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The Dark Side of CPR

EMT classes are full of "what ifs"
Field medicine is not cut and dried and there are so many variables
Say you are the only one in a mass capsize incident
You are fine but in the water
There are bodies sunbmerging
There are screaming people
What do you do?
 
YC - I believe protocol is to save self first, then survey the scene for obvious hazards and for useful tools to assist rescues. Discover if others or bystanders who are uninjured and able can assist or go for help. Triage survivors, save those who are saveable within your ability/training and do so only by not further excessively endangering yourself.
 
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In my experience, someone with a DNR order is not likely to be in a wilderness setting. At least in Florida a DNR order is only permitted when the patient has a terminal condition.

In Florida, the DNR is posted on the refrigerator in the home and First Responders know to look there. If there is a valid DNR posted, they will not do CPR.

It‘s really important to have a living will and make sure your family knows what it is and where it is. Make sure your family or other person knows your preferences for extended life treatments. Some people want every possible thing done and others don’t.

It‘s a tough thing to think about and talk about. And yes, I have one and so does my husband.
 
Erica said:
It‘s a tough thing to think about and talk about. And yes, I have one and so does my husband.
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We have a living will as well. Unfortunately, in most situations we'll still be subject to the normal protocols of a "medical emergency" and could easily end up in a long-term hospital stay / nursing home bed. Not my preference. I'll leave it at that.

Woodpuppy said:
Why am I not surprised NPR would push something like this.
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What's NPR got to do with it?

I learned about it from the EMT's that taught a CPR refresher course. This information has been around for years but very few people want to hear about it.
 
Woodpuppy said:
Why am I not surprised NPR would push something like this.
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Maybe because it is true ?? My entire family is medics or ER nurses and have been since 1975. Its a shock to lay people.

DNR and DNI is in my will. So it at least in Maine its a part of most peoples will , and not associated with a terminal condition..

Even though we all have a terminal condition. No one is getting out alive.


And of course the cardinal rule is scene safety first. Part of every basic EMT course. Chapter 1 page 1. When gunfire was involved we never even got close.
 
I spent six years active USCG, twenty two years in two police departments. I've seen more than a few medical emergencies, and rendered aid. I always knew that the person shot, stabbed, heart attack, overdose etc wasn't likely to come back, but we tried anyway. I've seen two revived that I can think of, both were young, I don't know if they survived at the hospital. If you don't want to be revived, caution your family not to call 911 until they're sure it's too late.
See you on the water.
 
I'm 1 for 3 on CPR in the last 2 weeks. The one person that survived is doing well, my head games not so well. I'm an EMT in a small community and know a majority of the people I try to help.
 
Microtus said:
I'm 1 for 3 on CPR in the last 2 weeks. The one person that survived is doing well, my head games not so well. I'm an EMT in a small community and know a majority of the people I try to help.
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Sorry Brother, I understand. Some that we couldn't save still bother me years later. But I also remember the many people I helped.
 
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