If a Victim Collapses in the Forest, Does He Make Any Sound?
Friday April 11, 2008
A reader in the First Aid Forum wanted to know whether just doing CPR is enough to save a life. Most importantly, he wanted to know if a victim who collapses in the wilderness should even get CPR.
I answered his question, but I want to know what you think. CPR can save a life with no other interventions, but it's rare. So, how long should someone continue to do CPR? Is it ethical to ever stop once you've started? How about starting at all?
Tell me your thoughts in the forum or by commenting on this post.
Comments
If a victim collapses in the woods, should you start CPR? Well, I look at it this way…if you do nothing, he will die. If you do something, you may at least buy some time for other help to arrive. I would much rather go through the rest of my life knowing I tried. As for how long to continue, use the guidelines you have for any other situation: until you physically can’t continue performing CPR or help arrives. I’m on a military wilderness search & rescue team, and that is what I would do.
I agree with Jennifer in that I’d do what I can. While I’m not a professional, I’ve been certified by the Red Cross and have volunteered with them as well.
That said, as far as how far I’d go? I know the traditional advice is “to exhaustion,” but the first rule of any first aid is “Assure the safety of the rescuer first.” In other words, I’d assess the environment first before I’d determine how long I’d go on. If it’s an hour back to my cabin and a storm looks like it’s coming on, I’d try to make sure I have the energy to get back to this cabin before lightning starts coming down. If dragging/carrying the vic back is a possibility (such as a regular collapse as opposed to a fall) then I’d take that into account as well.
When it comes right down to it though, as much as I’d like to think I’d be rational, if it was one of my kids who were in trouble, I’d press myself past exhaustion no matter what else was going on around me. In fact, the EMT, paramedics, whatever rescue team would probably have to pull me off before I’d realize they were there.