Sabah Medical Association to teach 'Hands only CPR' to the public
Published on: Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Medical Association (Sama) has resolved to undertake a noble mission in order to save more lives by introducing and teaching "Hands only CPR" to the public this year and next year."It is hoped that eventually the local community would become CPR-savvy, like that of Seattle, Washington, USA. In Seattle, if anyone collapses in a public place, he is very likely to get CPR from a stranger," said its President, Dr. Lily Ng Mooi Hang.
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The anaesthesiologist explained that CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a procedure a person can use to assist another person who is in cardiac arrest i.e. when his heart has stopped beating."Hands only CPR is CPR without mouth to mouth breathing. Anyone unable or unwilling to carry out "the kiss of life" for fear of contracting infection, can do this for "out of hospital" cardiac arrests in parks, shopping centres, and workplaces," she said in a statement here, on Monday.She went on to note that all over the world, majority of people who collapse in public places seldom get any CPR at all.Mouth to mouth breathing, however, requires skill to ensure a clear unobstructed airway and a good seal at the mouth. This may take more time to the detriment of the victim. Immediate CPR saves lives and can more than double a person's chances of survival.
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Hence, to encourage an increase in bystander CPR, Hands only CPR is simple, uncomplicated, easy to follow and can be used by anyone."Hands only CPR has been found to be as effective as conventional CPR (which includes mouth to mouth breathing) in the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest.
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"This is because firstly the lungs and blood still contain oxygen at the time of the arrest, and secondly less oxygen is required during the arrest. Thirdly, interrupting chest compressions to carry out mouth to mouth breathing is equivalent to interrupting the temporary restoration of blood flow to vital organs like brain and heart. Therefore that can offset the benefit of the additional oxygen. However, a person trained to carry out conventional CPR can continue to do so, if he is willing," she explained.While noting that Hands only CPR can be used on any adult who collapses suddenly, Dr Ng nonetheless acknowledged that there are cases where it is not recommended. This includes those who are found unconscious and not breathing, or who collapsed due to breathing problems which require conventional CPR."Hands Only technique is also not suitable for babies and small children, victims of drowning, drug overdose or carbon monoxide poisoning. Mouth to mouth breathing or better still using a bag, valve and mask device to deliver oxygen is required in these situations," she added. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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