Online CPR Certification Blog

According to a statement that was in Pediatrics’ May issue, additional children having ailments that consist of potentially and abrupt fatal attacks are going to school. This is due to societal and legal trends adopted by the community over the last ten years.

Unlike nursing homes and hospitals, which adhere and honor such orders, schools are finding it hard cope with these guidelines. This can be attributed to the fact that most schools have a shortage of school nurses and don’t receive adequate support from state legislations and regulations. The role of pediatrics then becomes quite crucial at this point given that a lot of families want their kids taken care even after stating that they want their children excluded from CPR administration.

The legal circumstances of the order

A lot of the orders don’t possess any legal binds when it comes to dealing with minors. It should be noted that this is not the case in all states and schools. The AAP has warned that one might face liability if they don’t attempt to save a child who has been stricken, even if they are part of the group that has a request filled.

The first guidelines were issued by the AAP back in the year 1994. The guidelines promoted the option of forgoing CPR. This option was only viable if the procedure was likely to be unsuccessful or when the risked involved were more than the benefits. The rules were justified at the time considering that only 10% of the kids who undergo this procedure actually make it and survive for long. The other point of note was the very same children ended up suffering from neurological sequelae.

Concerns about the guidelines made

Witnessing an unsuccessful revival attempt of a sudden cardiac arrest victim can be very traumatizing. This is according to the AAP who also noted that the guidelines don’t at all mean that one should stand aside and do absolutely nothing. On the contrary, the guidelines indicated that the EMS staff can implement other procedures that can help the child. This can include holding the child, keeping them warm or offering supplementary oxygen.

Components of the heath plan included things such as notification of family members, the EMS and the school nurse or doctor. They also wrote that a specific place where the child should be moved during this event should be indicated somewhere. There was also a specific plan for the body to be removed from the school once something drastic happened.

The AAP warned all those states and schools that offered legal authority for healthcare that was advanced to minors. They also cautioned against providing legal protection to school personnel who don’t adhere the ‘don’t resuscitate’ order issued. The best way to avoid such liabilities was to familiarize oneself with the various state laws and regulations. There was also the need to put in place a legal framework that would provide immunity in such cases where they were great need to use CPR to save a life.