Today basic CPR is a life saver for lot of people who have sudden cardiac attack or people who are going for workout on regular basis and doing hard training in gyms, and feel sudden pain in chest, can be save by simple CPR technique.
In this post we will tell you about what is CPR and how CPR works and types of CPR training.
What IS CPR?
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving emergency procedure that is performed when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, which help to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the vital organs until medical help arrives.
During CPR, the rescuer compresses the chest with their hands to help pump blood through the heart and lungs and then provides rescue breaths to deliver oxygen to the lungs. This cycle of chest compressions and rescue breaths is repeated until medical help arrives or the person’s breathing and heartbeat resume.
CPR can be performed by anyone, but it is important to learn the proper technique and receive training from a certified CPR instructor. Knowing CPR can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone who has experienced cardiac arrest or other medical emergencies.
CPR Full Form
The full form of CPR is Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation, cardio meaning heart, pulmonary meaning lungs, and resuscitation meaning revive. In layman’s terms, it’s used to revive an adult, child, or infant that has stopped breathing and/or whose heart isn’t beating. Such incidences can occur following emergencies like drowning, heart attack or stroke, severe allergic reactions, and electrocutions.
CPR According to the American Heart Association, everyone should know basic CPR. Emergency workers, such as police, fire, paramedics, doctors, and nurses are required to be certified in CPR. Even many businesses, especially those working with children or that have a lot of work environment hazards, are requiring employees to become trained in CPR.
Today it isn’t uncommon for entities from schools and nurseries to offshore oil rigs and manufacturing companies to require employees to have basic CPR training.
As the AHA points out, considering that 88% of sudden heart attacks occur at home and the many life-threatening accidents that can occur where immediate medical attention isn’t available, it’s important for everyone to know how to perform CPR.
Types of CPR
There are different types of CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) that may be used in different emergency situations, including:
(1). Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR: This is the standard CPR technique that is used for adults, children, and infants who are unresponsive and not breathing. BLS CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
(2). Hands-Only CPR: This technique is used for adults who are unresponsive and not breathing. Hands-Only CPR involves chest compressions only, without rescue breaths. This technique is recommended for people who are not trained in CPR or are uncomfortable providing rescue breaths.
(3). Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) CPR: This is a more advanced technique that is used in situations where the person is in cardiac arrest or experiencing other serious medical emergencies. ACLS CPR may involve the use of defibrillation, advanced airway management, and medications to help restore the person’s heartbeat and breathing.
(4). Pediatric CPR: This technique is used for children and infants who are unresponsive and not breathing. Pediatric CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths that are adjusted to the child’s age and size.
Note: It’s important to note that CPR should only be performed by someone who is trained and certified in CPR. If you are not trained in CPR and witness someone experiencing a medical emergency, call emergency services (911 in the US) and follow their instructions until medical help arrives.
How to perform cpr on adults ?
Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on an adult involves the following steps:
(1). Check for responsiveness: Shake the person and shout “Are you okay?” If they don’t respond, call for emergency services (911 in the US) and begin CPR.
(2). Open the airway: Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
(3). Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, start CPR.
(4). Perform chest compressions: Kneel next to the person and 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 and interlock your fingers. Press down on the person’s chest, keeping your arms straight and shoulders directly over your hands.
Compress the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
(5). Provide rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin again to open the airway.
Pinch the person’s nose closed and give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. Each breath should last about one second.
(6). Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths. Continue until emergency services arrive or the person begins breathing on their own.
It’s important to note that performing CPR can be physically demanding, and it’s important to switch with another trained person if possible to avoid fatigue.
Also, remember to call emergency services as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
How to perform CPR on childs ?
Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) on a child involves the following steps:
(1). Check for responsiveness: Tap the child’s shoulder and shout “Are you okay?” If the child doesn’t respond, call for emergency services (911 in the US) and begin CPR.
(2). Open the airway: Tilt the child’s head back slightly and lift their chin to open the airway.
(3) Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If the child is not breathing or is only gasping, start CPR.
(4). Perform chest compressions: For a child over the age of one, kneel next to the child and place the heel of one hand on the center of the child’s chest, between the nipples.
Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
Press down on the child’s chest, keeping your arms straight and shoulders directly over your hands.
Compress the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, with a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm). Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
(5). Provide rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, tilt the child’s head back slightly and lift their chin again to open the airway.
Pinch the child’s nose closed and give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise with each breath. Each breath should last about one second.
(6). Continue CPR: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths.
Continue until emergency services arrive or the child begins breathing on their own.
For a child under the age of one, perform CPR with two fingers instead of the heel of your hand. Place your two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipples, and compress the chest about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm).
