Taking a Tip from the Office when Learning CPR
WE’VE ALL SEEN THE OVERLY DRAMATIZED CPR efforts performed by our favorite television show characters over the years. And although we agree that CPR can be a tricky trade to learn, we can’t help but laugh at these first attempts at life saving CPR.
One of the most entertaining versions of CPR training gone completely wrong comes from the motley group of coworkers on the hit television show the Office. Known for being a group that never quite gets anything right, Michael Scott, Dwight Shrute and coworkers take the CPR training course to a whole new level of bad.
Watch the video here to see some of the best, worst examples of learning CPR.
Things to keep in mind when learning CPR:
1. Forget about the appearance of the victim, no #bodyshaming here!
Whether they have no legs or arms or an unsightly appearance, remember to place the victim on their back on a firm and flat surface. After this, assuming the dummy is clothed in a shirt, remove or open up clothing at the back and chest area. Again don’t be afraid of the dummy, we know it doesn’t have arms.
2. Hand placement is everything.
Make sure your elbows are straight and hands are placed directly on the breastbone or sternum. Take a look at Michael Scott’s attempt, and do the opposite of that! Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone and the other hand on top of the first. Quality CPR requires quick response and force, as these are considered the most important aspects.
3. Two is better than one.
This motto can be used for the depth of compressions when performing CPR. Press straight down at least two inches while performing compressions. Give the chest time to recoil completely. Two is also better than one during CPR as it can be tiring; ask to switch positions with another available rescuer if you start to feel tired.
4. Do not start dancing to ‘Staying Alive’ while performing chest compressions.
At one hundred beats a minute we know the Bee Gees song can get pretty groovy, but always remember why you’re singing the song in the first place! ‘Staying Alive’ is the perfect rhythm for performing life saving compressions on a person in need of CPR. Compressing the chest circulates blood to the brain and heart and its been discovered that chest compressions have the greatest significance for success in survival. So remember keep singing, but don’t stop compressing!
5. Do not cut off the dummy’s face and place it on your own.
We think this one is easy enough to follow, right Dwight?
In the words of Michael Scott there is a reason why we have CPR training classes, and there’s a reason those classes are taught with dummies, just in case there are some dummies!
“This is why we have training. We start with the dummy and learn from our mistakes, and now Dwight knows not to cut the face off of a real person.”
For more information on how to become certified in CPR, AED and First Aid visit us online at advmedcert.com to view our practice exams, videos and complete lessons. Advanced Medical Certification is a great resource to learn the correct steps of CPR and other life saving medical actions completely online!