About a month ago, my newborn grandson had to be hospitalized for four days. It was such a frightening time for our family. Just before he was released, his mom and dad attended a CPR class that was given in the hospital. I knew then that I wanted to take the class, too. I had actually taken CPR training a few times in the past, but it had been a a while....and I knew I needed a refresher.
When I spoke with some friends about my desire to take the class one of them also expressed an interest.
So, I got on the phone and located a class that was being given to a group of child care providers---they let Mary Ann and I in the class, too.
As we entered the classroom, we saw our BLUE FRIENDS waiting for us.
This two-hour class, which was sponsored by The American Heart Association, taught cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants to adults.
Two nurses led the class. We received video presentations, followed by discussions, then lots of practice on our BLUE FRIENDS. At the end of each target age group, we demonstrated our understanding of the CPR procedure on our BLUE FRIEND for our instructor.....then we were "checked off" on our sheets as having passed that particular level.
Mary Ann is pictured with our BLUE FRIEND----- she and I had to share it for the class because there were 43 students and only about 20 manikins.
Here I am with the BLUE FRIEND. Sharing the manikin for the testing was OK because they gave us our very own "barrier" to place over its mouth. So, there was no germy stuff going on---just some great CPR practice.
Here I am pretending to give chest compressions . You can see the barrier that is placed over BLUE FRIEND'S face. If I had really been doing the compressions, I would have been pushing straight down each time (about 1 and 1/2 to 2 inches), then letting the chest come back to its normal position, before pushing down again. This is really tiring if you're doing the rapid and deep compressions (in sets of 30), followed by two breaths into the mouth, then repeating with the 30 compressions and 2 breaths- - - over and over . Actually, I have weak wrists, and I could certainly "feel" the pressure in them after awhile. However, I'm very certain, that if I was in a situation where someone's life depended on me making those rapid and deep compressions many, many times---I wouldn't be thinking about my wrists.
An unexpected surprise in the class was "snack time".
It takes so little to make us happy!!!
After our snacks, we came to the age level I was the most interested in----the infant and young child. However, I will tell you, it was very hard for me to actually see the little baby manikins.....after our scare with our little Grand Boy. Yet, he and my 3 year old Grand Girl were the motivation for getting me to this class.
Once I saw the video of the CPR process for the tiny size and actually had hands on practice, I felt a lot more comfortable.
As the evening progressed, we demonstrated our knowledge of the CPR process for all age groups. Happily, we received our certifications and were sent home feeling better about our understanding and ability to help someone in a crisis.
I pray I don't ever have to use my skills, but I feel very certain that I wouldn't hesitate to try to help someone in distress.
THE STONE RABBIT said he was very happy I had taken the CPR training. Then he asked if he could read the book that I had received from the class. . . . .just to make certain he had an idea of what to do in case one of his yard buddies ever needed help.
That rabbit always tries to be prepared.
Please visit SMILING SALLY for more Blue Monday links!!!
DANA
