CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a first-aid procedure used to revive an unresponsive person who is not breathing (or is just gasping occasionally).
CPR is given for a cardiac arrest when a person stops breathing. This can happen in heart attack, choking/suffocation/smoke inhalation, road/water accidents, electrocution, and poisoning or drug/alcohol overdose. Knowing the CPR maneuver can help save a life, and keep someone alive till emergency medical services can reach. If someone is not breathing, a lack of oxygen to the brain can cause permanent brain damage or death in 8 minutes or less.
Before starting CPR:
- Tap on the person’s shoulder a few times and call out to him loudly, to check if he is responsive.
- Check if the person is breathing by placing your hand on the chest to feel it rise, for 5 seconds.
- Immediately call for emergency medical service ambulance and any other help who can search for an AED machine (Automated External Defibrillator sometimes kept in public places).
- Thereafter if the person is not responding and not appearing to be breathing, commence CPR.
The traditional method of CPR is CAB – Compressions, Airway, and Breathing.
COMPRESSIONS
- The person should be laid on the back with arms by the side. Kneel on the side of the person near his/her arm and chest.
- With the fingers of both your hands interlocked and your arms straight at the elbow, place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest.
- Give 30 compressions (2 every second) by pressing the chest down by about 2 inches. (For children use only one hand, and in infants 2-3 fingers for compression).
AIRWAY
- Tilt the head slightly backward by lifting his/her chin upwards so that the mouth (airway) opens up.
- If any substance causing obstruction is visible and loose in the mouth (like pieces of food etc.), only then you may remove it with the help of your index and middle finger.
BREATHING
- Pinch the person’s nose with your index finger and thumb.
- Take a deep breath and then blow into the person’s mouth forming a seal with your mouth, so that the person’s chest rises visibly.
- Give 2 such rescue breaths.
Continue CPR by giving 2 rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions, till the person starts breathing or emergency help (ambulance, or AED device) arrives.
CPR during COVID times
- If you are a lay bystander and need to give CPR in a public place to a person not part of your household, perform ‘compression only’ (hands only) CPR
- Place a cloth or towel on the person’s mouth and nose if he/she is not wearing a mask, and you should also be wearing a mask when in a public area.
- Compression only CPR is not very effective in children, so if the child’s family/household member is present, they can be guided to give the rescue breaths while you give the compressions; (Children have low risk of suffering from or transmitting COVID)
- Traditional CAB CPR can be performed if the person is living with you in your house, (like spouse, parents and children).
Steps for using a roadside AED (Also called PAD – Public Access Defibrillator)
- Turn on the defibrillator (most have a green colour ‘on’ button, while some are ‘auto-on’)
- Peel off the sticky pads and place on the person’s chest on each side
- Now do not touch the patient. The defibrillator will assess heart rhythm and shock to be delivered.
- The AED will have a red button which the device will instruct you to press. Do not touch the patient while they are being shocked.
- The AED will inform when the shock has been delivered. You may need to continue CPR if the person is not revived, till life support emergency care arrives.
Also read:
Know the language of the Heart – Understanding Cardiac conditions
References:
European Resuscitation Council COVID-19 guidelines executive summary
American Heart Association: Advanced Life Support Interim Guidelines 2019
30 Comments
Thank you for another informative site. Where else could I get that type of info written in such a perfect way? I’ve a project that I am just now working on, and I have been on the look out for such information.
Thank you for explaining how a person can only go eight minutes without breath before permanent damage is done. That helps me know how to prioritize what I do if I am in an accident or happen upon one. I’ll be sure to practice first aid every once in a while so I am always ready to help someone out.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You’ve ended my four day long hunt! God Bless you
I find the content of your page on CPR very well written,educative and eye opening.
Many thanks for the knowlege shared.
What You Need to Know Before Taking a CPR Class Frequently Asked Questions CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. “Cardio” refers to the heart and “pulmonary” refers to the lungs.
Thanks for pointing out that CPR is given for a cardiac arrest when a person stops breathing. I would imagine that any corporate owner would want to avoid incidents that can affect their operations. I think they should look for level 3 first aid attendants who can ensure safety inside their premises.
Awesome post! Thanks for sharing the knowledge and keep up the good work.
I am actually delighted to glance at this web site posts which includes lots of useful facts, thanks for providing such data.
Very good post! We will be linking to this great content on our site.
Keep up the great writing.
Spot on with this write-up, I really believe that this website needs a great deal more attention. I’ll probably be back
again to read through more, thanks for the information!
Great blog you have here.. It’s hard to find high-quality writing like yours these days.
I truly appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Thanks for pointing out that CPR is given for a cardiac arrest when a person stops breathing.
Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!
This paragraph will assist the internet viewers for building up
new website or even a blog from start to end.
I’m more than happy to uncover this website. I want to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every part of it and I have you saved as a favorite to check out new stuff in your blog.|
This is my first time visit here and i am genuinely pleased to read all such content at a single place.
Feel free to visit my webpage … selling feet pics
I have learned some excellent stuff here. Definitely worth bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder on how much effort you take to make this magnificent informative web site.
I have learned lot of good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for
revisiting. I am surprised at how much effort you have put in to create
this sort of great and informative web site.
Τhanks for finally talking about CPR basics for first аid and revival
Thanks for finally writing about CPR basics for first aid and revival
It really helped when you said that you can actually save a life when you learn CPR, especially when you have to wait for emergency services to reach your location. Because of that, I have been convinced to take CPR classes together with my husband so that we are prepared, especially when we are having a child in the future. We definitely want to attend those that can also teach us how to handle a kid choking if ever we get into that kind of situation no matter how careful we try to be. Since accidents can actually happen unexpectedly.
Learn the basics of CPR, such as chest compressions and rescue breathing, from this page. The author’s straightforward and easy-to-follow directions make this a great resource for anyone interested in learning CPR fundamentals.
Pretty! This was an incredibly wonderful post. Thank you for providing this info.
I blog frequently aand I really appreciate your information. I am going to take a note of your site and keep checking for new information about once
a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.
Nice post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon everyday.
It’s always helpful to read through articles from other authors and practice something from their web sites.
Your method of describing everything in this piece of writing is truly nice,
every one be able to without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot
This is my first time visit at here and i am actually happy to read everthing at single place.
whoah this weblog is magnificent I love studying your articles.
Keep up the great work! You already know, many individuals are searching round for this info, you could
help them greatly.
Thеre іs definately a great deal tо knoѡ аbout this subject. I ⅼike aⅼl of the points you’ve made.