Dead or alive, which would you rather be?
The choice of being driven slowly and respectfully to the crematorium or fast with blue lights flashing, should be simple.
Unfortunately, fear could make that choice irrelevant.
We all react to events in different ways, and how a bystander reacts could make the difference.
The very definition of an adrenaline response poses the option, “flight or fight”.
Which will it be?
Fear, by the person first on the scene of your cardiac arrest.
Or will they fight for you? Confidently beginning resuscitation and using a defibrillator
In too many instances, the answer is flight, where fear overcomes the ability to help.
In an attempt to confront this fear, we need to consider, what makes you fearful.
Many people worry that they will do more harm than good
Sadly, the fact is, if that person has suffered a cardiac arrest and isn’t breathing – they are DEAD
You cannot harm them.
People also worry about using a defibrillator.
The type of defibrillator available to the public is the automated external defibrillator (AED).
Simply applying the pads to the casualty will start the process of analysis.
It checks for circulation, if there’s a pulse, it will tell you no shock is required and will stop it being delivered.
This is why it’s important you shouldn’t touch the person, if the defib detects your pulse because you’re in contact, it won’t give a shock.
It also tells you when to start CPR and even gives you the correct rate and rhythm as well as when to give rescue breaths.
Why would you be fearful in the words of footballer, Glenn Hoddle
“I never thought I’d be grateful to have seven ribs broken”.
After sound engineer Simon Daniels saved his life with CPR and a defibrillator
If you’d like the confidence to fight rather than flee, learn basic life-saving skills – book now