Re: question on doing CPR

August 30, 2004

In a message dated 8/30/2004 11:06:05 AM Pacific Standard Time,

kdavis@... writes:

Bonnie,

You should take the course. I have taken it and it is well worth doing. In

a life/death situation, you won't give a darn about your joints, you will

save a life if you know how.

-Barb

I had to take the course as a Girl Scout leader & found I could NOT move

enough air to help with my lung & heart issues. But the instructor remined us

that even if we are unable to actually perform the CPR ourselves, we would be

able to lead a more able-bodied person who might not be trained in the

proceedure. Hopefully in a real emergency, that " stronger than human " reaction

might

kick in too....so better prepared than sorry!

Liza

August 30, 2004

I agree with Barb, you can take it - it's not taught the same way it was

long ago, it's not as physically demanding. I used to teach the course and

now the whole practical part is different.

Jill

August 30, 2004

Bonnie,

You should take the course. I have taken it and it is well worth doing. In

a life/death situation, you won't give a darn about your joints, you will

save a life if you know how.

-Barb

August 30, 2004

true but I've already had several injuries to both shoulders and couldn't keep

up the compressions for any length of time, let alone do all the rescue

breathing required. I have decreased tidal volume due to asthma..... maybe I

should tell them if I can pass the course, I get to stay. If I can't pass the

course, I quit.... only 3 weeks of seeing patients and now this!!!!

Re: question on doing CPR

Bonnie,

You should take the course. I have taken it and it is well worth doing. In

a life/death situation, you won't give a darn about your joints, you will

save a life if you know how.

-Barb

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

August 30, 2004

Bonnie, maybe your Dr could write it so that you can take the course with

restrictions. Like not knelling on the floor, going through the motions of the

compressions, but not doing them, stuff like that. I know you said they wouldn't

take your Drs letters, but that seems illegal. That way you are meeting them

half way.

Cindylouwho

question on doing CPR

I started doing home care for speech therapy. When I applied I was upfront

with what I could/couldn't do, including not being able to do CPR due to my

EDS and joints/strength etc. I was hired, then was told later that I needed

to get a letter from the MD stating why I couldn't do CPR. Fine. MD

complied, wrote the letter but instead of saying due to EDS he said it was

due to my medical condition. Last Thursday I got a call from the rehab

director saying that I HAD to take the course and get a letter from the MD

saying that I could take it. So, I called the clinic, asked for the

additional letter and he also put in the letter that I couldn't perform the

CPR due to the medical condition.

Today I get a call from the rehab director telling me that the company won't

accept any of the MD letters. I HAVE to take the CPR and be able to perform

it to continue working for them.

Now...what the H*LL do I do??? This is blatant discrimination against a

handicapped person who was up front and honest at time of

interview/employment. The nurse at the MD's office said the initial letter

should have been sufficient but she went ahead and had the MD write the 2nd

letter.

BTW, I live in the state of Wisconsin.

Thanks. I have to have an answer back today. BTW, the rehab director WANTS

me to continue working for them because she's very happy with my work,

paperwork, etc. Besides, I'm the only OTHER SLP working for them.

Bonnie....dejected and confused

To learn more about EDS, visit our website: http://www.ehlersdanlos.ca

August 30, 2004

Anyone can pass the course. Even people in wheelchairs can be accommodated

by placing the CPR demo dolls on a table.

In a life/death situation, you may not be able to physically perform the

task, but knowing what to do you will be able to instruct someone else to do

it. Say, for example, you have a mother and daughter in the office and the

mother needs CPR. If your joints or your asthma won't allow you to perform

CPR, by knowing what to do, you can instruct the daughter to do CPR on the

mother. It's a valuable skill and EVERYONE should have it.

There are good reasons why healthcare workers are required to take the

course. Dad had to take the course and has to recertify periodically as a

massage therapist.

-Barb

August 30, 2004

THanks to everyone for their responses so far.

I am thinking hard on this situation. I have noticed that my pain levels have

increased again, since working, as well as the physical and emotional stress,

which is NOT good for me. My girlfriend called me back and she even noticed a

change in my personality last weekend when I saw her. We have known each other

for over 17 years.

She suggested going to see my MD and discussing this with him in person. I'm

trying to get an appt with him now. I have an appt with him at 3:30 pm...

Re: question on doing CPR

In a message dated 8/30/2004 11:06:05 AM Pacific Standard Time,

kdavis@... writes:

Bonnie,

You should take the course. I have taken it and it is well worth doing. In

a life/death situation, you won't give a darn about your joints, you will

save a life if you know how.

-Barb

I had to take the course as a Girl Scout leader & found I could NOT move

enough air to help with my lung & heart issues. But the instructor remined us

that even if we are unable to actually perform the CPR ourselves, we would be

able to lead a more able-bodied person who might not be trained in the

proceedure. Hopefully in a real emergency, that " stronger than human "

reaction might

kick in too....so better prepared than sorry!

Liza

August 30, 2004

Thanks Cindy.... I have a call into the rehab manager.