Randy Cassingham's Blog

Posted by Kyla, Columbus OH on July 3, 2009:

Good work on the save. I had a "fatal" heart attack four years ago, and I'm here to read your story because of an EMT just like you. I did go back to thank him after I was released from the hospital, and he was delighted. I wish and hope more people will say thanks to the EMTs that are there to help no matter how gawdawful the hour or circumstance.

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I loved it on the extremely rare occasions patients sought me out to say "what happened". Don't be afraid to do it, even if it's been awhile. We would like to know! -rc

Posted by Jim, Wisconsin on July 3, 2009:

God bless you, Randy, and all the volunteer EMS personnel who wear those pagers. I work now at the other end of that ambulance ride, and I am the guy at the head of the ER cart when you folks roll in, standing amidst a million dollars worth of monitors, drugs, scopes and lots of other stuff. Having worked at the other end of this evacuation chain for many years, I still marvel at the dedication and professionalism of the volunteer caregivers out there in the communities. It's been said before but bears repeating: good first responder or bystander CPR, and early defibrillation make a world of difference.

Trauma calls, too -- securing the scene and the patient's safety, opening the airway, controlling bleeding and stabilizing spinal injuries -- point up the importance of educated EMS folks out at the pointy end of the spear.

Kudos to you and your teams. Keep up the great work.

Posted by Paul, Minot, ND on July 3, 2009:

Very interesting and well-written story, Randy. Congratulations to you and Kit.

I was a police officer in Tucson, Arizona, for 22 years. In the 1970's, we were offered EMT-II certification which I took. At the time, it was one step below Paramedic (which was just getting started in Tucson) which was within the Fire Department's program.

I was given -- and still have -- a "Laerdal Pocket Mask" in a hard plastic case. This is a soft plastic mask that fits over mouth and nose with a one-way valve to prevent aspiration of any exhaled breaths into the rescuer's mouth. The case contains easy to follow directions for use. This is useful (as commented by an earlier writer) to help avoid the "weird" feeling of direct mouth-to-mouth contact, and also help prevent the spread of body fluids from potential AIDS patients. Laerdal still sells these masks for $9 to $12, depending whether you want it in a poly bag or a hard plastic case. I keep mine in my truck glove compartment where it is handy all the time.

Thanks for all you do.

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You're not likely to get AIDS from saliva, but there are plenty of nasty things you definitely could get, so such a mask is smart to have. -rc

Posted by butch holland...georgia on July 3, 2009:

Many of us have been trained in CPR but over the years we forget the timing. Do you think on one of your news letters you could remind us how many chest compressions before we tilt head and sweep mouth. Then how many breaths before we go back to chest compressions. It seems like we will always remember the technique but not remembering how many times for each procedure is what makes us nervous. I can and will look it up on the net but thought this may help others. Also thank you, Your Wife and your team for being one of the good guys that dedicates your lives to helping others.

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It's now 30 compressions to 2 breaths, but the most important thing is a fast and reasonably deep compression. You may remember 5 to 1, but studies showed it took 2-4 compressions to prime the heart with enough blood to really get it pumping, so 5 really isn't enough. And how fast is fast? I covered that in one of a target="_blank" href="http://www.thisistrue.com/weird_news_video_20_--_listen.html">my videos! :-) -rc

Posted by Lorraine St Helens OR on July 3, 2009:

THANK YOU for sharing this story with us!! I held my CPR, First Aid and Lifeguard certifications for years but they lapsed several years ago and I never quite got around to re-certifying. Your story has really motivated me to get those certifications back now. And a hearty GOOD JOB to you as well!!

Posted by Tom in Seguin, Texas on July 3, 2009:

Randy, people like you and your team give me hope for this country. God bless y'all.

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If you want to change the world a bit, you can't just complain about it, you have to do it. Simple as that! -rc

Posted by Natalie, London on July 3, 2009:

You Americans are lucky. Here in England main roads have very few name signs. While holidaying in one of the Channel Islands, we commented on the almost complete lack of road name signs. Our taxi driver's reply was "We locals know where we are. We don't need signs".

Posted by Sue in Bremerton on July 3, 2009:

It is wonderful that there are people like you and all of the others are trained to do EMT work. It's more than giving, way past that.

Posted by Rob in Wheelersburg ohio on July 3, 2009:

Great job guys. I lost both of my parents to heart attacks. I didn't know CPR when my Dad died so I learned it, couldn't have helped there because I wasn't home but, the hope is that if ever it's needed I know how. Secondly my mother died away from home by herself so no one could help her either.

But you can bet everyone you've helped if asked later, they would sell the farm for ya.

Posted by Alan, VA on July 3, 2009:

Bravo. I've never had to use much of my first aid/CPR/self-aid training - but I certainly stay current. One thing another reader mentioned was infant CPR. As a parent of three, I've been lax and am being recertified. I'm once again inspired thanks to the story.

I also believe readers should be aware there (used to be) three different types of CPR dependent upon the victim's age. Obviously, an infant doesn't need the same compressions or breaths as an adult, but neither to children until they're almost teenagers. I've always believed the differences are important. Why not teach those differences in all CPR classes, even if it's information only?

As before, keep it up, Mr. Cassingham. And the Mrs. as well!