WTF?

www.theonion.com/infograph/ (http://www.theonion.com/infograph/)

Of course the seven alternatives are bullshit and nothing but bullshit. It's a parody. But is the parody based on reality, or is the whole thing a big blow in the air? I mean, are there doctors reccomending against mouth-to-mouth CPR now?

Just want to know...

My guess is it's a comparison to the "new math" being pushed in some schools today, although I don't have firsthand experience with it so I'm not really sure. It has become something of a joke to many people.

"Whole Math: The current revolution in mathematics curriculum, akin to the Whole Language experiment, that emphasizes group discussion, essays, calculators and guessing and de-emphasizes basic skills and direct instruction." (I guess "Whole Math" is what they're calling it these days?)

Random link from google:
mathematicallycorrect.com/what.htm (http://mathematicallycorrect.com/what.htm)

Of course I could also be completely missing the point of the thing from the Onion. :P

i guess but i dunno.

The whole CPr thing to me has been the same as it always has been. I have relatives in the medical field who every year have to go throuh CPR and some ACLS to be up to date and stay in the game so to speak. So i guess but i dont know what exactly yer asking.

Well I have had a CPR course within the past year and they still teach mouth-to-mouth, at least where I am. But I do remember and admonition of some sort about incorrect mouth-to-mouth being worse than no mouth-to-mouth at all. *shrug*

Master Damoiel Mindbend
Retired Enchanter of the 60th Season

Mouth to mouth has been discouraged since the AIDs scare came up, and people started becoming more aware of blood borne nasties. A lot of health care workers, lifeguards, etc. carry plastic masks now that seal over the victims face and you blow into a little tube on top of it.

Of course, if you don't have your mask with you, then as far as I know mouth to mouth is still the only resort.

Most of the jokes in that read like they're making more fun of movies, than anything else. /shrug


-Kanyli

American Heart Association: Education in Resuscitation (http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/108/20/2575)

Unexpected cardiac arrest is a major cause of premature death in industrialized countries. The potential value of bystander CPR, which can reduce mortality by one half in appropriate settings, is therefore of considerable importance. Yet in most countries, little effort has been given to making CPR a universal skill. The major efforts that have been made have largely come through voluntary organizations rather than government or healthcare agencies.

Didn't read through everything, but I heard the same thing on the news a few days ago, that CPR was bad that is.

//Izola

Basically, direct mouth to mouth is a bad idea with someone you don't know because they could have any number of diseases, Hepatitus A, B, etc.

So, someone invented a little mask that goes over the person's face and has a one way valve so you can give them air without compromising your own safety.

However in every course I've been through as a Combat Medic/EMT they have told us, if you don't have a mask, you should do it "the old fashioned way" anyways, and use bare mouth to mouth.

But if for whatever reason you still feel it would be too great a danger to yourself the AHA sugests at the very least providing Chest compressions (in a CPR) setting because it will still help.

anyone who has taken an EMT type course will tell you, if nothing else, personal safety comes first, which would obviously include body substance isolation.

I am currently taking the EMT-B and the new guidlines are Mouth to Mask. Mouth to Mouth is discouraged . Our safety is considered first priority then the patient's.

Yep, but they say as well don't let the patient die if you forgot yours.

Short answer is, CPR is a good thing there is no reason it shouldn't be done if a situation requires it. You should always use some sort of protection for yourself if at all possible, but don't let someone die just because you weren't prepared.

There are numerous types of protective masks out there, some even small enough to fit on your keychain, their effectiveness is somewhat questionable but they will keep you safe. I'd suggest carrying one for anyone who is qualified to give CPR, as you never know when you might need it.

That and I think everyone ought to be taught proper CPR, buts thats a whole different soap box.

I keep two pocket masks with one-way valves...one in a bag I use if I go anywhere where I need to carry a bag (like class/work), and another I keep in my car at all times along with first aid crap (gloves etc).

They cost about $11 each at medical supply stores.

I carry a pocket mask with a one way valve along with alcohal wipes and non latex gloves in my truck. I don't likre the key chain ones. Once I finish thge course then I will buy a jump bag with all the bells and whistles :) .

CPR isnt being discouraged at all. Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation. That basically means that you're breathing for someone if needed and making their heart pump blood. Mouth to Mouth is being discouraged, of course, and I dont know of anyone in the medical profession that would actually do mouth to mouth on strangers at all due to what they've seen on the job.

Basic CPR covers all the basics of airway control, chest compressions, rescue breaths, drowning implications, spinal security, etc. ACLS , Advanced Cardiac Life Support, is more in depth, involving Intubation (placing a breathing tube), cardiac drugs, external cardiac pacemakers, defibrillation (heart shock), etc etc. All of these things are considered "CPR".

I personally carry an Ambu Bag behind the seat of my truck, but being a Respiratory Therapist, I much prefer intubation =)

~Buntuk