Tag Archives: rescue

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues

YOUNG WORKER SURVIVES 55′ FALL INTO SHAFT

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Imagine falling into a hole 55’ deep and only 33” wide.  That’s exactly what happened to Zach Rogan, in Carrollton, Texas, last week.  A student on summer break from the Weatherford Fire Academy, Zach had taken a job with Texas Shafts for the summer.  As he was cleaning around the hole, finishing his work for the day, things suddenly went wrong.  He took a step forward and his left leg went into the hole and he started falling.  Quick thinking helped make this terrible accident better than it could have been.  Zach kicked his legs out and pushed the sides of the hole with his arms to slow the fall.  He made it to the bottom of the shaft alive! 

Firefighters from Carrollton and Coppell worked quickly to lower a rescue worker to the bottom of the shaft.  That task took 30 minutes.  A tripod with a pulley was set up over the shaft, as the team of paramedics got ready.  A firefighter quickly put a strapped vest on Rogan, and a cable slowly lifted the men up out of the hole to safety.  This was a tough assignment, since a 33’ hole is only slightly larger than the width of a man’s shoulders.  

In researching a situation like this, I found that shafts 30” or greater in diameter and 6’ or more in depth require some form of fall protection at the surface of the shaft.  Fall protection, including a rescue plan, must be in place prior to drilling any shaft.  Guardrails must be around the shaft.  At the end of the day, there should be a sturdy cover placed over the shaft. 

Companies should have fall protection guidelines for workers, so they understand what is required for their safety.  They should participate in fall prevention training, and use fall protection equipment  if required for the job.  Workers also need to be taught how to inspect the devices they may use, to ensure they are in good condition.  

We are thankful that Zach survived this fall and hopeful that more care will be taken when working around shafts.  It only takes a few seconds for accidents to happen.  Rogan, 20, is a very lucky young man.  He is recovering from surgery to stabilize his crushed vertebrae, as well as suffering some nerve damage.  He still plans to become a firefighter, and hopes to be on the other side of an accident like this….as a rescuer and not a victim.

Source: WFAA.com

Fall Safety, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Protective Clothing, Respiratory Safety

HOW TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM DANGERS IN CONFINED SPACES – PART II

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In yesterday’s segment on this subject, we described several different types of confined spaces, as well as the numerous hazards associated with them.  Today, we will include a checklist of recommendations from OSHA for safe entry.  Government statistics show that around sixty percent of the fatalities associated with confined spaces accidents are of well-meaning, but untrained, would-be rescuers who lost their own lives in the process of trying to save someone else.  Here is an actual accident that resulted in death because of a lack of hazard awareness and unplanned rescue attempts:
A self-employed plumbing contractor entered an underground water line vault to inspect a backflow device.  The contractor collapsed shortly after entering the vault.  A supervisor noticed the man down, and entered the vault in a rescue attempt.  Both men had entered an untested oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and died as a result.
If proper guidelines had been followed, these fatalities and other similar ones could have been prevented.  The two sample checklists below show the importance of attention to detail that must be given before anyone enters a confined space and during work being performed.  Standby attendants must be qualified and trained in proper rescue techniques.
Here is one sample checklist, (Appendix D-2) to Standard 29 CFR 1910.146:
In yesterday’s segment on this subject, we described several different types of confined spaces, as well as the numerous hazards associated with them.  Today, we will include a checklist of recommendations from OSHA for safe entry.  Government statistics show that around sixty percent of the fatalities associated with confined spaces accidents are of well-meaning, but untrained, would-be rescuers who lost their own lives in the process of trying to save someone else.  Here is an actual accident that resulted in death because of a lack of hazard awareness and unplanned rescue attempts:
A self-employed plumbing contractor entered an underground water line vault to inspect a backflow device.  The contractor collapsed shortly after entering the vault.  A supervisor noticed the man down, and entered the vault in a rescue attempt.  Both men had entered an untested oxygen-deficient atmosphere, and died as a result.
If proper guidelines had been followed, these fatalities and other similar ones could have been prevented.  The two sample checklists below show the importance of attention to detail that must be given before anyone enters a confined space and during work being performed.  Standby attendants must be qualified and trained in proper rescue techniques.
Here is one sample checklist, (Appendix D-2) to Standard 29 CFR 1910.146:
Osha-checklist
I hope that by sharing this detailed information we will all realize how important it is to be aware of the risks that people who work in these type of situations face and how they must comply with the safety rules and regulations; that those who would help them in times of emergencies would be as prepared to enter these places as the ones already inside.  This information could possibly save your life, or the life of a co-worker.  Rescue agencies (fire departments, police, etc.) are trained to enter confined spaces with the right equipment.  One thing to remember: an unplanned rescue could possibly be your last one.
General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, Head Protection, Hearing Protection, Respiratory Safety

