CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an important life-saving technique that can be used to help someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. Knowing how to perform CPR correctly can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. See the video below and learn the basic CPR techniques recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA).
What is CPR?
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is an emergency procedure that includes a combination of Chest Compressions and Mouth to mouth breathing. It is used to help someone with a heart attack, cardiac arrest, and victims who have stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep oxygen-rich blood flow through the body until medical emergency help arrives. CPR can be performed by anyone with basic training, and it is an important skill to have in case of an emergency.
Learn The Basic CPR Techniques
Learning the basic CPR techniques is essential for anyone who may be called upon to perform CPR in an emergency situation. The American Heart Association recommends that people learn the following basic life support skills.
Hands placement
When performing CPR, it is important to ensure that your hands are in the correct position. The American Heart Association recommends placing the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and placing the other hand on top of it. Interlock your fingers and press down firmly with both hands, keeping your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands.
CPR Compression Rate
The American Heart Association recommends performing chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This is the same as two compressions every second. To help you keep track of the rate, it can be helpful to count out loud or hum the tune of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees. It is important to ensure that you are pressing down firmly and completely on the chest with each compression.
CPR Compression depth
When performing chest compressions, it is important to ensure that you are pressing down firmly and completely on the chest with each compression. The American Heart Association recommends a depth of at least 2-2.4 inches deep for adults, 2 inches for children over 8 years old, and 1.5 inches deep for infants under 8 years old. Make sure to press down hard enough that the chest wall moves inward and then releases with each compression.
Rescue breathing
Rescue breathing or mouth to mouth resuscitation is an important part of CPR and should be performed after every 30 compressions. To perform rescue breaths, tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin up to open the airway. Pinch the nose shut and form a proper seal over the cardiac arrest victim's mouth with yours. Blow two slow breaths into their mouth, ensuring their chest rises with each breath. After performing two rescue breaths, resume chest compressions.
It is important to note that if you are not trained in CPR, it is best to call 911 and provide hands-only CPR until medical help arrives. Hands-only CPR can be performed by anyone, including untrained bystanders and rescuers who are not confident in performing rescue breathing.
Continue performing CPR until emergency medical services arrive.
Once you have started performing CPR, it is important to continue until emergency medical services arrive. It is best to switch with another healthcare provider or rescuer if possible, as this will help to ensure that the compressions remain at the correct rate and depth. If you are alone, take short breaks every few minutes to rest and catch your breath. Continue to perform CPR until medical help arrives or until the cardiac arrest victim begins to show signs of life.
Conclusion
Learning CPR is an important skill that can help save someone's life in an emergency situation. By following the guidelines outlined by the American Heart Association, you can ensure that you are performing CPR correctly and effectively.
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