The Comprehensive Guide to Performing CPR
Performing CPR is a vital life-saving skill everyone should possess. Being able to perform CPR could mean the difference between life and death. If someone stops breathing, their chances of survival decrease by 10% each minute without intervention. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll be covering the step-by-step process for performing CPR, common mistakes to avoid, special considerations, real-life scenarios, personal stories and an infographic approach.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step in performing CPR is to ensure the victim is unresponsive and not breathing correctly. Ask the victim if they’re okay and check their breathing and pulse. Then proceed to call emergency services right away. If you’re not the only one on the scene, instruct someone to call as you begin working on the victim.
Step one: Position the victim on a flat surface such as the floor and tilt their head back with a chin lift. You should wear masks or gloves if possible.
Step two: Start chest compressions by pressing hard on the center of the chest at least two inches deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute. You can achieve this rhythm by singing the song Stayin’ Alive by the Bee Gees in your head. Allow the chest to rise back up between each compression to restore blood flow. Do 30 compressions.
Step three: Perform rescue breaths next. Seal your mouth over the victim’s mouth and nose and blow air into their lungs until the chest rises. Do this twice, ensuring each breath lasts about 1 second.
Step four: Continue the above cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths until the emergency services arrive.
If at any time the victim starts coughing or becomes responsive, immediately stop CPR and place them in the recovery position while awaiting emergency services’ arrival.
Infographic Approach
Creating an infographic that illustrates the essential steps can help make the CPR process more memorable. The International Liaison Committee On Resuscitation suggests that the ratio of compressions-to-breaths is now 30:2 for all ages. The timing and rhythm of the compressions and breaths can also be highlighted to achieve the correct procedure in performing CPR.
Real-Life Scenarios
There are various scenarios where CPR is needed, such as cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, among others.
When performing CPR on an infant, for example, go with chest compressions and rescue breaths that are proportionate to their age and size. You should perform CPR on a child with one hand and with two hands on an adult. Ensure to continue the cycle until the emergency services arrive.
Common Mistakes
Identifying common mistakes in performing CPR is crucial in ensuring the efficiency of the procedure. The most common mistake is not pressing hard enough during compressions; you need to press down at least two inches down the victim’s chest. Hyperventilating, which is overly exhaling during rescue breaths, can decrease blood flow. You should only perform rescue breaths that can fill the victim’s lungs without excessively exhaling. Another common mistake is taking too long to start the CPR process or rushing it. Take the correct time for each compression, and ensure the process is done correctly for the best results.
Special Considerations
It’s important to note that performing CPR varies across different populations: infants, children, and the elderly. For infants, compressions and breaths are to be performed proportionate to their age and size, while for adults with a possible spinal cord or neck injury, hands-only CPR should be performed until emergency services arrive. This situation is different from the standard procedure.
Personal Stories
Personal tales from individuals who have performed CPR on someone highlight the life-saving importance of knowing how to perform CPR. A bank employee saved a co-worker’s life using CPR during a sudden cardiac arrest that occurred while at work. The quick intervention until emergency services arrived made the difference between life and death.
Conclusion
Knowing how to perform CPR is a fundamental skill everyone should learn. It might help save someone’s life, and even if you’re not trained in CPR, you can still call emergency services or help by performing chest compressions. Encourage people in your workplace, family, or social network to get certified in CPR.