HOW TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM DANGERS IN CONFINED SPACES – PART I

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The safety poster shown below is graphic, but it conveys excellent information for those persons whose jobs require them to work in areas considered to be confined spaces.   These vessels, etc. are normally sealed so the dangers within, whether it is high-pressure, hot, or toxic materials, or gases, mechanical or electrical hazards, stay within.  When a human enters to inspect or service what’s inside is when the danger begins.

According to OSHA, many workplaces contain spaces that are considered “confined” because their configurations hinder the activities of employees who must enter, work in, and exit them. Confined spaces include, but are not limited to underground vaults, tanks, storage bins, manholes, pits, silos, process vessels, and pipelines. OSHA uses the term “permit-required confined space” (permit space) to describe a confined space that has one or more of the following characteristics: contains or has the potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere; contains a material that has the potential to engulf an entrant; has walls that converge inward or floors that slope downward and taper into a smaller area which could trap or asphyxiate an entrant; or contains any other recognized safety or health hazard, such as unguarded machinery, exposed live wires, or heat stress. Repeating, OSHA’s definition of  “Confined space” means a space that:
(1) Is large enough and so configured that an employee can bodily enter and perform assigned work; and
(2) Has limited or restricted means for entry or exit (for example, tanks, vessels, silos, storage bins, hoppers, vaults, and pits are spaces that may have limited means of entry.); and
(3) Is not designed for continuous employee occupancy.

“Acceptable entry conditions” means the conditions that must exist in a permit space to allow entry and to ensure that employees involved with a permit-required confined space entry can safely enter into and work within the space.

According to NIOSH, when the entry of a worker is necessary,  prior to entry into any type of confined space, several things must be done to ensure the safety of the persons required to work there.  The atmosphere should be tested, at all levels – top, middle, and bottom.  The area should be well ventilated with blowers or fans, and re-tested to ensure that it is ventilated correctly before anyone enters.  There are many locations that have insufficient air movement, which results in oxygen deficiency, flammability, or toxic situations.  Persons inside may be involved in welding, cutting, or brazing operations, and others may be painting, scraping, sanding, or degreasing.  Workers must have the appropriate personal protective equipment, such as hardhats, gloves, rubber boots, and the proper type of respirators.  Some may need air purifying ones, those that filter dangerous substances from the air, or air supplying types that furnish safe breathing air from a tank or uncontaminated area nearby. Only air-supplying respirators should be used in confined spaces where there is not enough oxygen.

Other hazards of confined spaces include extreme temperatures, engulfment hazards, such as loose materials in bins – sand, coal, grain – materials that a worker could fall into and suffocate.  Being in small spaces also amplifies noise; some are slick and wet, adding to the risk of electric shock, and others may have falling objects dropped into the area by work being done above the entrance.  All of these hazards add up to the fact that it takes very special kinds of workers that are willing to do this type of work, and companies that do their very level best to meet the needs and requirements to keep these folks safe.

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Tomorrow, we will discuss the way these workers should be protected by having attendants at the entrance, and rescue operations at the ready, as well as a checklist that contains recommendations for a safe entry.  Please stay tuned…………………………

Source: OSHA, NIOSH

General Safety Issues, Weather Protection

MORE DEADLY TORNADOES RIP THROUGH THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES

Friday, April 29th, this week’s death toll from storms totaled 341, across seven states.  In Alabama, 249 deaths were included in that total, which makes it the deadliest U.S. tornado outbreak since March of 1932.  In Tuscaloosa, hundreds of persons remain missing.  Watching news coverage of the devastation gives us a glimpse of what citizens there are facing.  We can only imagine the heartbreak of losing family members who were with them only a few minutes prior to the storms. Personal belongings have been found hundreds of miles from their homes, in other states.  One of Wednesday’s tornadoes was a 205 mph monster that took the lives of 13 people.  This tornado was categorized as an EF-5, the most violent.   The most recent figures from the Associated Press report death tolls by states, as: Alabama -249; Mississippi – 35; Tennessee – 34; Georgia -15; Virginia – 5; Louisiana -2; and Kentucky – 1, as of Sunday, May 1st. 

