4 Steps for life

For four-wheel drivers and others that regularly go off the beaten track, there is a good chance that sooner or later someone in your party may experience a heart attack. With a minimum of training you could easily assist in saving their life.

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation - often called "the kiss of life", "heart massage" or "chest compressions". It's the technique used to maintain essential blood flow and oxygen to the brain of a person in a cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest is when, for whatever reason, the heart stops pumping effectively. The person falls unconscious and stops breathing normally. The longer the blood flow and oxygen to vital parts of the body is cut off, the lower the chance of survival.

Ambulance Victoria has developed the 4 Steps for Life CPR awareness program to help increase cardiac arrest survival rates in the community. The 4 Steps for Life simplifies CPR into 4 steps needed to help a person in cardiac arrest. It's built around an engaging 20 minute DVD, which replicates a real medical emergency call and then demonstrates the steps to take to help save a life. Watch it on your own, or with family or friends, and practise along with the demonstration using the Pillow Pal practice aids provided in the pack.

You'll be surprised how easy it is and you'll wonder why more people haven't learnt these life-saving steps. You'll also receive a question and answer sheet and fridge magnets to further guide you. This kit is a great idea for clubs, providing all the instructional gear necessary to train your members.

To order your $25 4 Steps for Life personal pack or for further information, phone 1300 550 472 or email [email protected].

Learning the 4 Steps for Life could help save someone's life.