CPR skills retention over time

The American Heart Association in their 2010 guidelines notes that retention of life saving CPR skills and knowledge is a significant problem for both lay rescuers and healthcare providers, but there was no consensus at the time about the optimal format for promoting skills retention.  Retention of CPR skills over time has long been known to suffer.


Read more at the link!


http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/cpr-skills-retention-over-time

Heart Association E-Cards are coming!

The American Heart Association has begun issuing electronic course completion cards for students. 

Some AHA training centers are already using them as an alternative (Read more here-  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/heart-association-electronic-cards-are-coming)

Naloxone for suspected opioid overdose

Taking into account the size of the opioid problem in America, the new 2015 guidelines feature the introduction of the use of naloxone (Narcan) for Basic Life Support providers, or the lay pubic trained in its' use.  

This can be used either (more here....  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/naloxone-for-suspected-opioid-overdose)

treaments for hyperkalemic arrest

 Hyperkalemia is one of the reversible causes of refractory cardiac arrest covered in the H's and T's.  It is common in patients with kidney disease, and would probably be an initial consideration in a dialysis patient's refractory cardiac arrest or PEA.  Those with a truly excessive amount of dietary potassium are also.....  (read more at the link!)http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/treatments-for-hyperkalemic-arrest

New guidelines are here!

read more here:  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/new-guidelines-are-here

Pregnancy considerations in maternal arrest

Amiodarone is a pregnancy category D drug, where there is known risk to the fetus with administration to the mother.  Amiodarone causes thyroid problems, arrhythmia, and..(read more here....  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pregnancy-considerations-in-maternal-arrest)

pulse checks as a measure of CPR quality

EMT's, paramedics, nurses, and doctors all frequently check a pulse during CPR in order to assess quality of compressions, but is the presence of a palpable pulse REALLY an indicator of high quality CPR?  

Find out here:  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pulse-checks-as-a-measure-of-cpr-quality

Pediatric AED/defibrillation pads

Pediatric AED (automated external defibrillator) and manual monitor/ defibrillator pads are designed to be used on infants and children up to about 8 years old.  Older children and adults should use adult pads only.  Pediatric pads are about half the size of adult pads and often have... read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/pediatric-aeddefibrillation-pads

Agonal gasps..

Agonal gasping (in the context of Basic Life Support) is a condition in which the victim of cardiac arrest has occasional (perhaps once every 10 seconds) 'gasping' breaths.  This breathing pattern is usually accompanied by a snoring type sound, and perhaps a slight shrugging of the shoulders. 

To oversimplify-

When a healthcare provider shakes a victim ("hey, hey, are you ok?"), they should also... (read more here..http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/agonal-gasps)

AED explained

CPR course differences explained

There are actually several different types of CPR courses, from those designed for the lay public, to healthcare provider courses. Some differences are explored.

 

Read about it here: 

CPR course differences explained

Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia

Multifocal Atrial Tachycardia (MAT) is an abbherrent heart rhythm occasionally seen in the elderly, those with COPD exacerbation, and hypokalemia.  As with most (if not ALL!) arrhythmias, it can also be seen in patients experiencing acute myocardial infarct.

Normally the sino-atrial (SA) node is the primary.... (read more and see the rhythm here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/multifocal-atrial-tachycardia)

First Aid for nose bleeds....

Epistaxis- nose bleed- is a very common occurrence, and can happen due to injury, or it can just start suddenly for no apparent reason.  Common causes could include prolonged dry air, fragile surface blood vessels in the nose, or high blood pressure. 

Initial treatment for nose bleed is to keep the individual in an upright position, which leads to relatively decreased blood pressure in the nasal vessels (compared to lying down.) Leaning forward is very important, as this helps to prevent swallowing...  Read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/first-aid-for-nose-bleeds 

Key Components of high quality CPR continued... (Part 2!)

Part one of this post is here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/key-components-of-high-quality-cpr-revisited-part-1

On to part two!:

4)     INTERRUPTIONS IN CPR SHOULD BE MINIMAL, AND SWITCH PROVIDERS EVERY 2 MINUTES!

When a patient has no pulse, and no one is pushing on the chest, brain cells are dying.  It is as simple as that.  ALL interruptions (read more here:......  http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/key-components-of-high-quality-cpr-continued-part-2)

check us out on Instagram.....

here is the link: https://instagram.com/carpenter_cpr_solutions/

Key components of high quality CPR- revisited (Part 1!)

 Let's review the key components of HIGH QUALITY CPR, which will give the victim the best chances of survival:

1)       PUSH FAST!

American Heart Association guidelines for high quality CPR start with the basics.  The first question asked (and answered!) is how fast to push.  The guidelines sate “at least 100 beats per minute.”  Notice that they don’t say ABOUT 100 beats, but AT LEAST 100 beats per minute.  Pushing faster is generally better.  At 110-120....  read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/key-components-of-high-quality-cpr-revisited-part-1

Take the First Aid quiz!

Check out the new first aid quiz here: https://www.playbuzz.com/…/how-well-do-you-know-basic-first…

How did you do?

Quiz- How well do you know your ACLS guidelines?

Share our quiz link and use coupon code '5off' to take $5 off any course on our calendar until June 30, 2015!
This one is for advanced providers- How well do you know the 2010 ACLS guidelines? Check out our quiz on PlayBuzz!https://www.playbuzz.com/scottc14/do-you-know-advanced-cardiovascular-life-support

Seizure First Aid

Tonic-clonic, generalized seizures can be scary to witness.  Essentially, the seizure victim will be unresponsive with whole body spastic movements, generalized muscle contractions and shaking followed by a period of flaccidity or rest.  This can repeat in a series.  This whole event can be accompanied by unusual breathing and profuse sweating.  Usually the person..... Read more here: http://www.carpentercprsolutions.com/-blog/seizure-first-aid

 

Don't forget to check us out on Facebook!

keep up to date with topics on CPR across social media by liking us on Facebook!  https://www.facebook.com/Carpentercprsolutions

Who we are....

