From drownings and car accidents to fires and electrical shocks, thousands of lives are saved each and every day, for countless reasons, thanks to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Whether you’re a parent, caring for an elderly adult, a teacher, a lifeguard, or simply because you want to be able to provide lifesaving help, should the need arise – CPR is one of the most valuable skills you can have!
What I Need to Know About CPR
What is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is a lifesaving technique that can be used in a wide range of emergency situations in which an individual’s heartbeat and/or breathing has ceased. For example, drowning, cardiac arrest, or smoke inhalation. The aim of CPR is to restart a person’s heart and/or breathing and to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs.
What does CPR Entail?
CPR involves performing hard and fast chest compressions. The purpose of these compressions is to get the blood circulating around the body. When an individual’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped, more than likely, a lot of oxygen still remains within the circulatory system. Chest compressions help to move the oxygen-rich blood to the heart and the brain, as well as other vital internal organs.
Emergency oxygen can also be administered via the breath of the person who is administering the CPR, or via a tool that simulates breathing. An automated external defibrillator can also be used, along with medicines to help restart the heart.
Should you perform CPR even if you don’t know how to?
According to the American Heart Association, if you’re in a situation where you witness someone fall unconscious and his or her heart and/or breathing stops, even if you’re afraid or you don’t know how to do so correctly, trying to administer CPR in an attempt to save someone’s life is always better than doing nothing at all. When initiated immediately after the heart stops beating, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.
When to Use CPR
It’s important to be aware of the signs that someone needs CPR. In the event that you’re in the presence of an emergency, you will then be able to act quickly and perform this lifesaving technique.
If someone you are with stops breathing, is gasping for air and is only breathing occasionally, has fallen unconscious, is unresponsive, or their heart has stopped beating, don’t delay; start CPR right away.
How to Perform CPR
Performing CPR involves two main stages: preparation and CPR. The following is an overview of these two stages.
Preparation
- Survey the scene – Be sure to survey the scene to make sure that you won’t be putting yourself in danger; for example, traffic, fire, live wires, etc.
- Ask “are you OK?” – After confirming that it’s safe, touch the person’s shoulder and ask, “Are you OK?”
- Call 911 – If the individual does not respond or is gasping for air, call 911 or ask a bystander to call.
- Place on the back – Place the individual on his or her back. Kneel beside the chest. Tilt the head back and lift the chin slightly to open the airway. Open up the mouth and check for obstructions, such as food or vomit. If there is an obstruction and it is loose, try removing it.
- Check breath – Position your ear over the individual’s mouth and listen for breath for no longer than 10 seconds. If you do not hear breathing, or you’re only hearing occasional, gasping breaths, start administering CPR immediately.
Perform CPR
After completing the preparation steps, use the following steps to perform CPR:
1. Chest Compressions
Position one hand on top of the other and clasp the fingers together. Hold your elbows straight and push hard and fast into the center of the chest using the heel of your hand. Push in a minimum of two inches deep. Perform 30 compressions. The chest should be compressed at a rate of at least 100 times per minute. Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions.
2. Rescue Breaths
Ensure the mouth is clear, tilt the head slightly back, and lift the chin. Pinch the nose closed, fully place your mouth over the individual’s mouth, and blow, making the chest rise.
3. Repeat
Repeat the above steps – 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths – until the individual starts breathing or help arrives.
By knowing how to do CPR properly, in the event of an emergency, you can help save someone’s life. If you do not know how to perform CPR, there is no better time to complete CPR training. You never know when you might need it!
Additional Information: Three Things You May Not Know About CPR – CDC.gov
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