EMS Basic Life Support - Debunking Common Myths About CPR

Proper education and awareness about the lifesaving practice of CPR are essential. Unfortunately, several widely held misconceptions discourage many people from becoming CPR-certified.

While the following information is not intended to replace the instruction provided in certification courses, it is valuable knowledge that can help dispel myths and encourage more individuals to pursue CPR training.

Myth #1: Only Professionals Can Safely and Effectively Perform CPR

Truth #1: According to the American Heart Association, CPR initiated immediately by a bystander can triple a victim’s chances of survival. Anyone can learn and perform CPR after basic training, making widespread education and certification crucial in improving survival rates.

Myth #2: You Can Learn CPR by Watching an Online Video

Truth #2: While online videos can provide useful information, they should be produced, sponsored, and taught by reputable organizations. More importantly, CPR training includes a critical hands-on component - effective chest compressions - that cannot be mastered through video instruction alone. Proper technique requires in-person training and practice.

Myth #3: You Can Get in Trouble or Injure Someone If You Perform CPR Incorrectly

Truth #3: Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who perform CPR in good faith and without willful misconduct or negligence. The risk of legal consequences is minimal, and the potential harm of not performing CPR far outweighs the risk of performing it incorrectly. Immediate intervention can make the difference between life and death.

Myth #4: You Must Perform Mouth-to-Mouth Breathing When Performing CPR

Truth #4: The idea of providing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to a stranger may be uncomfortable for some, but hands-only CPR is highly effective. When chest compressions are performed at the correct rate and depth, they help circulate oxygenated blood until emergency responders arrive.

Myth #5: CPR Should Be Performed Only After Calling 911

Truth #5: CPR should begin immediately when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Ideally, one person should call 911 while another starts CPR. Delaying CPR can significantly reduce a victim’s chance of survival. Additionally, victims who exhibit irregular, noisy breathing or gasping may still benefit from immediate chest compressions.

The Importance of CPR Certification

Beyond addressing these common myths, formal CPR training provides in-depth knowledge and hands-on practice to ensure confidence and competence in a real emergency. Becoming CPR-certified is not only an invaluable skill but also a profound act of service to your loved ones, those under your care, and your community.

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes 

EMS Training Opportunity - Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)

 

Colorado Cardiac CPR are offering a PHTLS at the start of March (3 & 4). This is a great opportunity for emergency medical responders, EMTs, Paramedics, Nurses, Physician Assistants and Doctors.

Description: The mission of PHTLS is to promote excellence in trauma patient management by all providers involved in the delivery of prehospital care. PHTLS is developed by NAEMT in cooperation with the American College of Surgeons' Committee on Trauma.

PHTLS is the global gold standard in prehospital trauma education and is taught in over 80 countries. 

Content: The aim of PHTLS courses is to improve the quality of trauma care and decrease patient mortality. 

The program is based on a philosophy stressing the treatment of the multi-system trauma patient as a unique entity with specific needs. 

The course covers the following topics:

• Physiology of life and death
• Scene Assessment
• Patient Assessment
• Hemorrhage Control
• Airway, Breathing, Ventilation & Oxygenation
• Circulation & Shock
• Special Populations

The course emphasizes application of trauma education through case studies, skills practice, and patient simulations.

Date: March 3 & 4, 2025 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Cost: $315.00

Discount: 3CPR

Location: Littleton (Broadway & Davies), Colorado

Outcome: Upon successful course completion you will be issued an NAEMT PHTLS provider card and receive 16-hours of CAPCE credits.

For more information and to register, access this link:

https://3cpr.enrollware.com/enroll?id=10735378

EMS Words of Wisdom - Be Of Service To Others

 

EMS Celebrations - Presidents' Day

 

This holiday honors the leaders who have shaped our nation, much like EMS Providers shape the lives of their patients every day.

Just as presidents make decisions that impact the future, EMS Providers make life-saving choices in high-pressure situations.

Today, let’s appreciate the leaders in EMS we have today and the important role they play!

EMS Words of Wisdom - Find Your Passion

 

EMS Words of Wisdom - Never Stop Training

 

EMS Celebrations - February is Heart Month!

As we celebrate American Heart Month, let us take a moment to acknowledge the critical role EMS plays in improving outcomes for cardiac emergencies.

From responding to myocardial infarctions to managing full cardiac arrests, prehospital providers are essential in delivering early, life-saving care. However, our work is far from over. The evolution of EMS has demonstrated that rapid response alone is not enough —our decisions and interventions directly influence patient survival and recovery rates.

Thanks to organizations like the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, we have developed effective prehospital treatments and established the "Chain of Survival," which underscores the importance of early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid defibrillation, advanced care, and post-resuscitation support.

While EMS is a vital component of this system, transforming cardiac care requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.

By utilizing both basic and advanced cardiac life support, we can make a meaningful impact and improve patient outcomes.

Let us continue striving for advancements, refining our techniques, and enhancing our response to cardiac emergencies to save more lives.

Source: JEMS - Emergency Medical Services

Recommended CPR Training Providers: 

Bethesda, Wales, UK: Active First Aid

Littleton, Colorado, USA: Colorado Cardiac CPR

International: Crossing Latitudes 

EMS Zoological Emergencies - When Scorpions Sting & Spiders Bite

Last year, the Bronx Zoo hosted an educational program titled "Bite Me!" designed to train EMS and search and rescue personnel on managing venomous creature attacks, despite the absence of scorpions and spiders in the zoo's collection.

The event featured presentations from experts, including Dr. Joshua Silverberg, who discussed snakebite treatment, and Stephen P. Wood, a former EMS provider, who covered bee, ant, and mosquito stings.

Leading the program was wilderness physician Dr. Sanjey Gupta, an experienced instructor in wilderness medicine. 

Dr. Gupta serves as the Chair of Emergency Medicine at South Shore University Hospital and as a professor at the Zucker School of Medicine.

His presentation focused on venomous spiders and scorpions, detailing their habitats, the physiological effects of their venom, and appropriate EMS response protocols.

For more information, access the article via this link via the Journal of Emergency Medical Services.