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A few days ago, the law that brings Italy to the top ofemergency assistance in case of cardio-respiratory arrest. Among the indications there are some essential aspects to improve the first aid, such as the mapping and geo-localization of automatic external defibrillators or AEDs, their greater diffusion, the strengthening of first aid training for all citizens and its mandatory introduction to school, the obligation for 118 to provide citizens the telephone instructions to recognize cardiac arrest, to do heart massage and to use the AEDs themselves.
Now however it is important to make sure that even in the places of vacation, where many tourists flock to in the summer, aim for the rapid availability of these life-saving devices. To say it are the experts of the IRC (Italian Resuscitation Council).
A census available to all
“It is important to survey and geo-locate the AEDs already present in Italy, including those installed in bathing establishments and shelters, and, as required by the new law on AEDs, to create an interactive map that can be consulted through an application for mobile phones, ensure that everyone can know which defibrillator is closest to the place of the emergency – recalls Giuseppe Ristagno, president of IRC, Italian Resuscitation Council, a non-profit scientific society, recognized by the Ministry of Health, which unites doctors and nurses experts in cardiopulmonary resuscitation -. It is also necessary increase the number of AEDs on equipped beaches, shelters and sports facilities, and to spread first aid training as much as possible “.
To explore these issues, IRC has made available on its website, two aMore information available for free on mountain rescue in an impervious environment, in collaboration with the National Alpine and Speleological Rescue Corps, the Western Friuli Health Authority, the Alto Adige Health Authority and on rescue to the sea and lakes in case of drowning, in collaboration with the Italian Swimming Federation, the 118 of Trentino and Arezzo, the Giannina Gaslini Institute and Costa Cruises.
How should we behave? An essential recommendation for anyone who undertakes an excursion to an isolated place by the sea, the lake and in the mountains is to inquire about the reference points of the place (for example the path number) and activate the geo-localization on the mobile phone that can help rescue in identifying the area in which to intervene. It should also be remembered that among the main factors that increase the risk of drowning are the overestimation of one’s swimming skills, the intake of alcohol and drugs and the lack of control of children by adults.
Here’s what we need to learn
8 o’clock “life-saving” actions that everyone can accomplish. In Europe, approximately 400,000 cardiac arrests occur every year (60,000 in Italy) and it is estimated that only in 58% of cases the carer intervenes with life-saving maneuvers (heart massage, ventilations) and in 28% of cases with the defibrillator.
It is therefore essential that anyone witnessing a cardiac arrest, intervene immediately with some simple actions: if there is no danger, approach the person to be rescued; call her and lightly shake the lower body; if he does not respond, observe his chest to see if he is breathing; if he does not answer and does not breathe normally, call 112; follow the operator’s instructions and, if possible, activate the speakerphone; if possible, ask those present to bring the AED; place the hands in the center of the chest of the person to be rescued; start heart massage with straight arms and 2 compressions per second, without taking your hands off the chest; if and as soon as available, turn on the AED and follow the instructions.
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