Now, weather scientists are putting on their “detective hats” to retrace the paths of the monstrous tornadoes and try to prepare a meteorological autopsy report, determining how many twisters developed and the power they contained.  Researchers from the National Weather Service and the national Storm Prediction Center are concerned with the types of structures that were destroyed, what type of foundations they were built upon, and the kinds of roofs they had.  Then they will combine this data with atmospheric conditions and see how the storms were affected by factors such as moisture levels.  According to an Associated Press report, this information will help forecasters better understand how killer systems develop.  The final details on the disaster will be part of the National Climate Database.  Russell Schneider, director of the SPC in Norman, Oklahoma, said “to have an event of this magnitude with a modern integrated observing system like we have now is unique in the history of meteorology for a tornado forecaster.” 

We know that by paying attention to warnings from forecasters, many lives are saved.  We also know that we should be prepared in several ways.  These folks had some warning, but when it comes to the killers  they were facing, they only had a short time to decide what they were going to do, or where they were going for protection.  As we can see by the pictures, these tornadoes had very little mercy on so many people, and everything that meant the world to them.  Municipal buildings used for helping citizens are gone.  It was reported that the Emergency Medical Services personnel have been going strong since it happened, with little rest so far.  Recovery workers were on the scene quickly to look for survivors. One major item that authorities have asked for is flashlights, so persons won’t use candles that could ignite what is left of their homes. 

Keep these folks in your thoughts and prayers, as they struggle to bury loved ones and carry on – thanks to their determination and the help they are receiving from volunteers, organizations and the government.  As one citizen who had lost her home stated: “If you don’t have any bad times, how are you going to appreciate the good times?”  If there is anything we can do to help out, let’s do it.  Please stay safe through the stormy season.

General Safety Issues

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER – IT’S NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK!

My deepest apologies – I have almost let National Volunteer Week slip by!  The observance began on the 10th of April through April 16th.  Hopefully, you were already aware of this special time that is set aside to recognize those who give their time and service to various good causes in their communities.  According to FEMA Regional Administrator, Ken Murphy, National Volunteer Week is all about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to check out imaginative ways to engage in their communities.  This year’s theme in the United States is “Inspire By Example.”  Canada is also observing their National Volunteer Week during this week, with the theme, “Volunteers: Passion. Action. Impact.” 

It would be hard to find the proper words to express the debt we owe those persons who do various kinds of volunteer work, and the many who volunteer for duties at more than one place.  In the case of FEMA, their concern is knowing that there will be volunteers to plan for disasters, plan for elderly, those who do not have transportation, and others that may not be prepared for storms, floods, or worse.  We have seen numerous earthquakes, floods, and tornadoes this year, and in each case, volunteers have rushed to rescue the stranded, and start the recovery process.  Wildfires have been rampant in several parts of Texas; professional firefighters would be in a terrible fix if it were not for the area volunteer fire departments that do all they can to join them in order to save land, homes, and animals for property owners.  

The next time you enter a hospital, nursing home, school, shelter, or similar facility, look around, and you will most likely see a volunteer.  It may be a person simply reading to an elderly person in a nursing home, filing in a hospital office, helping a teacher in the classroom, or serving food in a shelter.  Persons who deliver food to the elderly or disabled contribute a very valuable service.

How about young parents, who volunteer to coach baseball, football, soccer, or other sports for the children?  Positions on most school boards and hospital boards are unpaid.  Those folks give not only their time for meetings, but have to take phone calls from concerned citizens much of the time.  Hotlines also require volunteers to be ready to answer questions and guidance. 

I am sure I have overlooked many other aspects of volunteerism.  I only know that it is important that we help others by giving back.  I served as President of our hospital volunteers, a group of dedicated workers that got along very well and raised a lot of money for equipment for the hospital.  We had fun, and I got to know some of the best people in the world, that I probably would never have known had it not been for belonging to that group.  There are so many ways to serve, and I hope you will look for your place.  Believe me, you will be paid back in ways you can’t imagine. 

