Barbara J. Hamby

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Dated or Updated

There is no doubt in my mind that I am dated, but once in a while it’s fun to get updated in some areas. This last weekend we went to a conference. For me, a highlight was a fashion show. It’s been many a moon since I’ve attended such an event and I’d forgotten how much fun it could be. I don’t follow fashion, nor do I buy expensive clothing (actually I buy very few clothes these days), but it’s fun to see how outrageous, or even occasionally attractive, new designs are.

The other interesting update was a two-hour CPR (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) refresher class. Although it was taught by an experienced emergency medical technician and CPR instructor, CPR certification was not offered to the students. That was okay with me. My purpose in taking it was to decide whether I could actually qualify to help a relative or close friend in an emergency, as well as learn about new techniques and equipment. I decided that I’m not agile or strong enough to offer to help a stranger. There is too much of a liability risk to take that on. I probably would try to help a loved one, but I learned how difficult that would be if I were alone with the patient. Just getting up and down at my age and with my arthritis is difficult enough without adding the strain of doing compressions alternating with breaths for an indefinite period of time.

The instructor stressed that, in such a situation, the would-be rescuer should assess his or her own condition and, if exhausted, stop and try to get other aid. Ideally, 911 would have been called before the rescuer started CPR and help would be on the way.

A defibrillator was also demonstrated. It seemed to me it would be quite difficult for one person to use it, along with the necessary CPR techniques, even though the machine gives very clear instructions. Somehow I previously had the impression the machine would do the whole job. With two people working, it could be very effective, but the equipment is still quite expensive (about $1800 we were told).

At the beginning of the class, the proper response to a choking person was demonstrated. The most important point to remember, especially when dealing with a stranger, is to ask before you touch anyone who is conscious, whether choking, or demonstrating other symptoms of distress. If the person is unconscious, consent is implied. I had learned that years ago when studying therapeutic touch, but such rules can fall into one of those black holes in an ancient brain.

I’ve always known a little knowledge is a dangerous thing, and obsolete knowledge could be extremely dangerous. So I’m glad to have updated information and, as always, I hope not to have to use it

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