by Maureen Clements

Moe learning CPR
Kevin Coombs

Moe in CPR mode

A few weeks ago, I got a phone call from Bob Randolph, NPR's facilities coordinator. He asked if I would like to be a "floor aid" and become CPR certified. Not one to shy away from a challenge, I accepted. And boy was I in for a treat.

 

I saw photos of severed appendages and gangrenous burns and a kooky little video about applying various first aid techniques. I also learned how to to use NPR's AED machine. In case you're wondering, an AED is an Automated External Defibrillator. When someone's having a heart attack, it can shock the heart back into its normal rhythm. Unfortunately, the AED only works on bare skin, so should I ever come across an extremely hairy man (or woman) wearing gold chains who's having a heart attack, I must rip the chains from his (or her) chest and quicky shave two bald patches in the fur so the AED pads will stick. Believe it or not, some AED kits come with razors and scissors for this very purpose.

In the course of my research for this blog post, I came across two unusual websites about CPR Mannequins. Flickr CPR mannequins photo stream and CPR Savers First Aid Supplies

For those who wonder, I passed the class and am now a certified CPR/AED/First Aid lay rescuer.