Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can be used to revive a person who has stopped breathing or has no heartbeat. It is a critical skill that everyone should know because it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
How to do CPR
In this article, the steps on how to carry out CPR will be outlined.
1. Assess the Situation
Before starting CPR, it’s important to assess the situation to ensure it’s safe to do so. Look around the area for any hazards, such as traffic or water, and make sure it’s safe to approach the person. If the area is unsafe, call for emergency services immediately.
2. Check for Responsiveness
The next step is to check for responsiveness. Approach the person and gently tap or shake their shoulders while asking, “Are you okay?” If the person does not respond, call out for help and dial emergency services immediately. If someone is nearby, ask them to call emergency services while you begin CPR.
3. Check for Breathing
If the person is unresponsive, check for breathing. Tilt their head back gently with one hand and lift their chin with the other hand. Look, listen, and feel for any signs of breathing for up to 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately.
4. Perform Chest Compressions
To perform chest compressions, place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of your first hand, interlacing your fingers. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly over your hands.
Press down on the chest firmly, using your body weight to compress the chest about 2 inches. Release the pressure, but do not remove your hands from the chest. Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency services arrive, or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing normally.
5. Give Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, it’s time to give two rescue breaths. Tilt the person’s head back, pinch their nose shut, and give two breaths into their mouth, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. Each breath should take about one second.
If the breaths go in easily, continue with the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until emergency services arrive, or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing normally.
6. Keep Going Until Help Arrives
Continue performing CPR until emergency services arrive or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing normally. It’s essential to keep going until help arrives, even if the person seems to be unresponsive. The faster you can perform CPR, the higher the chances of the person’s survival.
What is CPR?
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a technique used to revive a person who has stopped breathing or has no heartbeat. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to help maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body’s vital organs.
Who can perform CPR?
Anyone can learn how to perform CPR, including non-medical professionals. However, it’s recommended that you take a CPR course or training to ensure you know how to perform it correctly.
When should I perform CPR?
CPR should be performed when a person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping. It’s essential to begin CPR as soon as possible to increase the person’s chances of survival.
How long should I perform CPR?
CPR should be performed until emergency services arrive, or the person shows signs of life, such as breathing normally. It’s essential to keep going until help arrives, even if the person seems to be unresponsive.
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