Regarding the CPR, one of the primary reasons for changing the procedures in 2005 was to lessen the rate of inaction caused by things like fearing a suit for doing it incorrectly. The new techniques are not necessarily medically better, but they're easier to remember and thus more likely to be used.
Excerpt from: The 2005 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR)
The most important determinant of survival
from sudden cardiac arrest is the presence of a
trained lay rescuer who is ready, willing, able,
and equipped to act. Although some advanced life
support techniques may improve survival, these
improvements are usually less significant than the
increased survival rates reported by lay rescuer CPR
and automated external defibrillation programs in
the community. Thus, our greatest challenge
remains the education of the lay rescuer. We must
increase the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction,
improve skills retention, and reduce barriers
to action for both basic and advanced life support
providers.
Resuscitation (2005) 67, 1.e1—1.e30
Download at: ERC European Resuscitation Council
The barriers mentioned are the various reasons previously trained laypersons do not act. So my point is (I'm getting there <g>), toss out the fear of suit (except for those of you insured professionals) and help out. I think we all agree, the person's likely a gonner if we stand back 'cause our card's expired. I'll risk the suit and, in the spirit of the 2005 concensus, encourage everyone else to do the same. If my heart stops ticking, I pray someone - regardless of how long it's been since they learned - keeps my juice flowing until real help arrives.
BTW, if I recall correctly, the lawyer who sued for the lost pants lost his shirt (so to speak
) when the judge slapped him with a huge bill for wasting the court's time.
Excerpt from: The 2005 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science with Treatment Recommendations (CoSTR)
The most important determinant of survival
from sudden cardiac arrest is the presence of a
trained lay rescuer who is ready, willing, able,
and equipped to act. Although some advanced life
support techniques may improve survival, these
improvements are usually less significant than the
increased survival rates reported by lay rescuer CPR
and automated external defibrillation programs in
the community. Thus, our greatest challenge
remains the education of the lay rescuer. We must
increase the effectiveness and efficiency of instruction,
improve skills retention, and reduce barriers
to action for both basic and advanced life support
providers.
Resuscitation (2005) 67, 1.e1—1.e30
Download at: ERC European Resuscitation Council
The barriers mentioned are the various reasons previously trained laypersons do not act. So my point is (I'm getting there <g>), toss out the fear of suit (except for those of you insured professionals) and help out. I think we all agree, the person's likely a gonner if we stand back 'cause our card's expired. I'll risk the suit and, in the spirit of the 2005 concensus, encourage everyone else to do the same. If my heart stops ticking, I pray someone - regardless of how long it's been since they learned - keeps my juice flowing until real help arrives.
BTW, if I recall correctly, the lawyer who sued for the lost pants lost his shirt (so to speak
) when the judge slapped him with a huge bill for wasting the court's time.
