Before answering, think about this .... in the medical field, employees are to always assume all paitents have infectious dieases, even, AIDS, so we are to protect ourselves...but int he heat of the moment, someone may be dying..would you stop and wonder about protecting yourself..before helping someone else....????
2006-07-12 14:22:34 · 22 answers · asked by sarahi77009@sbcglobal.net 2 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ First Aid
ok.....another thing to consider......although aids is unlikely....how about if you noticed open sores or blood int he mouth,..Would you still be very willing to "help them"...I KNOW THERE ARE ORAL BARRIERS SUCH AS MASKS. but im saying if at the moment the "average" Jane doesnt have one...What do you think you are expected to do?
2006-07-12 14:34:18 · update #1
You should always practice universal precautions. That means protecting yourself. It's a good idea to have your CPR certification up to date, that way you stay abreast of the latest recommendations.
2006-07-12 14:25:59 · answer #1 · answered by sveta_dr_mom 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
this is coming from an EMT, if someone is bleeding from their mouth or has open sores or anything, or if this person is a stranger off the street and you have no barrier to do rescue breathing, I would not do rescue breathing. As a citizen, you're not required to do anything, and if you do do something, you're protected under good samiritan laws. I would just do compressions until I can get a BVM or a pocket mask or something.
If I'm on the job, I have the BVM and I could bag them and not have a problem. You have to look out for your safety first.
One more thing, if they're bleeding from their mouth as a result of a major trauma and they're in cardiac arrest, you're almost never going to get them back because they probably killed their brain or their spine and there's nothing you can do. It's called a Trauma Arrest and it means they're dead.
2006-07-14 08:58:57 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Simply the best you can. The new CPR focuses on compressions, and much less ventilation, so that makes it easier. Do what you are comfortable with. Personally, I have done several bouts of CPR and I do carry a pocket mask. I have rinsed my mouth out with peroxide as well. HIV is very fragile and any carbonated drink will kill it. You have to have blood to blood contact. So if you have bleeding gums, I wouldn't suggest you do mouth to mouth. The chances of reviving someone, except a child or a drowning/smoke inhalation victim, are extremely slim anyway. The first rule is call for help...911.
2006-07-12 22:18:14 · answer #3 · answered by erlifesaver 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if someone is educated understand how AIDS is transmitted then there shouldn't be a problem giving mouth to mouth. Unless the pt. vomits in your mouth then you might have a problem. But to answer you question yes I would stop to perform Mouth to mouth. But as a rescue worker thats why I always carry a key chain CPR mask.
2006-07-12 21:29:19 · answer #4 · answered by momoxyz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should have a mouth gasket, a rubber or latex mouth mold to keep you from coming in direct contact with the victims saliva. AIDS is not transmittable through saliva for the most part but if coming to the aid of a suspected sufferer, check for open wounds to steer clear of.
2006-07-12 21:31:52 · answer #5 · answered by PUtuba7 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the event that minimal precautions were not available, I would never perform rescue breathing on someone whom I was not willing to die for.
I've performed CPR on more people than I can count and there's a lot more out there than AIDS that can ruin your day.
Always remember, you are not responsible for someone else's heart attack or asphyxiation or traumatic accident. You are not required to end your own life early on the off chance that theirs may be extended.
2006-07-14 17:40:12 · answer #6 · answered by slagathor238 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the moment, I would probably wipe the mouth area off just to make sure that I could give CPR properly. But, I'd also be praying that it would help protect me from any infectious disease as well. If I contracted something from this person I'd have to hunt them down and kill them! J/K
2006-07-12 21:30:43 · answer #7 · answered by fiestyredhead 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
weather you help is up to you. if you are in the medical fields and don't help, and someone finds ought you can get in trouble. i wouldn't wonder if the person had anything until it was all over with. and you cant get aids from anyone unless you had an open wound or a way for their bodily fluids to get into your mouth, eyes, etc.... you can always take your hand and put over the persons mouth spread two fingers apart and breath into their mouth that way.
CNA II
2006-07-14 22:09:53 · answer #8 · answered by Heather W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Even health care professionals are expected to use a barrier to protext themselves, which is why I always carry a CPR mask. Those who don't have that, though, can help by just calling 911 or delegating to someone else to call 911 which you sit with the person.
2006-07-12 22:49:15 · answer #9 · answered by nurseTINA 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The latest instructions for first aiders is to perform chest compressions at least. These compressions not only assist in moving blood around, but they cause the lungs to inhale and expire air. The first step though would be to ensure that the mouth is clear so that air can pass in and out of the lungs. So Expired Air Resusitation is not as important as CRP compressions
2006-07-14 13:08:56 · answer #10 · answered by peter r 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