Give gentle breaths over the child’s nose and mouth.
It’s important to note that performing CPR on a child can be physically demanding, and it’s important to switch with another trained person if possible to avoid fatigue.
Also, remember to call emergency services as soon as possible and follow their instructions.
Reasons why you should learn CPR training
Knowing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a valuable skill that everyone should learn.
CPR is an emergency procedure that is used to revive someone who has suffered from cardiac arrest or is not breathing. It involves various techniques such as chest compressions and rescue breaths.
There are several reasons why learning CPR is important and beneficial. In this article, we will explore some of the main reasons why you should learn CPR.
1. Saves Lives: Perhaps the most compelling reason to learn CPR is the potential to save a life. In the event of cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival. The first few minutes following cardiac arrest are critical, and providing CPR until medical professionals arrive can keep the blood flow and oxygen supply to vital organs intact.
2. Preparedness: Accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time and in any place. Being trained in CPR equips you with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively in such situations. Having the ability to provide lifesaving care until professional help arrives can make a significant difference in the outcome of an emergency.
3. Enhances Confidence: Knowing that you have the skills to potentially save a life can boost your confidence. In situations where immediate action is required, being confident in your ability to perform CPR can help you stay calm and composed. This can be especially important as panic and fear can sometimes hinder effective emergency response.
4. Empowerment: CPR training empowers individuals to take control and make a difference in emergency situations. By learning CPR, you become an active participant in ensuring the well-being and safety of others. This sense of empowerment can be empowering and fulfilling, and it instills a sense of community responsibility.
5. Quick Response: Every second counts in an emergency situation. By learning CPR, you can provide immediate help before emergency medical services arrive. The faster CPR is initiated, the better the chances are of the person surviving. Being able to provide swift and effective assistance in critical situations can truly make a difference between life and death.
6. Workplace Requirement: CPR training is often a requirement in many workplaces, particularly those that involve dealing with the public, such as schools, fitness centers, and healthcare providers. Having CPR certification can make you a more desirable candidate for job opportunities and promotions. It demonstrates your commitment to safety and your willingness to go above and beyond in your role.
7. Family and Loved Ones: Learning CPR can have a direct impact on the lives of your family and loved ones. Being able to provide immediate assistance in a medical emergency can prevent irreversible damage and save lives. Knowing how to perform CPR can also give you peace of mind, as it increases the chances of a positive outcome in case of an emergency involving your loved ones.
When to perform cpr
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving technique that can be performed on someone whose heart has stopped or is not beating effectively. CPR involves performing chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
Knowing when to perform CPR is crucial in order to increase the chances of survival for the individual in need. CPR should be initiated when a person is unresponsive and is not breathing normally or is only gasping for air.
Gasping is not considered normal breathing, and it generally indicates a cardiac arrest situation where the heart has stopped or is not functioning effectively. Lack of circulation can cause irreversible damage to the brain and other organs, hence requiring immediate intervention.
One common situation where CPR should be performed is when someone collapses suddenly. This could occur due to cardiac arrest, which can be caused by various factors such as heart attack, arrhythmias, drug overdose, or drowning.
In these cases, starting CPR immediately can help maintain circulation and increase the chances of survival until medical professionals arrive.
Another scenario where CPR is necessary is when someone is found unresponsive and is not breathing normally. This could occur due to factors such as respiratory failure, respiratory arrest, or choking. In these cases, CPR can help provide artificial circulation and oxygenation until the person’s breathing normalizes or until professional help arrives.
It is important to note that CPR should be performed on anyone in need, regardless of their age. Contrary to popular belief, CPR is not limited to adults only. In fact, children and infants are also susceptible to cardiac arrests and respiratory emergencies. Therefore, if a child or infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally, CPR should be initiated promptly.
Additionally, it is recommended to perform CPR on individuals who are unconscious and not breathing normally, even if there is a suspicion of drug overdose or alcohol poisoning.
These substances can depress the central nervous system and respiratory drive, leading to life-threatening situations.
Starting CPR on these individuals can help support their vital functions until professional medical help arrives.
Finally, if someone is found submerged in water and is unresponsive, CPR should be initiated immediately. Drowning can lead to a lack of oxygenation and cardiac arrest. CPR can help restore circulation and oxygen levels in these cases and increase the chances of survival.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning CPR is a skill that everyone should acquire. It can save lives, boost confidence, provide empowerment, enable quick response, fulfill workplace requirements, and protect your family and loved ones.
With the potential to make a meaningful difference in emergency situations, CPR is a skill that is worth investing time and effort in learning.