At Carpenter CPR, we provide small class sizes and a different experience. Our focus is on the concepts behind the guidelines in order to aid in the retention of information long after the course ends.


Our goal is to provide our clients with the best quality education, not just rote memorization. Training is provided by experienced Registered Nurses. Check out more at www.CarpenterCPRsolutions.com

Quiz time- How well do you know the CPR guidelines?

Play here:  https://www.playbuzz.com/scottc14/how-well-do-you-know-the-cpr-guidelines

survey results!

 We are clearing out our survey responses.  Here is what we have received for the following question on our follow up survey:

Do you have any additional comments you would like included on our website? Please include your name and company if you would like to be referenced. Thank You for your business!

12/23/2014 4:36 AM

frequently available classes is your best selling point without first knowing anything about your company.

Great job Scott

11/2/2014 4:24 AM

Sarah P- Scott Carpenter was an A+++ instructor. I recommed his services to anyone interested in this course. His knowlege and method of teaching was fun but informative and I feel confident that I will know how to react in an emergency situation.

10/22/2014 9:19 AM

best cpr class I have attended!

9/24/2014 12:09 PM

All equipment was in pristine condition. I have never taken a CPR class where all the equipment was clean and 100% in working order. You should be proud of your company and I will highly recommend it to all of my nursing friends and colleagues.

9/2/2014 7:29 PM

Scott's ACLS skills course is thorough and comprehensive. He emphasizes the algorithms and makes them easy to understand. It is low-pressure so you can learn effectively. Great class.

8/4/2014 6:02 PM

Superb instructor!

7/28/2014 7:40 PM

Scott made the class really enjoyable. Everything was explained clearly and he stressed the most important parts so it really stuck with us. Great class - would definitely recommend!

7/22/2014 9:59 AM

Scott was wonderful and explained things in a very simple manner that made perfect sense. He encouraged and challenged me to think things through and never made me feel inferior or stupid

6/22/2014 11:14 AM

Best instructor/instruction I have ever had in the past 30+ years of taking CPR for healthcare providers.

5/27/2014 11:41 AM

Very informative and interactive. The best CPR class I've taken!

5/27/2014 10:05 AM

Scott is extremely knowledgeable and is a fantastic instructor!

5/3/2014 10:53 AM

Wonderful experience, as always!

5/1/2014 1:09 PM

You were wonderful wouldn't change a thing!

5/1/2014 11:05 AM

Overall great experience!

5/1/2014 10:48 AM

Scott is a great speaker and teacher. This was the best cpr class I have ever taken.

4/5/2014 4:50 PM

I felt that our instructor was well versed in emergency response. He didn't waste any time getting straight to teaching and making sure the class was participating. - M. Jones

2/18/2014 11:41 AM

Best class ever. Very upbeat and fun!

2/1/2014 8:07 AM

Thank you Scott! Very informative.

1/31/2014 7:13 PM

Scott did an awesome job. Everyone had a great time learning CPR people in the office the following day were commenting on great his class was.

1/31/2014 7:18 AM

I was not looking forward to spending my Saturday renewing my ACLS certification but I never realized how much fun the course could be! This was the best BLS/ACLS course I have ever taken!! Scott was a phenomenol instructor. He was engaging, energetic, did a great job explaining the material, and made sure everyone was comfortable during the megacode. I look forward to renewing my certifications with Carpenter CPR Solutions in two years. Rebecca M, PA-C

1/31/2014 2:16 AM

N/a

1/19/2014 2:20 PM

I was very appreciative that Scott didn't cancel my renewal even though I was the only one signed up. It was very helpful!

1/1/2014 5:57 AM

I like the small size

12/28/2013 11:11 PM

Thanks for a great class! Very interesting, interactive, and informative.

12/26/2013 11:08 AM

Mr. Scott Carpenter was extremely patient, attentive and guided my attention to the detail of the procedures. I have and will continue to refer Mr. Carpenter to many of my clinical associates.

12/24/2013 10:04 AM

It was convenient, efficient, and well-done. Tracey C, M.D. - Plastic Surgery

10/21/2013 12:37 PM

Tereza was knowledgeable, efficient, and extremely friendly. I enjoyed working with her to complete by BLS renewal. Thank you!

10/8/2013 10:47 AM

The instructor was great!!! Very informative. I will definitely recommend this class for my colleagues and classmates!

10/8/2013 8:22 AM

Scott and his teaching style are wonderful. very patient and has a great grasp of the concepts which made it both enjoyable and a pleasure to learn. He simplifies is and makes it less intimidating which facilitates strong learning and confidence to apply what you have learned! Justin

7/19/2013 1:48 PM

Scott was available each and every day I emailed him with questions, and how to proceed with the process. I am very impressed with this course.

7/12/2013 6:08 PM

None, they were fantastic

7/5/2013 6:50 AM

Looking forward to signing up for ACLS in the near future.

7/3/2013 7:30 PM

Awesome job! Thanks again. Look forward to renewing ACLS next spring

5/27/2013 12:13 PM

I love how flexible the hours are, how available they are, and work around my own schedule.

5/13/2013 11:10 PM

Scott Carpenter is an excellent teacher of CPR, etc. I enjoyed the class and would highly recommend Carpenter CPR Solutions. Sally G.