There has never been a better time to learn CPR. Take a moment to read the top 5 reasons why you should learn this basic life-saving skill.
The team at the clinic taking our annual ACLS training, given by the Heart and Stroke Foundation
1. Cardiac Arrest affects many people.
Cardiac arrest is when the heart suddenly stops beating normally and cannot circulate blood effectively. It is not the same as a heart attack, although a heart attack can lead to cardiac arrest. Other causes can include heart disease, trauma, electrocution, drowning and respiratory distress. In fact, approximately 40,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest in Canada every year.
2. You can save the life of someone you love.
The vast majority of cardiac arrest, 80%, occur in the home. The person you would most likely be performing CPR on is a family member or friend. Only about 10% of people who have an acute cardiac arrest at home or in a public place (not a medical facility) will survive, but that number doubles with immediate action.
Chami and Dawn practicing chest compressions while using the defibrillator.
3. You don’t have to perform mouth to mouth.
Most people wouldn’t be comfortable with the mouth to mouth part of CPR, particularly if the victim is a stranger. But good news: studies show that chest compressions alone have a similar outcome to traditional CPR that includes mouth breathing.
4.CPR is easy to learn.
Many people think that this life saving skill is a difficult one to learn. Not so! CPR is remarkably simple to learn and do. Usually a single lesson is enough to be effective. Courses are available all over the country. We at Downtown Montreal Dentistry regularly take the Heart and Stroke Foundation course.
Kim and Laurie, two of our fantastic hygienists, demonstrating the use of the bag-valve in rescue breathing.
5. You’ll Feel Confident in An Emergency
Emergencies always seem to occur at the most unexpected times, and they have a way of making you feel helpless and confused. When you complete CPR training, you will have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform CPR in an emergency situation. You’ll also have the confidence you need to make good decisions and do everything possible to help.
CPR mannequins, ready for training!
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At Downtown Montreal Dentistry, we take our life saving training very seriously. We are all certified in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support for medical professionals, from Dr. Seminara, to the hygienists and assistants, as well as our secretary. We also have a robust medical emergency protocol and supply centre, including a defibrillator, so we can be prepared to intervene in any potential medical emergency. Having done the courses and seeing the potential benefits of them, we would strongly encourage everyone to get trained. You never know who’s life you might save.