May 7th is “Join Hands Day,” which is established to promote youth and adults volunteering together to improve their communities.  We need to work with our young people.  There’s no better way to inspire each other than by working together for a good cause.  Finally, thank you to all who serve!

General Safety Issues

TRIPLE TRAGEDIES IN JAPAN

Japan, the country that gave the world the word tsunami, has suffered tremendously at the hands of Mother Nature, first with an earthquake that measured 8.9, and then followed by a tsunami that contained 23 foot waves, and devastated much of the northeast part of the country.  If that weren’t enough to contend with, officials are now battling the threat of nuclear meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini nuclear plants.  The death toll from the earthquake and tsunami keeps climbing, as the last reports showed around 10,000 persons feared dead; thousands more are missing.  Hundreds of thousands of persons in Japan are struggling to find food and water.   

This has been like watching a bad horror movie, only it is real.  The U.S. Government, private aid groups, and American business corporations were all being mobilized Saturday to support rescue and recovery efforts in Japan.  The U.S. Military assistance operation, “Operation Tomodachi”, meaning “friendship”, was the name chosen by the Japanese.  USS Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which includes a destroyer, cruiser, and combat support ship is headed to the east coast of Honshu to serve as a platform for refueling Japanese military and other helicopters involved in rescue and recovery. 

In regard to Japan’s nuclear problems – a meltdown means there has been a serious collapse of a power plant’s systems and its ability to manage temperatures.  A complete meltdown would release uranium and dangerous byproducts into the environment that pose serious health problems.  When there is a loss of power and damage to generators, cooling systems crucial to cool down nuclear fuel rods become crippled and unable to perform their function.  On Saturday, safety officials from Japan told the International Atomic Energy Agency that the release of radioactive material so far has been small; however, Japanese authorities have evacuated more than 180,000 residents within a 12-mile radius, and are distributing iodine pills to residents around the power plants involved.  Potassium iodide, in concentrated form, can help reduce the dose of radiation to the thyroid and thus the risk of cancer.  The Nuclear Regulatory Committee in the U.S. recommends that persons living within 10-mile emergency planning radius of nuclear plants be given the same dosage of concentrated potassium iodide. 

Although this is largest earthquake Japan has experienced, and the 5th largest in the world since 1900, Japan has routinely conducted earthquake and tsunami drills and probably is better prepared for this type of disaster than any other country.  Inside modern Japanese buildings are extra steel bracing, giant rubber pads and embedded hydraulic shock absorbers, making them the sturdiest in the world.  Building codes have long been much more stringent on specific matters like how much a building may sway during an earthquake.  Hopefully, lives were saved because of this planning.  Time will tell. 

The tsunami from Japan sent strong waves thousands of miles away.  Hawaii is thankful that there was no loss of life or injuries from the tsunami, but several hotels experienced waves pushed into their lobbies on the Big Island, and also there was damage to about 60 homes.  Further away, in Crescent City, California, a community that depends on the fishing industry, the tsunami caused approximately $17.1 million dollars of damage to the harbor and vessels, and about $4 million to private boats.  One young man from a community about 20 miles south of Crescent City, remains missing, when he was washed away by the waves. 

Aftershocks continue in Japan, making rescue and recovery even more difficult.  Many of these aftershocks measure 5 or greater.  Keep the citizens of Japan in your thoughts and prayers, as well as the brave people who always show up in times of crisis – volunteers from around the world that search, treat the injured, feed the hungry, and serve in ways we can’t begin to imagine.  Disasters always bring friends from afar, countries pulling together to help their fellow human beings.

Sources: NY Times, AP, Chicago Tribune, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

General Safety Issues

STEP BY STEP, SAVING THE MINERS IN CHILE

There was great news on Saturday, October 9th, when a T-130 drill, operated by U.S. contractor, Jeff Hart, of Denver, Colorado, along with other contractors, broke through to thirty-three trapped Chilean miners after 28 days of drilling.  These miners have been trapped underground for more than two months, following a cave-in August 5, 2010.  This sets the world record for length of time that workers have survived being underground.  Rescuers are hopeful that the miners will begin their trip out of the mine by Tuesday, October 12, around midnight.  The capsule that will carry the miners to safety has been named Phoenix I, after the mythical bird that rose from the ashes.  The Phoenix I is a steel capsule, which will be lowered to pick up the miners, giving each man a twisting ride for approximately 2,041’, lasting around 20 minutes.  Each round trip will be approximately one hour.  The top part of the escape shaft is lined with steel sleeves for reinforcement.

