Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that is performed on individuals who are in cardiac arrest. It involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing to restore circulation and breathing. CPR can be performed by anyone, regardless of their medical training, and can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
The importance of CPR
When someone’s heart stops beating, they only have a few minutes before brain damage occurs due to the lack of oxygen. This means that time is of the essence when performing CPR. Immediate chest compressions can help to restore blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, which can increase the person’s chances of survival.
Unfortunately, cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as heart disease, trauma, or drug overdose.
Knowing how to perform CPR can make a huge difference in these cases. It can increase the person’s chances of survival and decrease the risk of brain damage. This is why everyone needs to know how to perform CPR, regardless of whether they work in the medical field or not.
How to perform CPR
Performing CPR involves a few basic steps:
- Call for help: The first step is to call 112 or ask someone nearby to do so. Time is of the essence in a cardiac arrest situation, so it’s important to get help as soon as possible.
- Check for breathing and a pulse: The next step is to check the person’s breathing and pulse. If they are not breathing or do not have a pulse, they are in cardiac arrest.
- Perform chest compressions: Place the person on a firm surface and kneel beside them. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest and place the other hand on top. Press down hard and fast, compressing the chest about 2 inches deep. Do this at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Give rescue breaths: After performing 30 chest compressions, tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin. Pinch their nose shut and give two slow breaths, watching for their chest to rise.
- Repeat steps 3 and 4: Continue performing chest compressions and rescue breaths in a cycle until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
It’s important to note that CPR can be tiring, so it’s important to switch with another person if possible.
Conclusion
Performing CPR can be a scary and stressful situation, but it’s important to remember that every second counts. Knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death, and it’s something that everyone should learn. By following these basic steps, you can help to save a life in an emergency situation.
Everyone should know how to perform CPR. You never know when you could be in an emergency situation and your CPR skill would save a person’s life.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you mean by giving 2 slow breath, do I blow air inside them?
ReplyDeleteIt's called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, where you blow 2 slow and calculated breath from your mouth to the unconscious person's mouth. This helps to deliver oxygen into the person's lungs.
DeleteA good read.
ReplyDeleteA basic lifesaving skill
ReplyDeleteThis should be made a compulsory training in this country.
ReplyDeleteCPR is definitely my favorite emergency procedure, 😌
ReplyDelete