Life Line is the latest feature on our newly re-designed website. Late breaking news, helpful hints, articles of interest, and humorous stories will be a constant “Work In Progress” by our website team. A dedicated panel of professionals will diligently search the World Wide Web for relevant events of the day.
HANDS ONLY™ CPR
Each year in the U.S., EMS treats nearly 300,000 people who suffer cardiac arrest at home, at work or in public locations. In the absence of immediate, effective CPR, the chance of survival decreases 7 to 10 percent per minute.
An individual’s survival depends greatly on receiving CPR from someone nearby. However, less than one-third of cardiac arrest victims get this help. Most bystanders are worried they might do something wrong or make the situation worse.
This campaign introduces Hands-Only™ CPR — a two-step technique that involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest until help arrives. Bystanders are urged to act immediately, using this new technique, when an adult collapses.
The PSAs send the powerful message that hands can do incredible things, but nothing compares to using them to help save a life. Individuals are directed to the new website, www.handsonlycpr.org, where they can gain access to information and resources on the technique.
WINTER SAFETY TIPS
Whether winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has some valuable tips on how to keep your children safe and warm.
What to Wear
Dress infants and children warmly for outdoor activities. Several thin layers will keep them dry and warm. Don’t forget warm boots, gloves or mittens, and a hat.
The rule of thumb for older babies and young children is to dress them in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions.
Blankets, quilts, pillows, bumpers, sheepskins and other loose bedding may contribute to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and should be kept out of an infant’s sleeping environment. Sleep clothing like one-piece sleepers or wearable blankets is preferred.
If a blanket must be used to keep a sleeping infant warm, it should be tucked in around the crib mattress, reaching only as far as your baby’s chest, so the infant’s face is less likely to become covered by bedding materials.