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Capsule moments

The Canadian Red Cross has made new suggestions for those using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on people who are having a heart attack. Chest compressions pump the heart, circulating oxygen already in the body.  This makes compressions-only CPR suitable for an adult who suddenly collapses.  Chest compressions should be done at the rate of 100 per minute.

However, compression-only CPR is not recommended in those involved in a drowning incident or when a respiratory emergency may have caused the cardiac arrest.  In these cases, the usual 30 compressions followed by by two rescue breaths and repeated till help arrives is still the best method in these cases.

Before starting CPR, determine whether the patient is awake or not.  Have someone call 911 and find out whether an automatic external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby.  Starting compressions right away is important because for each minute of delay reduces the chance of survival by 10%.

It’s flu shot season. The immunity provided by the flu shot lasts about six months so if you haven’t already received your shot, get it now.  The protection response will begin within 10-14 days. Remember, you can’t get the flu from the flu shot.  It is not a live vaccine and has no ability to cause the flu but can protect you from it.