Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that, when used correctly, may help many individuals survive and recover from catastrophes. The issue is that a lot of individuals are unaware of the steps to give CPR. But that’s okay. That’s why you are here.
Knowing When CPR Is Needed
Deciding if CPR is necessary in an emergency can be challenging. This makes perfect sense because fear may affect thinking. If the person is not breathing, gasping for air, unresponsive or their heart has stopped, then it’s your call to perform CPR. Learn the steps to give CPR in case the person exhibits one of those symptoms.
1. Call For Help
Image via Sharp HealthCare
First, look around the area for anything that can endanger you, traffic, or fire. Check the person after that. Do they require aid? Tap their shoulder or arm and ask, “Are you okay?”.
If they fail to respond, first thing first, you need to contact 911 or ask a bystander to do so. If possible, get someone to find the AED machine for you. Usually, these are available for use in many public facilities, including offices.
2. Position The Person
Image via Reader’s Digest
Gently lay the person on their back, then bend down to squat next to their chest. Raise their chin to slightly tilt their head back.
Check for any blockage, such as food or vomit, by opening their mouth. If it is a removable blockage, remove it. However, if you are not confident whether it is possible to be removed or not, do not attempt as you might force it deeper into the airway.
3. Check For Breathing
Image via Frontline Health
Next, listen to their breathing pattern. Give it a maximum of 10 seconds to decide whether CPR is needed. Place your ear adjacent to their mouth. Start CPR if they are not breathing or are gasping.
Do not attempt CPR on someone who is unconscious but still breathing. Instead, put them in the recovery posture if they don’t appear to have a spinal injury. Continue to keep an eye on their breathing, and if they stop, perform CPR.
4. Perform 30 Chest Compressions
Image via Singapore First Aid Training Centre
Clasp your hands together by placing one on top of the other. Firmly press in the middle of the chest, just below the nipples, using the heel of your palms and straight elbows. Watch your rhythm when pressing.
Press down at least two inches deep. 100 compressions on the chest should be made per minute. In between compressions, allow the chest to expand entirely. Now, this part might be a bit difficult for beginners. Hence, you should only attempt CPR if you have the experience. We do not want to make the situation worse.
5. Perform Two Rescue Breaths
Image via Medical News Today
Tilt their head back slightly and elevate their chin, making sure their mouth is clear from blockages. To make their chest rise, pinch their nose shut, cover their entire lips with yours, and blow.
Re-tilt their head if their chest fails to rise after the first blow. Attempt a second blow. If they still fail to breathe, it is safe to assume that the person may be choking.
6. Repeat
Image via PASCO
Until the person begins breathing or assistance comes, repeat the procedure of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Continue doing CPR until the AED comes and is ready to operate.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Perform CPR
You surely have at least once, fantasized about becoming a hero. Now that you have learned the steps to give CPR, you can sit back and watch out for situations that may need you to use this skill. Remember to practice and familiarize yourself before actually performing it. Let’s start saving lives!
What are the other ways to save lives? Learn about Organ Donation in Malaysia.
