CPR Instructions

Posted by Gary O'Rielly on Aug 23, 2016
 
Dave Petersen, Lake Stevens Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Officer and Assistant Fire Marshal was our program this past week. Dave taught the group all of the techniques used in conducting CPR on a person. The most important aspect of CPR is the hands only technique. This area has the highest save rate for CPR in the nation. Harborview Medical Center in Seattle initiated the process in the early 70's. Several members of the Lake Stevens Fire have gone through the intense paramedic training at Harborview.
 
 
 
Training is done on a mannequin which Dave brought with him. James participated in the demonstration. You need to compress the chest by at least 2 inches.Compress at least 120 times per minute. Let the chest rise completely before pushing down again. Be alert. If you see someone fall, check his pulse. If no pulse, immediately start compressions. Two minutes of CPR is normal for EMS. 
 
Dave showed us a AED (Automated External Defibrillator). AED's cost around $2,500 but the large ones used by the fire department paramedics cost around $15,000. Dave mentioned that CPR classes are coming to a fire station near us in the near future. Dave showed us his traveling suit case that he carries along with the contents.
 
This was a very informative presentation and the members asked a lot of questions after the meeting. Dave joined Lake Stevens Fire in 2009. Last year he went through the promotional duties necessary to become the Risk Reduction Officer and Assistant Fire Marshal.