WHAT IS CPR :
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving technique used in emergency situations when a person's heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. CPR combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help circulate oxygenated blood to the vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
IN WHAT CASES WE SHOULD PERFORM IT :
CPR should be performed in cases of cardiac arrest or when a person's heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. Here are some situations where CPR may be necessary:
1. Cardiac Arrest: If a person is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse, it indicates cardiac arrest. In this case, immediate CPR should be initiated.
2. Drowning: If a person is pulled from the water and is unresponsive or not breathing, CPR should be started while waiting for emergency services.
3. Choking: If a person becomes unresponsive due to choking and there is no effective cough or the airway is blocked, CPR may be necessary to dislodge the obstruction and restore breathing.
4. Drug Overdose: In cases of a suspected drug overdose where the person is unresponsive and not breathing, CPR may be required to maintain blood flow and oxygenation until medical help arrives.
5. Severe Allergic Reaction: An anaphylactic reaction can cause severe respiratory distress and lead to cardiac arrest. If the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, CPR should be started while waiting for emergency medical assistance.
6. Sudden Collapse: If a person suddenly collapses and is unresponsive, not breathing, and has no pulse, CPR should be initiated until professional help arrives.
HOW TO PERFORM CPR :
Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) correctly is important to provide effective life-saving assistance. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:
1. Assess the Scene: Before approaching the person, ensure the area is safe for both you and the individual in need of CPR. Check for any potential hazards, such as traffic, fire, or electrical dangers.
2. Check for Responsiveness: Tap the person's shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, it indicates the person is unresponsive and needs immediate help.
3. Call for Emergency Assistance: If there is someone else present, instruct them to call emergency services (e.g., 911) and get an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. If you are alone, call emergency services first before starting CPR.
4. Open the Airway: Gently tilt the person's head back and lift the chin to open the airway. Use your fingers to remove any visible obstructions, such as food or vomit, from the mouth or throat.
5. Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. Watch for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for exhaled air on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it indicates a need for CPR.
6. Begin 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 the first hand, interlocking your fingers.
- Position your shoulders directly over your hands and keep your arms straight.
- Press down firmly and rapidly, compressing the chest about 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep.
- Perform chest compressions at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. Let the chest fully recoil between compressions.
7. Provide Rescue Breaths:
- After 30 compressions, tilt the person's head back again and lift the chin to open the airway.
- Pinch the person's nose closed.
- Take a normal breath, cover their mouth with yours, and give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second.
- Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.
8. Continue Compressions and Breaths:
- Alternate between 30 compressions and two rescue breaths in a cycle.
- Aim to complete about 5 cycles (or about 2 minutes) of CPR before reassessing for signs of life or until professional help arrives.
- If there is an available AED, follow its prompts and use it as soon as possible.
It is crucial to receive proper CPR training and certification from recognized organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross. CPR techniques may vary depending on the age of the person (adult, child, or infant), so it's important to learn the appropriate techniques for each age group. Regularly refreshing your CPR skills and staying up-to-date with the latest guidelines is also recommended.
