Caption: ASCC SEEDS students Daystar Parker, Milton Manase and Pita Gurr demonstrate their CPR skills. (Courtesy Photo)

CPR, a combination of simulating the breathing of the lungs and the pumping of the heart, consists of two parts: Rescue Breathing and Chest Compressions. In Rescue Breathing, you exhale air from your lungs into the victim's lungs, so they can absorb oxygen. During a Chest Compression, you manually compress the heart by pressing down on the chest. When you let up on the chest, the heart expands. By compressing and expanding the heart, the blood should begin to once again flow through it.
The CPR and First-Aid learning sessions utilized Practice-While-Watching techniques, during which students practiced adult and/or child CPR and First-Aid skills as a video and instructor guided them through the necessary procedures. This method of CPR instruction increases CPR practice time, and research has proven its effectiveness when used to teach lifesaving CPR skills. Knowing how to give CPR can double a victim's chance of survival by maintaining vital blood flow to the heart and brain until the patient can receive more advanced care.

CPR does not guarantee the revival of an unconscious victim, but can keep oxygen flowing to his/her brain until a way to revive the victim is ready. During attempts at revival, the AED can be used to administer an electric shock through the chest wall to the heart. Built-in computers assess the patient’s heart rhythm, judge whether defibrillation is needed, and if necessary administer the shock. The AED strengthen a victim’s chances of survival by restoring a normal heart rhythm.

SEEDS student Daystar Parker commented, “Hopefully I will never have to use my new skills but if I need to I am prepared to save a life.” American Heart Association instructor Jessica Tauiautusa stated that, “CPR can be just as vital as learning how to swim, or use self defense. Each of these skills can be used in everyday situations to help elongate life.”

For more information on gaining CPR, First Aid and AED certification, contact our local American Heart Association or American Red Cross. 

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