Tell me are you readily availiable to give CPR if you had too???

my husband was a cpr instructor for many years but we have both let our certifications run out - sadly. I am sure we could both deal with a refresher course to again feel confident that we will know what to do should the need arise. Neither of us has ever had to use our knowledge of CPR in a real life situation. Do not know how we would respond, I am thinking that the mind shuts up and the instinct from rote training takes over and does what needs to be done.

The first time I gave cpr to my daughter i had nightmares for weeks. she got run over by a jetski while standing in shallow water, and has trouble breathing. The Drs would nto address the apnea she got. it became a more frequent event, and I learned that by giving her some parkinson's medicine before sleep, continuous release, that her involuntary muscles do not "forget" to work. with parkinsons everyone sees a cute mannerisim which is not voluntary or get mad when she drop something, but , the real issue is central nervous system not getting proper signals. If I did not know CPR I would not have a child, so I am very very lucky. also it does not have to be performed 100% perfectly, but you really really have to remember to check the airway. because you'll be really scared. If you ever have to do it, give your best shot, and do not give chest compression if there is still a pulse, just do the breathing part. Younger people respond better to CPR and AR (the breathing) and be prepared for person to vomit before, or as, they regain consciousness. It is a fairly simple procedure but you will both be tired. Also be prepared for irritability from your receiver. The giver must drink water and it is normal to feel depressed and scared even if you are successful. If you have nightmares or fears that won't go away, a couple counseling sessions can really help. I learned that from a paramedics message board, they were real helpful the first time it happened. I use a white noise machine or a fan that spins rythmically, because it seemz to help her sleep more normally. finally it wasn't her doctor that helped but "just the nurse" who understood why the sleep lab could not find anything, and got aggressive with the problem. thank God, she finally got a consult for neurology, and they are looking at brain surgery to relieve her parkinsons and seizure symptoms for some years. I hope my answer didn't offend anybody, but it goes to show CPR does save lives, even if you are not perfect at it. Shaky Mom

i had my first aid training back in college, i believe, be in that situation, i'll be able to give cpr, i still remember the basics, you'll never know when you needed it...no,, i have not given cpr to anyone yet, as long as its not my loveone, i guess i'll be able to handle it just fine...

No I don't know CPR. I only know the bits I've seen from tv. Though I think this is something that should be taught in school. We were taught life saving in the pool, so why not CPR?

There were plenty of occasions that I was able to do CPR since I worked with ther rescue unit (ambulance service) for about 13 years. There were occasions that me and my team were able to revive the victim and there were those that eventually did not make it. It is sad to note that here in our country, so many people are still not aware on how to do CPR, so in most cases, when we arrive at the scene, the victim is beyond recovery since the brain cells have obviously damage due to lack of oxygen. I had a little fear when I did CPR since it was the first time. There was a mixture of feelings and questions like, what if the patient is not revive, what if we break some ribs. It is but normal. Now that I am no longer with the ambulance service, I am still very much willing to do CPR if the need arise.... It is such a rewarding thing most especially if the victim is revived.

The medical professionals or non-medical need to undergo training in First AID. There is no hesitant to do CPR if you are confident enough to execute it. But then, before doing so, you need to call for help. Then, proceed in saving lives. It is normal to help other people, if it is really an emergency situation.

Hi there I work in a hospital and we run occasional awareness campaigns where the importance of CPR and its usage among commoners are being taught. Personally speaking, even though I have been part of these but never given one. Practically I am not sound. However I know the theory part of it. Having said this, the importance of CPR lies in practical applications only. I have some excellent educational videos which shows how and when to give CPR and also how to give it to children. In case of kids, we have to use the fingers only. It feels sad though. Thanks.

I admit I can't do it. I had my first training in 2001 about giving CPR and there was a dummy that we had to practice on. Unfortunately, my wrists are not that strong and I couldn't push hard enough to reach the area behind the lungs. I feel bad actually not being able to do it.