On Wednesday 13 August, 30 or so Raglan locals were treated to a very informative and extremely well-pitched presentation by two St John Ambulance educators, Carol and Shelley.
Hosted by Raglan Bowling Club, those who attended were introduced to CPR techniques and saw first-hand how to use an AED machine (Defibrillator).
As much as the information Carol and Shelley shared was beneficial to all who gathered, the session served also to break down myths and demystify what happens when someone experiences cardiac arrest.
“It’s quite overwhelming when it happens, so to know what to do helps people stay calm and provide the best help while waiting for the ambulance team to arrive,” Carol says.
And throughout the 1 ½ hour presentation, ample opportunity was given to ask any questions at all.
The session also gave those attending the chance to try first-hand performing CPR. This writer discovered that to maintain sufficient intensity and tempo for two minutes is no mean feat! It is no longer recommended that CPR be a combination of chest compressions and breaths. Carol explained research has shown that the most important thing to do is keep up the compressions at a rate of 120 per minute.
“It’s hard physical work to keep performing CPR, so wherever possible, after two minutes, the ideal is to have another person ready to step in and take over,” says Carol.
Plenty of brochures were on hand for those attending to take away, along with first-aid kits for sale.
Everyone who attended the session came away better informed and less nervous about what to do. Our thanks to Hato Hone St John for the valuable work their staff and volunteers do in the education space.
By Sue Kingi
