Which TWO facts below are true and which ONE is a NON- truth?
1. Brain damage from lack of oxygen (when your baby stops breathing) begins in 4 minutes and death shortly thereafter. 2. The average time for EMS to respond to a 911 call is 8 minutes. 3. When trying to clear a blocked airway, if the object hasn't been removed after 5 minutes you should just stop trying.
Which 2 are true, which one is not? I'll post the answers tomorrow.
1. Brain damage from lack of oxygen (when your baby stops breathing) begins in 4 minutes and death shortly thereafter. TRUE
This statistic is why it is crucial to begin care as soon as possible when your child stops breathing. The American Heart Association states, if you are alone with your child, give 2 minutes of CPR then call 911. If someone else is with you have them call 911 while you begin giving CPR. A lot of parents believe that calling 911 is enough... it's not.
2. The average time for EMS to respond to a 911 call is 8 minutes.TRUE
There have been several studies conducted through the years regarding EMS response time. One interesting article I found was written by Gary Ludwig MS, EMT-P entitled, "EMS Response Time Standards" . Ludwig states, "First, there is no federal law regarding response times, and, after doing thorough research, I cannot find any state laws that pertain to response times. There are some contractual agreements between EMS providers and political subdivisions that stipulate response times, and some political subdivisions enter and ratify these contractual agreements into ordinances. But most of the contractual agreements or ordinances are directed toward private EMS providers. Most of these communities have established standards of eight minutes or less 90% of the time for ALS service. Some municipalities, especially in California, have even moved response time standards to 12 or 15 minutes for private EMS providers 90% of the time, but these are usually coordinated with ALS first response."
Parents, combine the information from question 1 with this knowledge and now you have a solid statistical reason for why you and everyone you know should be able to save your baby if necessary. Know what to do.
3. When trying to clear a blocked airway, if the object hasn't been removed after 5 minutes you should just stop trying. FALSE
If the obstruction is caused by food, it may start dissolving and become dislodged. No matter what the obstruction, becoming unconscious allows your baby's airway to relax slightly making it easier to clear the object. Do not give up. Remember medical help is on the way.
Love, to the moon and back
Tara has experience as a cardiology nurse. She is the founder,owner-operator of MedBasics along with her husband Luke.
Monday, February 22, 2010 at 04:44AM 
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