Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is used to help people who have suffered cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as a heart attack, drowning, or electrocution. CPR is a combination of chest compressions and artificial ventilation that helps to circulate oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.
The first step in performing CPR is to determine if the person is unconscious and not breathing. If the person is not breathing, it is important to call emergency services immediately and to begin CPR. It is important to note that CPR should only be performed on unconscious individuals and not on individuals who are conscious or responsive.
The next step is to perform chest compressions. Chest compressions are performed by placing the person on their back and placing the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest. The other hand is placed on top of the first hand and the person’s chest is compressed about 2 inches deep and at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute.
After 30 compressions, the person should be tilted to the side and the airway should be opened by lifting the chin and tilting the head back. Artificial ventilation should then be given by blowing air into the person’s lungs through the nose or mouth. The process of 30 compressions and two breaths should be repeated until medical help arrives.
It is important to note that CPR should be performed by trained professionals as the process involves some risks such as broken ribs, which are the result of the force needed to compress the chest. Also, if the person has a pulse, but is not breathing, rescue breathing should be performed instead of compressions.
CPR training is widely available, and it is recommended that everyone learn how to perform CPR. Many organizations, such as the American Red Cross, offer CPR training classes that teach individuals how to perform CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED). AEDs are devices that can be used to shock the heart back into a normal rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.
In conclusion, CPR is a life-saving technique that is used to help people who have suffered cardiac arrest. It is a combination of chest compressions and artificial ventilation that helps to circulate oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives. It is important to determine if the person is unconscious and not breathing, call emergency services immediately, and begin CPR. CPR should be performed by trained professionals and it is recommended that everyone learn how to perform CPR. It is important to note that if the person has a pulse but is not breathing, rescue breathing should be performed instead of compressions. Always follow the instructions of emergency services and the guidance of a healthcare professional.
