139- CPR Recertification

As a doctor I need to renew my CPR certification every two years... and what a difference two years makes. the protocols have changed considerable and required me to reconnect brain cells. For so many years CPR was never changing... and then lately it seems it changes every time I take the course. Now the be emphasis is on chest compressions, blood circulation, shocking the heart with electricity and prompt activation of the EMS 9-1-1 system. Instead of the A-B-Cs it is now C-A-B.

For those that haven't had CPR recently the big push for a heart attack victim that doesn't have a pulse is to immediately call 9-1-1 and then doing 2 minutes of chest compressions to circulate the blood. The prompt arrival of an ambulance or an AED (automated external defibrillator) is key.

So I'm re-certified and good for another two years. As a dentist I have had to do CPR about 11 times (8 in dental school, 2 in the Navy and once on my daughter). Yes. I saved my daughter's life- but the others were too far gone or too injured to bring back. I am glad to have been a CPR instructor in years past and appreciate all the American Heart Association has done to help save lives through revamping and improving the CPR protocol.