Empowering Lives, Ensuring Safety: The 2024 Annual Basic Life Support (CPR) and Choking First Aid Training at KIN Stroke Rehab Center

KIN - Rehabilitation & Homecare, a rehabilitation center for people recovering from stroke and older adult care organised staff-development training on "Basic Life Support (CPR), AED Use, and Assistance for Airway Obstruction". The session was led by Saowapa Suwannathes and covered essential first-aid principles, recognition of unresponsiveness and cardiac arrest, age-appropriate CPR for children and adults, correct use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and assistance for choking caused by food or other objects.

Basic Life Support (CPR), AED, and Choking-Response Training at KIN Rehabilitation Center

CPR is an emergency first-aid technique used when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Chest compressions help maintain blood flow to the brain and heart until emergency medical services arrive or an AED can be used.

Begin CPR when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally or is only gasping. Call Thailand’s emergency medical number 1669 immediately, ask someone to bring an AED, and start chest compressions without delay. For members of the public, checking for a pulse should not delay CPR. Early CPR and rapid defibrillation can improve the chance of survival by supporting blood and oxygen flow to vital organs. Practical training is strongly recommended so rescuers are prepared to respond safely.

Four Key Adult CPR Principles to Remember

1. Push deep: For an adult, compress the center of the chest approximately 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches).

2. Push fast: Deliver chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute.

3. Allow full recoil: After each compression, let the chest return fully to its normal position before the next compression.

4. Minimise interruptions: Continue compressions until an AED is ready to analyse, emergency professionals take over, the person shows clear signs of life, or the rescuer becomes unable to continue.

High-quality CPR depends on correct compression depth, rate, full chest recoil, and minimal interruption. When several trained rescuers are present, working as a team and rotating the compressor about every two minutes can help maintain effective compressions.

Person 1 assesses responsiveness and breathing, and begins CPR.

Person 2 calls 1669, provides the location and essential details, and obtains an AED if available.

Person 3 manages timing, prepares the AED, and helps rescuers rotate roles when needed.