First aid has been simplified

Heart massage and burns are in the foreground

09/02/2013

In order to reduce the inhibition threshold to provide first aid in an emergency, there have been many changes in the guidelines for their use in recent years. Especially in the case of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lot has happened. The much confusing recommendations for cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be put to an end.

Those who attended a first aid course years ago should now check their knowledge. After all, things have changed in the initial care of accidents. "Research has shown that many withhold the first aid, especially when it comes to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)," explains Rico Kuhnke, team leader rescue service at the Johanniter Academy in Münster.

30 heart massages makes sense
For Raik Schäfer of the German Society for Interdisciplinary Emergency and Acute Medicine (DgiNA), clear instructions for first responders are an important prerequisite for action. In order to be able to provide optimal initial care during cardiac massage at the accident site, 30 heart massages are now necessary, and then two respiratory donations must be made. In the past, ventilation followed after only 10 to 15 heart massages. This is too early, according to Schäfer. „It takes 10 to 15 repetitions to build up pressure“. If the first responder then stops again to breathe, not enough blood has flowed. "The goal is to interrupt the massage as little as possible“, explains shepherd. That's why the breathing has to be done as fast as possible. Disgusts the first responder vomit on the lips of the unconscious, it was even okay not to breathe in between. The most important thing is the heart massage, says Schäfer.

No water in severe burns
But even with burns there was a change in the first aid. It is a common misconception that burn wounds need to be well and persistently cooled with water. Prolonged cooling can cause hypothermia, which may even be counterproductive to further treatment. Only in the first ten minutes has „cool“ a positive effect on the wound and on the pain. „Deep-seated heat can not be deduced“, notes Schäfer. Even severe burns tolerate no cooling. This can be recognized by the fact that the bubble base is white. (Fr)

Image: Michael Raab