Learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly called CPR, is one of the most valuable skills anyone can learn because it can save a life.
Few people know that there are two main types of CPR: hands-only CPR and conventional CPR.
Hands-only CPR is the practice of continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) due to safety concerns for both the patient and the person performing CPR.
Conventional CPR – that which we are likely to see on television programmes and movies – involves a cycle of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths.
But it isn’t as easy as it looks. Knowing exactly where to place your hands, how much pressure to apply and the tempo of the compressions is vital.
If you are keen to learn this important life-saving skill, diarise 16 October, marked annually as World Restart a Heart Day.
SafeBeat Training Co, a local company that provides various types of CPR training, will host a special event at the Whale Coast Mall to promote awareness of the importance of learning to perform CPR.
Training director Madelein Swarts says SafeBeat Training Co has joined first responders such as the Overstrand Fire and Rescue Services, law enforcement and traffic units, local ambulance services, the National Sea Rescue Institute’s Hermanus base, and 7202-SA to present an educational yet interactive and fun-filled day.
“The highlight of the day will be the CPR marathon in which participants from different teams will each get two minutes to do compressions. The aim is to do 1 000 minutes, that is why we need more participants,” Swarts says.
Bradley Grootboom of the Hawston-based, non-profit organisation, 7202 SA, explains that they will invite local schools to participate to reach their goal of at least 500 participants.
The event will be held from 09:00 to 15:00 in the foyer in front of Dis-Chem and Woolworths at Whale Coast Mall.
Safebeat Training Co offers CPR training to businesses, sport clubs and organisations, as well as individuals, while 7202 SA offers swimming lessons and water safety awareness programmes.
Visit the SafeBeat Training Co Facebook page, www.safebeat.live or email madelein@safebeat.live to learn about the various CPR training and first aid courses offered.
To learn more about 7202 SA and the swimming and rescue skills courses available, visit the Facebook page or send an email to hawston7202sa@gmail.com
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