The miners are in great spirits, arguing over who will be the last one to leave the mine!  A Navy special forces paramedic and a mine expert will be lowered into the mine, one at a time, to evaluate the condition of the workers.  They will oversee the upward journey, sending the most technically adept miners first, who would be able to help with the rescue if necessary.  Those with health concerns will go next, with the emotionally stronger ones going last. 

The miners have been given a diet donated by NASA, consisting of liquids, vitamins, and minerals to prepare for the trip.  Among the many challenges of the rescue are the possibilities of becoming dizzy or panicked.    Harnesses and oxygen masks will be placed on each miner, and the ones being lifted after sunrise will don safety sunglasses to protect their eyes from sunlight, which they have not seen for more than 60 days.   

There will be a make-shift hospital where the miners will have health checks, and following a brief reunion with families, they will be airlifted to a hospital in nearby Copiaco, about a 15-minute flight.  One can only imagine the jubilation from the families of  the miners opon seeing their loved ones safely back on the earth, instead of inside it.  There will also be approximately 750 journalists and Chilean officials waiting, as well.  These miners will long be telling their stories of the amazing journey they have experienced.  It will be interesting to hear the tales and see if the bonds of friendship and companionship will last.   Families have endured extreme stress during this time; they and their husbands, fathers, sons, and other family members should be given time to recouperate.

It is to the credit of these brave and dedicated rescuers from Chile and various other countries that these men have survived this harrowing event.  We are anxious, along with the rest of the world, to know that they are safely back home.  This event should serve as a lesson that the world can be a much better place if we all work together.

General Safety Issues

OCTOBER 3 – 9 IS FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

The National Fire Protection Association has been the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week for eighty-eight years.  This year’s focus is promoting and educating the public on the use of smoke alarms.  The theme for 2010 is “Smoke Alarms: A Sound You Can Live With.” 

Many homes have smoke alarms, but how many of us take the recommended once a month time to check them out? According to the NFPA, there should be a smoke alarm in every bedroom, outside all sleeping areas, on every level, even the basement.  Most homes do not contain that many smoke alarms.  Families should all be aware of escape plans in case of fire. Two/thirds of home fire deaths were a result of fires in the home that either had no smoke detectors at all, or they did not function properly.  NFPA data shows that smoke alarms that work correctly can cut the chance of dying in a home fire by 50%.  You can find more information at the website: http://www.firepreventionweek.org./ If you have smoke alarms and they begin to “chirp,” they are telling you that they need a new battery! 

There can be multiple causes of fires, either at home, work, on the highways, and other locations where accidents occur.  We depend on our firefighters in times of emergency.  They are trained not only to extinguish and contain fires, but to rescue civilians and furnish medical assistance.  Some are paid and others are volunteers.  These public servants are available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  

We owe it to these men and women to be cautious when camping outdoors.  Wildfires can happen quickly, and cause devastation to homes, humans, wildlife, and miles of terrain.  Firefighters put their lives on the line many times because of someone’s carelessness.  In addition to the responsibilities firemen and women have, they must wear heavy duty PPE, as well.  Like our military, fire personnel have to wear heavy equipment, such as turnout jacket and pants, safety boots, safety glasses, SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus), helmet with face mask/visor, special gloves, a PASS device (personal alert safety system), and reflective vests over their turnout jackets when helping with accident control.

They also conduct inspections of buildings for violations of fire codes.  After a fire, it’s up to fire personnel to conduct investigations to determine the cause.   If you are concerned about the safety of your home, or plan to purchase a home, your fire department will send someone to check it out for you.  Fire departments are helpful to citizens in many ways, such as conducting classes in fire prevention. 

The next time you see a fireman, thank him/her for what they do.  It’s a job that requires a special breed of people, ones who are willing to serve whenever called on.  And remember, think safety always and help prevent fires.

