CPR for the frail and obese

[onthemark]

I've been reading a thread here about CPR (started by Rags2RichesRN) but I have a slightly different question than hers. My question is that I, too, am a new nurse and although I, too, took the American Red Cross CPR program last year, I really don't feel qualified to save lives in the LTC facility where I work. Most of these residents are already frail and I could easily injure them, and some are morbidly obese and there's no way I could do thrusts on them. My feeling is that there should be special CPR techniques taught for these types of patients. I just started working 6 weeks ago and I'm really worried that when I'm the only LPN on the unit that someone will choke or otherwise need life support quickly. What do you suggest I do? Just call the supervisor and hopes she gets to my unit really fast? Your thoughts will be appreciated. Thank you.

[onthemark]

Good to know, kkorn! I just googled it. My facility doesn't have one but maybe they will soon.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I have seen some of the most productive compressions from little 5 foot nothing girls climbing up on the bed and getting a good straight line shot down on the person. I like to do the same. Heck on the ground is the best because you can just get over them and drop straight down on top of the bigger people. Proper technique and alignment helps tremendously.