CPR instructor Leonora Cox with children Charles and Rhiannon. Leonora says many of her clients believe the new CPR guidelines are much easier to remember and practise.By Callan Date
ANY attempt at resuscitation is better than no attempt.
That is the catchline of the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) that is resonating with many local residents who have been following the ongoing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) campaign in the Gazette.
Remembering and administering the vital skill has also been made much easier since ARC introduced simpler guidelines for people to follow earlier this year.
Certified CPR trainer and Pakenham Upper resident Leonora Cox said the new measures had made training a lot less complicated and enabled people to have more confidence when performing the lifesaving measure.
“Everyone I have taught under the new format has said how much easier it is to remember over the old way,” she said.
Ms Cox said the old CPR method involved different compressions for older and younger people and the ratio also changed depending on how many people were helping the victim.
The guidelines also say that checking for a pulse is also no longer part of the recommended CPR steps.
Ms Cox’s business, CPR for Life, provides firstaid training to a range of community groups and businesses in the Cardinia area.
Childcare workers make up a large portion of participants at Ms Cox’s courses along with teachers and swimming instructors.
“There is a sound medical basis in which these changes have been made and there is no doubt CPR is now a lot easier to learn.”
Officials at Pakenham Red Cross are also spreading the CPR message by running specifically designed classes for residents wanting to just learn CPR skills.
The Pakenham Red Cross CPR training will take place on 31 July, 3 August, 7 August and 10 August between 6pm and 10pm.
Sessions will cost $55 and participants will receive a nationally recognised CPR certificate on completion.
Bookings can be made by calling 1300 367 428.