General Safety Issues, Uncategorized, Weather Protection

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS RESULTED FROM 1985 AIRLINE CRASH

On August 2, 1985, Delta Flight 191 dropped out of the sky near Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, taking the lives of 137 persons.  The cause of the crash was wind shear conditions during a thunderstorm, which created a weather phenomenon known as a microburst –  first speeding the plane up, then slowing it down dramatically, causing it to hit the ground before it reached the runway.  

Today, twenty-five years to the date of the crash, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport is holding a ceremony to memorialize the victims of Flight 191 and recognize the personnel who worked the disaster.  Another reason to observe the date is to emphasize the tragedy’s legacy for improving the safety of air travel. 

Weather systems have been enhanced to allow precision forecasting.  Instruments on the ground can look inside clouds today to see the churnings that can lead to wind shear and microbursts.  Commercial aircrafts have sophisticated systems that can tell pilots where those dangerous winds are.  D/FW, the third busiest airport in the nation, is at the forefront of this type of detection.  The airport has 18 wind shear detection towers and two Doppler radar systems.  

Another lesson learned from 191 is that these types of accidents may be survivable.  Fire trucks have special firefighting tools that can possibly enable them to rescue passengers.  A probe  attached to a hose, can shoot a fire retardant into the fuselage, and cool it down so rescue workers can get inside.  D/FW’s fire training center has taught 15,000 airport firefighters from 23 countries; its’ staff travels to accidents around the country to see what methods worked and what didn’t work. 

A federal judge found the flight crew of 191 at fault for trying to land in the hazardous weather.  The aviation industry has a training strategy called “crew resource management,” encouraging co-pilots to speak their mind if they are concerned, even if it means challenging the captain.  A standard part of pilot training is a requirement for pilots to “fly” Delta 191, in flight simulators.  This re-creation helps a pilot recognize the unstable winds early on and allows them to give their plane full power while pulling up as hard as possible.  

There were twenty-seven survivors (some with devastating injuries) of this crash; they and the families of the victims will never forget this tragedy.  Quoting the Star-Telegram: “The memorial today is a somber reminder that no matter how advanced technology becomes, we should never take for granted what a complicated and remarkable endeavor air travel is.” 

Sources: Dallas Morning News, Ft Worth Star-Telegram

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

“HANDS ONLY” CPR RECOMMENDED

Hopefully, you’ve heard the latest news about “hands only” cardiopulmonary resuscitation recommended by medical experts.  Having passed a CPR class, this news comes as a relief to me, because I have always wondered if I could really perform the “mouth-to-mouth,” or rescue breathing that might be necessary in the event that I needed to help someone.  Note: this recommendation applies to lay people only.  Emergency Medical Personnel still must do both rescue breathing and chest compressions on all patients, including children. 

Two studies were conducted from 2004 to 2009, involving 3,000 men and women who needed CPR during that period.  One was done in the United States and the other study was in Europe.  Certain patients received the hands only type of CPR, and the others received rescue breathing, along with chest compressions.  Patients in the study were all adults, and statistics showed that patients had almost identical survival rates.  Dr. Myron Weisfeldt, Physician In Chief at Johns Hopkins Hospital states these findings illustrate that in CPR, “less is better.”  However, Dr. Weisfeldt did state that certain patients, such as those with sudden acute heart failure, severe chronic lung disease, or acute asthma should receive rescue breathing in addition to chest compressions.  

It is hoped that this finding will encourage more bystanders to get involved in helping someone who may be experiencing a heart attack.  By performing CPR soon after a heart attack, the likelihood of survival increases twofold.  If you see a person in distress, call 9-1-1, or quickly ask someone standing by to do so.  Place hands one on top of the other on the center of the patient’s chest, and begin chest compressions, which need to be hard and fast.  Try to do 100 compressions per minute.  ABC News reported that one medical source suggested doing compressions to the beat of the song, “Stayin’ Alive” while you are performing the compressions.  (It might be difficult to think of that during an emergency, but as they were demonstrating it, there really was a good beat, as well as a good message!) 

I know that I feel better knowing that the “hands only” system may help someone in trouble; I just wasn’t sure that I could clear a person’s airway and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.  So far, I haven’t had to try, but I am certainly willing to give it my best if an emergency arises.  It would be a good idea for everyone to take a CPR class.  You never know when you might save the life of someone you love very much or a complete stranger.