The techniques of forced breathing to revive humans have been around in various parts of the world since the 1800s. Midwives and physicians knew of the life-saving benefits of forced breathing in infants. In the 1950s, an American doctor reading about these studies tried the technique on adults in a hospital setting with some success. His colleague, Dr. Peter Safar wrote about these techniques in a book titled,ABCs of Resuscitation in 1957.
This training was used and perfected in hospital settings for many years after the publication of this book. It first became available for training the public in the 1970s. As training classes for the public became more available, the team collaborated with a Norwegian toy company to manufacture the first training model, named Resusci Annie, to enable instructors to offer actual hands-on training.
Today we still use the ABC from that original book to assess a victim: Airway, Breathing and Circulation, but the techniques have undergone slight changes through the years. Though the original technique of tilting the victim’s head, breathing into their open mouth and applying closed chest compressions remains basically intact, many of the finer points of the technique have changed over time. As CPR is used in the field, we are able to gather more and more information about what works and what we can improve upon. For instance, the manner in which we accomplish the head tilt has been changed over the years after it was discovered that the first technique could cause damage to the neck. Also changed over the years is the way we combine the numbers of chest compressions and breaths. There used to be different techniques for a one-man rescue vs. a two-man rescue. A two-man rescue is no longer recommended. We also now have the availability ofCPR and AED (automated external defibrillators) devices in many public places.
As we continue to perfect these life-saving techniques, more people are getting a second chance at life. No doubt medical science will continue to make changes as we gather more information. That’s why it’s so important that you update your CPR skills on a regular basis. We make it easy for you. We come to your facility and tailor a program to fit the needs of your business or organization.
Contact us for more information and to schedule a CPR class custom designed for you.
