EFR instructors have new ways to teach CPR
In 2010, the first aid world changed. For years and years we had been teaching first aid using the guidance of ABC or something similar. But now that has all changed! and now we have AB/CABS What on earth is going on?
Well I for one welcome the change with open arms! The last time the First Aid world was updated was way back in 2005. Seven years ago! But despite EFR materials changing, I am still meeting people who have recently been taught to give Rescue Breaths before administering Chest Compressions.
Hopefully, the new AB/CABS will change that. The Consumer manuals have now been changed, so even if an Instructor has not updated their own manuals, their Students will be prepared for the correct procedure.
What does AB/CABS stand for?
Well, the first two letters: AB are questions. Is the patient’s Airway open? Is the Patient Breathing? If the answer is NO, then we go straight to the CABS bit. These are actions. The C is for Chest Compressions. Then after 30 pushes, we can then open the Airway, and give 2 Rescue Breaths. The S’s are the same as before.
So, it’s not a lot of difference than before, but hopefully this will encourage people to go straight to Chest Compressions if the patient is not breathing. (Just like Vinnie Jones does on the recent Advert)
But what about the D? where has the Defibrillator gone?
Well, the Defibrillator is now being treated a little different than before. When we call for help, we can also call for a Defibrillator. When it arrives, we don’t need to stop administrating CPR to apply it, we can carry on giving Chest Compressions while someone else applies the pads.
What else has changed?
Well not much really. The old rules of 100 pushes per minute and depth of 5 cms have been replaced by At Least 100 pushes per minute and At Least 5 cms. This brings us to the “Hard and Fast” message that Vinnie gives us.
The only other thing that has changed is that the CPR rate for infants is now 120 pushes per minute.
What about Vinnie Jones?
The Vinnie Jones method of “Hands Only” CPR is for “Non Trained” First Aiders. It’s still recommended that people take a First Aid course and deliver 2 rescue breaths following 30 chest compressions.
