By J. A. Young
Las Vegas firefighters are garnering increased attention for their hands-only CPR training. As one of the locales leading the way for cardiac arrest survival rates, Las Vegas is approaching incredible 25% survival numbers and even has its sights set on reaching 50%. The hands-only CPR approach is appealing to many who might have reservations about doing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The positive numbers do not, however, appear to reflect the element of chance; Las Vegas firefighters have made it their goal to increase CPR training and to improve people’s chance for survival.
Short and Simple
One of the hallmarks of the Las Vegas Firefighters’ program is that is easy. The hands-only technique is not overly difficult for people to learn. Moreover, the instruction can be achieved in a mere matter of minutes. The program is also free which makes it easier to promote to community residents. Many people are happy and even grateful to have the opportunity to learn the life-saving techniques so quickly and at no cost. The firefighters are hoping to bring their training to increasing numbers of people. So far their efforts have been rewarded with those increased survival rates.
Hands-Only CPR
Sometimes referred to as ‘compression-only’ CPR, this technique is gaining in popularity around the country but especially in urban areas. Hands-only can be a viable form of CPR, especially where emergency responses tend to be quick. In more remote places, compression and mouth-to-mouth CPR increases people’s chance for survival. The hands-only form of CPR can save a life and preserve good neurological (brain) function when properly conducted. The firefighters have also designed an app to accompany the training that users may refer to for information. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, the app “notifies those trained in the use of CPR and the operation of the Automatic External Defibrillator when they are within 200 yards of a cardiac emergency that has been called into the fire department.” The app can also tell people where the nearest public AED is in reference to the incident site. (reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/john-l-smith/las-vegas-firefighters-lead-way-cpr-training)
Innovative Approaches to CPR Training
CPR is getting more attention throughout the U.S. For this reason, training programs like the Las Vegas Firefighter program are getting national recognition and making a difference in people’s lives. The hands-on only form of CPR is gaining considerable popularity as a viable form of the techniques. Also the public placement of AEDs is also part of the overall push for more CPR resources. Some states are simply pushing CPR training as a requirement for students. In this way, states will produce generations that have the necessary training. In states like Virginia, high school students must become certified to perform CPR before graduating. Other nations are also considering similar mandates. In Denmark, teen drivers cannot obtain a driver’s license until they complete CPR training.
With so many fine approaches to CPR training underway, many hope that more people will survive cardiac arrest episodes. Studies are now underway to determine which programs show the most promise. People can help this national effort, of course, simply by signing up for CPR training in their own communities.
