Heart Health: CSC has an AED!

Everyone knows sailing and windsurfing are good for the heart. Even so, CSC periodically sponsors First Aid classes to keep club members knowledgeable of what to do in an emergency.

Back in June, CSC sponsored a CPR/first aid class that went over the new standards in CPR and first aid, and also taught us how to use an AED  (automated external defibrillator). 

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the US, accounting for 1 in every 4 deaths.

The most common reason for a sudden cardiac arrest is ventricular fibrillation, which is an arrhythmia that interferes with the heart’s ability to beat properly and pump blood. We were advised to start with CPR (which circulates blood in the body), but a shock from an AED can restore a heartbeat if the arrhythmia is one that's "shockable". 

After taking the class, one of our Executive Committee (Excomm) Members, Joel Gussman, took up the special project to get an AED for the club. Thanks to his efforts, we now have one set up and ready to use in the clubhouse!  In an emergency, we should always call 911 right away, but while we wait for emergency vehicles, we have CPR and the AED to try and help improve the victimes survival chances.

If you want to learn more about how to use an AED, check out this helpful article & video from the University of Arizona: http://heart.arizona.edu/how-use-aed 

In our CPR class, we learned that to effectively administer CPR,  you have to consider rate, depth & recoil:

Rate: no longer is the beat of 'staying alive' a fast enough beat in these modern times! You need to pump at least 120 beats per minute (think: Call Me Maybe). Sorry.

Depth: Press down on the chest deep enough, about 2 inches for adults. 

Recoil: make sure you lift your hands back 'up' enough to get a full 'pump' on the chest. Some people in their fatigue start leaning on the chest and don't give the chest chance to rise. 

Technique tips: keep your elbows straight to reduce fatigue and press harder and faster than you probably are naturally inclined to.