Please learn CPR, I did....

[Davenott]

Just over a hour ago, I was on this forum reading posts and had just sent a PM to Staggard, when someone dropped dead outside my house.

I first learnt CPR 25 years ago, and luckily decided to give it a go.

It was pouring with rain, the man was lying in the middle of the road and I was only half dressed and with no shoes.

I had to do CPR for 10 minutes before he started breathing and then he stopped several more times, CPR had to continue when the ambulances arrived so they could use the defibrillator [fun in the rain] I had the satisfaction of seeing him breathing by himself when an hour later the ambulance took him away.

I broke several of the rules for doing CPR, you are meant to stop if you get a mouthful of vomit, also we did compressions Vinnie Jones style/Nellie the Elephant, which is incorrect apparently but I bet the guy and his wife don't care about the rules and protocol. Also heard atleast 1 rib break.

I don't know if the guy will make it, but atleast I can tell his wife I tried my best.

PLEASE WATCH A QUICK YOUTUBE VIDEO OF VINNIE JONES DOING CPR, OR SIMILAR CPR, AND DON'T BE SCARED OF GIVING IT A GO IF THE NEED ARISES. [even if you do it totally wrong you wont make the situation worse] Also consider a course or a refresher course. Also easy to learn how to use a defibrillator like they have in shopping centers, and even if you use it in the rain you will be safe, as I found out.

Dave.

[Stagdad]

Well done Dave,hope it has a happy ending.

Cheers Steve

[milothedog]

Seconded, Learnt first aid and CPR many years a go but have never had cause to use it luckily

Ian.

[stagmuffin]

well done Dave it is a great thing to be able to jump in and help rather than standby and watch whilst unable to do anything I also regularly train for this and have done for 30yrs I think it should form some sort of compulsory work training for youngsters its easier to learn and be open minded when young and then carry it on and pass it on .
well done again it takes guts to jump in like that .
steve

[DJT]

Good man.

I learnt many years ago, with regular refreshers but fortunately never had to use it in earnest. My training did help me recognise when my Father-in-Law was having a heart attack and dial 999. That was 5 years ago and after a quadruple heart bypass he is still playing golf twice a week at 82!

[Jeff]

Pat on the back Dave, it's not an easy thing to do and can be quite scary but as you say, it's even worse to do nothing and if you do break a rib or two, you know you are doing it right as you need to compress the chest to press the heart, as you know.

Annoys me to the hilt when on tv they bang the chest and bend their arms doing absolutely no good at all, but of course they are only acting.

Well done (and that's not being patronising).

Jeff.

[Tonyw]

Well done Dave you should be proud of your self, I takes brave person to take control and attempt it.
I was thought many years ago at college, as an apprentice electrician, but really should have an update so will take your advice and look into a refresher!
Tony

[joel h]

well done Dave. have a stiff drink if you havent done by now.
it must take some nerve to jump in like that. good man.
joel.

[Ian Durrant]

That's one Lucky man, Well done Dave!

[Goldstar]

Great work Dave, I too learned years ago (in the RAF) and had a refresher every year but have luckily not needed to use it. Would like to think I would be as gutsy as you and dive in, hope I never need to find out though. Congratulations I hope the guy pulls through.

[KOY 23]

Dave.
Thats great, please will you sit near me at our monthly meetings.

[Jeff]

Dave.
Thats great, please will you sit near me at our monthly meetings.

[Hettiherald]

Well done you!
I spent the last 27 years wishing more people would have a go. That is because as a paramedic i would regularly turn up at a cardiac arrest and no one would be doing anything, so wouldn't have a hope in hell of a successful resus. All i can say is thanks for your hard work, and Don't be put off if you don't hear anything back from the family, they have a lot on their plate at the moment.
As for the the rest of you lot out ther, look on the app store for Lifesaver, its from the resuscitation council and british heart association a great way of learning a bit, and who knows, it may be you who needs the skill used on you!!!
Any one who lives in the north yorkshire / darlington area who would like a free lesson, give me a shout!
Happy new year to you all
Dave

[Guest]

That's brilliant Dave, hope the guy makes it. You should feel proud of yourself.

Jason

[milothedog]

Dave.
Thats great, please will you sit near me at our monthly meetings.

Without intending to detract from Dave's amazing actions, this is an example of the kind of humor that is being lost on here.

Sorry Dave, just needed to say that. You are an inspiration to us all, and I only hope that I would do the same if I found myself in such a situation.

If ever we meet I would like to buy you a beer.

Ian.