We would like to be able to always ensure the safety of our children. We buy barriers, safety nets, high chairs and the safest cribs. After that, we cross our fingers and we hope to avoid the horror stories that we often hear. What if we knew what to do? What if we did not panic for sole defense when we witness an accident or respiratory arrest with our children or a heart attack or stroke with our parents?
What is relief of choking?
Relief of choking is the clearing of the airways when an object prevents air from passing into the trachea. It could be by food, a toy, the person’s tongue or anything a child can find, like stones or nails.
When the throat is blocked, the person cannot talk or breathe. In general, if the person is conscious, they also hold their throat. Relief of choking techniques can unblock airways, whether the person is conscious or unconscious.
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation occurs when a person is unconscious and when he or she has no pulse or does not breathe. We also talk about cardiac arrest. In CPR, as for relief of choking, the methods used to reanimate babies and adults are not the same.
A person can be in cardiac arrest for many reasons like drowning, heart attack, stroke, overdose, car accident, etc.
Where can I attend courses?
There are three ways to learn CPR and relief of choking: at work, in an agency or at home.
At work
Since according to labor standards, every company must have a certain number of rescuers available, many employers offer training to their employees or, at least, pay a portion of it. If you work for a big company, you may be offered to be the contact person. By accepting, you could save your colleagues but also your family when needed. Other companies periodically offer training session. Check with your employer.
With a certified agency
Several competent agencies offer training such as St-John Ambulance, Canadian Red Cross and Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.
At home
The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada suggests a kit that will teach you basic CPR techniques for adults and children at home and in only 22 minutes. The kit, called CPR anytime, costs $35 and includes a booklet, a DVD, an inflatable mannequin, and accessories.
In case of emergency
If, until then, someone chokes or is unconscious, call 911 immediately to receive instructions to perform minimal manoeuvres until the ambulance arrives.
CNESST and its regulations on minimum first aid standards requires that all employers guarantee that there is, in a workplace or on-site, a minimum number of rescue workers and an efficient First aid service? The ration is about one rescuer per 50 employees but it varies by industry.
Even children can learn!
Up to 55% of all cardiac arrests happen at home in presence of members of the family.
If no witness performs CPR, the chance of survival for a cardiac arrest victim drops from seven to ten percent every minute that passes without CPR.
