thirty chest compressions with two breaths – this is the basic parameter that has been used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation until now. The latest guidelines state that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation can be omitted. If the victim is unconscious and not breathing, two things are most important: call an ambulance as soon as possible and begin chest compressions. Chest compressions should be performed at a rate of 100-120 times per minute, to a depth of 5-6 centimeters.
– Let’s not be afraid to make a mistake, any help is better than none – notes Dr. Andrzej Nabzdyk. – By the way, let's stay in touch with the ambulance dispatcher at all times, who we should have in speaker mode. He will instruct us and tone down strong emotions if necessary – the doctor concludes.
If the injured person is a child, we perform 15 chest compressions and two breaths. The cardiac massage should continue until the injured person regains consciousness or an ambulance arrives. If we provide assistance during a road accident, after calling the appropriate services to the scene, we should take care of our own safety by properly securing the scene of the accident.
All episodes of the CO NA TO WYJ DOKARZ podcast dedicated to emergency procedures can be found in the FIRST AID playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLu_xrL8xu9zIs35Tls0cB_Bdkh8eqX3xi