Steven demonstrating CPR techniques.
KNOWING how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) are vital in life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, says former nurse Steven Yeoh Wuan Yee.
“The public should also familiarise themselves with the key steps in providing immediate help before professional assistance arrives.
“The first step is to ensure the scene is safe for yourself and the victim before starting the rescue.
“If the victim is non-responsive, ask someone to call 999 for an ambulance, and retrieve an AED device if one is available nearby.
“The next step is to open the victim’s airway using the ‘head tilt-chin lift’ technique.
“At the same time check for breathing and observe if the chest rises, for signs of life,” he said.
Steven said if the person was not breathing, chest compressions should be performed immediately at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
“An AED should be attached as soon as possible to analyse the heart’s rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to restore it to normal rhythm.
“It is important to avoid touching the patient while the AED analyses or delivers a shock,” he said.
The director of AED solutions provider MyAED4U has been actively conducting CPR and AED training at various events.
Steven recently conducted a fire safety, CPR and AED awareness programme at a community hall in Bukit Dumbar, Penang.
The event, organised by Bukit Dumbar Village Community Management Council (MPKK), highlighted the importance of acquiring life-saving skills.
Bukit Dumbar MPKK chairman Yeoh Chin Beng said an AED unit was purchased and installed in the neighbourhood, thanks to generous contributions from residents and a local temple.
Penang social development, welfare and non-Islamic religious affairs committee chairman Lim Siew Khim praised Bukit Dumbar MPKK for organising the programme.
She also contributed 100 small fire extinguishers to bolster safety measures in the neighbourhood.
