Thanks to the Newmont Mining many a heart attack victim in the future could be thanking a former West Wendover High school student for saving their lives, said WWHS teacher Christina O’Keeffe.
“Newmont awarded us a $1,750 grant that made it possible to purchase 10 half-body CPR manikins and 1 full-size CPR manikin,” O’Keeffe wrote. “These manikins will be used to certify students in the Public Safety class as well as coaches, teachers, etc. in CPR. The full-size manikin is especially useful when learning head-to-toe assessment techniques and practicing first aid.”
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for manually preserving brain function until further measures to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example, agonal respirations.
According to the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines, CPR involves chest compressions at least 5 cm (2 in) deep and at a rate of at least 100 per minute to pump blood through the heart and thus the body. The rescuer may provide breaths by either exhaling into the subject’s mouth or nose or using a device that pushes air into the subject’s lungs; externally providing ventilation is termed artificial respiration. Current recommendations place emphasis on high-quality chest compressions over artificial respiration; a simplified CPR method involving chest compressions only is recommended for untrained rescuers.
CPR alone is unlikely to restart the heart. Its main purpose is to restore partial flow of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart. The objective is to delay tissue death and to extend the brief window of opportunity for a successful resuscitation without permanent brain damage.
“Once again, thanks to Newmont Mining Corporation for their generous donation.” O’Keeffe added. “The students are excited to have the manikins and, as the teacher of the class, I appreciate the ease and effectiveness of this new equipment.
