Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/40026
32 • SEPTEMBER 2011 • WORLD FENCE NEWS This month, I have been asked to present some thoughts on cardiopul- monary resuscitation (CPR) and its importance to you and your loved ones, as well as to your co-workers (and even strangers for that matter). Let me share some background in- formation to help set the tone for our discussion: CPR has been around for quite some time. Methods to help peo- ple stay alive through resuscitation date back to the 18th Century, but two doctors successfully developed the process called CPR in 1954. Teaching CPR can buy time when it's needed the most THE HUMAN LINK by Jim Lucci Management Motivational Associates it to the public began in the 1970s. CPR was developed around the med- ical concept that is known as "the ABCs," which stands for Airway, Breathing and Circulation. These three aspects of a human's condition deter- LOGICAL DECISIONS, INC * 9, 6, & 11 GAUGE PREFORMED STEEL * 1 5/8 ", 1 7/8", 2 3/8", 3", & 4" * CORRECTIONAL & MILITARY APPROVED * GALVANIZED, ALUMINIZED, VINYL COATED, & STAINLESS STEEL 800-676-5537 www.LDI.com 225-274-1115 mine if CPR is necessary. In 2010 the guidelines published by the American Heart Association (AHA) changed this for the first time to CAB: Circulation, Airway and Breathing. Today, it is taught that one performs CPR when a victim is un- conscious and not breathing. Formerly, the pulse was checked to go along with these components; this is no longer the case. (By the way, please take my comments here simply for educational purposes; they are certainly not in- tended to be medical advice. That's where the experts come in!) It is significant that everyone know CPR in order to save lives; it is essential to physically create the cir- culation of oxygenated blood to the brain, as brain damage can occur within 4 to 6 minutes and brain death in 10 minutes when a person stops breathing and the heart stops beating. CPR buys time until emergency medical personnel can arrive and life- saving measures can be initiated. Today's primary causes of mortal- ity are myocardial infarctions and heart disease. According to the Amer- ican Heart Association, more than 330,000 deaths occur each year from heart attacks, but over 200,000 victims could be saved if everyone knew CPR. When the heart stops beating and the victim stops breathing, due to a disturbance in the heart's electrical rhythm or ventricular fibrillations, the patient/victim's heart requires defibril- lation either from an automated exter- nal defibrillator or manually through the correct application of CPR. Statistics show that 70% of heart attacks occur in the home. A family member could possibly be there to as- sist, if they had expertise or minimal CPR training. At this point, let me be clear: CPR is a physical process. It is often ex- hausting for the person performing it. However, it is a skill that anyone can and should learn. Rather than describing the process in detail, instead let me refer you to the web site of the American Red Cross, where you'll find a thorough descrip- tion, which is available, in the various publications. Visit the American Red continued on page 34 Isn't It Time to Put the Strength of the Gorilla to Work for Your Business? Fast Installation, Water-Shedding Design- and Now ICC Compliant... From its patented interlocking design to its incredible water-shedding technology, nothing beats the durability and strength of a Gorilla Deck® by Homeland Vinyl Products™. Now, both our Gorilla Decks and six railing styles are ICC compliant making them one of the most attractive decking systems in the industry today to sell and install. Call now and add the strength of a Gorilla to your business - Gorilla Decks feature: • UV stabilized vinyl • Strong interlocking design • Unique water-shedding surface • Concealed fasteners • Easy and fast installation Phone: 205-854-4330 MEMBER Patent No. 6,324,796 Toll Free: 800-999-6813 Fax: 205-854-3677 www.homelandvinyl.com VINYL FENCE, DECK AND RAILING MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION A Division of the American Fence Association no w f eaturing ICC compliance (ESR-1657, 2003 IBC and IRC).