Mr Bean gives CPR

This Mr Bean sketch where he find himself attempting to deliver cardio pulmonary resusitation (CPR) to a stranger always makes me chuckle, but I think there is a serious side to it as well.  It may be a complete exaggeration of how badly CPR can be performed, but given the number of changes there have been over the last decade, many people have been left confused about what the actual CPR guidelines are.
  
Just before I qualified as a first aider, the ratio of chest compressions to rescue breaths changed.  Since then the guidelines have become relaxed so that rescue breaths are no longer essential, ideal but not essential.  More recently the depth and speed of chest compression have also changed.
  
Mr Bean clearly knew the idea behind CPR, he carried out chest compressions, he gave rescue breaths and he knew to attach a defib (or sorts).  He also knew to check for danger, response, airway and breathing and he also knew to call for help.  So in theory, well done Mr Bean.  In practice, that's probably not the way I would have done it.  I would definitely discourage anyone from giving drugs to an unconscious casualty, even if you do find the drugs in their pocket.
  
What this video does is show the importance of staying up to date with the guidelines.  They can change as research finds new and better ways of doing things and it can be up to three years between assessments so make sure you don't fall behind.  The sketch also shows the importance of knowing first aid.  You never know, the next time you're standing at a bus stop, the person next to you could collapse.
  
Hopefully you will never have to perform CPR but if you do, make sure you're ready for it.
  
For more information on CPR, visit the St John Ambulance web site.

Happy International Volunteer Day

Across the world millions of people are celebrating this special day.  Millions of people who give up significant amounts of their own free time in order to serve others.  Millions of people who have a charitable nature that makes them want to give something to society.  So what are these people celebrating?  The 5th December has been designated by the United Nations as International Volunteer Day in order to recognise the contribution that volunteers make.
  
And this recognition is richly deserved.  I work alongside many volunteers on a regular basis and it is a great privilege to do so.  Many of them give so much yet expect nothing in return.
  
The volunteers at my division of St John Ambulance are out nearly every weekend and often during the week. It's the UK so inevitably they're standing out in the cold with rain and wind hitting them from all angles, but they always cope with good grace, taking pleasure in the fact that they are there to help others.  Between them they give thousands of hours each year to their local community, providing first aid, saving lives and making a difference.
  
So, a big thank you to all these volunteers for the fantastic job they do.