Actual CPR or Movie CPR

In today’s world there are two types of CPR. There is a actual cardiac arrest event that first aiders face and movie CPR. Movie CPR only causes confusion on your view of CPR.

In a cardiac arrest situation, what you are effectively trying to achieve is to buy some time until medical professionals or a defibrillator arrives at the scene. The theory behind chest compressions is that the chest acts to artificially pump the heart, pushing blood around the body and providing oxygen to vital organs, especially the brain.

In this COVID-19 world, unless you have resuscitation masks, compressions only CPR is recommended however the rescue breaths can also be beneficial to the casualty. It’s important to note, however, that chest compressions are not capable of “restarting” a heart that has stopped beating. For that, you are going to need a defibrillator. Having workplace defibrillators is so important for enabling a quick response by first aiders.

In movie CPR, nothing is off limits, in terms of what is possible to achieve. It’s often referred to as poetic licence. The unrealistic demonstrations and outcomes cloud the public’s perception of what to expect when cardiac arrest happens. There is sometimes some anxiety following the CPR attempt because in the movies the casualty is leaving the hospital that day and back at work. Perceptions are important to recognise as this is movie CPR and not reality after an actual cardiac arrest.

It’s important in a first aid course to learn the basics of CPR and understand that the two different CPR responses – and one is movie CPR where anything is possible but in reality, does not occur. The basics save lives.

CPR does save lives and early defibrillation is almost essential for good outcomes. First aid teaches us to seek help quickly and know where the closest defibrillator is. First aid knowledge is essential in this quickly evolving world. We are here to help you. You can find our public first aid courses by following this link.

If you would like to complete a First aid Course, please contact Dawn on 0417 854 274 or send an email to info@talksmarttraining.com.au