CPR

SUMMARY

Are you prepared to help in a real and very common crisis—one that could happen at any time? Do you know how to correctly perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. A heart attack occurs when blood supply to a part of the heart is blocked. More than 800,000 people had a heart attack last year alone. Many heart attack victims develop symptoms outside of a hospital environment, making it important to recognize symptoms of a heart attack and be prepared to respond. A heart attack is one of the most common causes of cardiac arrest. Performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible greatly increases the chance of someone surviving cardiac arrest. Everyone should learn these lifesaving techniques.

GENERAL INFORMATION

When heart attack symptoms strike, beginning treatment as soon as possible gives a person the best chance of survival. Recognizing the signs and symptoms are important in getting early care. Possible symptoms include:

• Severe chest or left arm pain
• Jaw pain
• Profuse sweating
• Gray or ashen skin color
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Indigestion that does not go away

There are other symptoms that can indicate an impending heart attack that you will learn during a CPR/AED course.

Of course, it is best to identify those who might be at risk for cardiac events before leaving for a campout or other event by reviewing their Annual Health and Medical Record (AHMR) and ensuring they have discussed their risk with their health-care provider beforehand.

While the steps for performing CPR are not difficult, and AEDs are designed so that anyone can use them, taking a course is the best way to learn and practice performing CPR and using an AED. Hands-only CPR (doing chest compressions without providing mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths) is a valuable tool if you do not have a face shield. Remember to call for help (911 or advanced care or even bystanders) and use an AED, if available, every time you respond.

COURSES

The BSA recommends taking courses from nationally accredited organizations that cover rescue breathing as part of the curriculum. These include the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and Emergency Care & Safety Institute.

For information regarding courses offered locally, contact your local council, fire department, hospital, or school district, or one of the organizations mentioned above. Online courses through nationally recognized organizations are an acceptable way to learn CPR. However, they must include a practical hands-on component that can be tested by a certified instructor in order to meet the requirements of the BSA.

The BSA strongly recommends that all adult leaders and youth capable of performing CPR properly be trained through a nationally accredited organization. Although certification is not always required for rank advancement and merit badges, it is helpful. Certification as a CPR/AED provider typically lasts two years and is required for some courses such as wilderness first aid.

RESOURCES