Do something beats do nothing.

Can argue stats all day long,just like caliber.

What matters IMO is there are people successfully revived walking among us so I say do it.

Might get lucky with CPR,without it you wont for sure.

When it comes to CPR, I've been trained and really don't care what the stats say. I'd never forgive myself if I didn't try. I use the same rule for CPR as I do for first aid, as long as it's safe for me (and my kids, if I happen to have them with me) I'll do what I can.

That's precisely the way I feel.

Isn't it interesting that we have focused on an aspect of urgent first aid whose application primarily requires skill and training, and very little equipment (essentially none if you know the victim really well). It's what is inside your head that counts; the stuff in the little box can be very useful, but it is not nearly as important as your knowledge.

I would assume most in health care would agree.

I've lost track, but somewhere between 5-10 saves in around 100 arrests. Most were witnessed, in-hospital arrests. In the field, maybe 2.

As for how long you can do CPR, it too varies. One person performing solo, I would assume short times- probably because you get so winded. But I've personally done compressions over 30 minutes. Can't comment on the quality of them towards the end, and it is quite a workout!

I am just glad someone FINALLY mentioned DUCT tape!!! A cornerstone of my first aid kit.
I too agree to get trained get comfortable with your skill set and run some senarios AND of what you would want on hand. I was a W-EMT/ Life Guard while I worked for a youth camp, and the "Golden Hour" will dictate a lot of what you feel is necessary for your kit. Less than an hour from hospital/professional help, vs. hours or days. Communications ("coms") and trip planning becomes critical in extended distances from help.


All good input. Ironwood

Ive seen hour long codes and brought em back....then died in 8 hours,Im not much for extended codes.

As for %,wow,your experience is low,we bring back about what,a third at least witnessed in house codes.

Boy do numbers vary.

As for viable,long term survival after,that number is pretty low for us too.

But some do,so Im still a firm believer you try.

I once did compressions back when the rate was around 70/minute. Guy had a sawn ganz and PA pressures read 40/20 (it was so pretty I had a coworker run a strip of PA and EKG,as pretty as if it was his own heart),and the man did survive,and we didnt do the crushing compressions we do on this latest AHA guidlines.

My point is,no matter how you do it,some times it just works.Does NOT have to be latest text book perfect per guidlines to be effective.

I think the phrase is "First, do no harm".

Sometimes the patient needs a little less of Johnny Hero - sometimes nothing may be better than the best any bystander can do.

If my heart stops I hope bystander Johnny Hero at least tries while 911 is enroute.

I know if your heart stops in front of me and Mrs we will be all over you instantly,not making a judgment call on should we or shouldnt we.

Ive made that call after a code is finished in retrospect,but never to not start short of rigor mortis or do not resuscitate order if someone collapses.

OK,once at an accident scene when the guys brain was all over the road.It was pretty clear he wasnt going to live without a brain,or be revived.

"sometimes nothing may be better than the best any bystander can do."
True, But I'll leave That decision to A. competent medical authority or B. God.