New policy to help first responders save more lives

If the person is just sleeping, they’re probably going to take a swing at you, so you’ll know right away. So if they look dead, go ahead and give it a shot.”

Chief Michael DeMello

When a Bristol resident’s heart stops and he or she is on the verge of death, it will now take Bristol Rescue personnel more than a half-hour to take the person from their home and head to the hospital.

And it’s all by design.

Actually, it will take longer to get all cardiac arrest victims in Rhode Island to a hospital, and that’s to help save more lives. The Rhode Island Department of Health has issued new treatment protocols for first responders to a cardiac emergency. Previously, EMTs would rush a victim into an ambulance and on to a hospital for treatment as quickly as possible. Now, that treatment will take place in the field for longer, as studies have shown immediate, extended CPR gives cardiac arrest victims the best chance to survive. As of March 1, all EMTs will remain on scene for up to 30 minutes performing CPR before moving the victim.

“If we’re going to get you back, we’re going to get you back in the first 30 minutes,” said Bristol Fire Chief Michael DeMello. “The best chance we can give you is to of CPR in the home. We’re doing the same the ER is going to do.”

Immediacy and consistency are key when it comes saving a life from a stopped heart. Chest compressions circulate the blood and keep it flowing to the brain. The time it takes to move a patient from a home into an ambulance is critical time that blood is not flowing. If rescue workers need to carry a victim from a third-floor walk-up, for example, too many of those critical first 30 minutes are wasted.

“Any time you stop compressions, it’s like a glass emptying out,” Chief DeMello said. “Any time we take to move you, we then have to start all over again to fill it back up. I want people to be aware we are going to be on scene for longer.”

Starting CPR as quickly as possible and minimizing interruptions in that first 30 minutes is critical to survival and long-term brain health for the patient. To that end, it is important for bystanders to take action when a victim arrests, Chief DeMello said. Witnesses should immediately call 911 and begin CPR before rescue workers arrive, even if they are unsure of their skills. Good samaritan laws in Rhode Island protect those who try to help from liability for any mistakes. Plus, even with minimal knowledge, bystanders are likely to know when it is time for action.

“If they look dead, more often than not, they are,” Chief DeMello said. “If the person is just sleeping, they’re probably going to take a swing at you, so you’ll know right away. So if they look dead, go ahead and give it a shot.”

Of course, it is always best to have more knowledge. The key is quick, consistent chest compressions — 30 compressions to two ventilations, or just consistent compressions. The goal is to achieve 100 compressions a minute, roughly the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the BeeGees, which some CPR instructors teach their students to sing in their head while compressing.

Bristol Fire Rescue aims to teach as many residents as possible basic CPR so they can save lives if put in the situation. Chief DeMello said his department will educate anyone who wants to learn, individually or in groups.

Businesses or community groups can request a class for their employees or members by calling 253-6912. When the weather gets warmer, the department plans to conduct “sidewalk CPR,” teaching the critical skill to passers-by on the street, the chief said.

“I want people to be aware that if they want to learn, we want to teach,” Chief DeMello said. “My goal is to teach CPR to as many people as possible.”