How to Do CPR the Right Way?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can be used to revive a person whose heart has stopped beating. It is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing that helps to circulate oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 17.9 million people die each year from cardiovascular diseases, and many of these deaths could be prevented if CPR was performed quickly and correctly.

CPR has been around for over 100 years and has saved countless lives over the years. It's a technique that is simple to learn but can make a huge difference in an emergency situation. It's a technique that can be performed by anyone, regardless of their age, physical ability or medical background.

One of the most interesting things about CPR is that it can help to revive a person whose heart has stopped beating for several minutes. Studies have shown that even after a person's heart has stopped beating for several minutes, CPR can still help to revive them if it is performed quickly and correctly. This is because CPR helps to circulate oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, which can help to preserve brain function and increase the chances of survival.

Knowing how to properly administer CPR is essential for anyone who wants to be prepared to save a life in an emergency situation. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to give CPR in the right way:

Check for Responsiveness:

Before beginning CPR, check to see if the person is responsive by tapping them on the shoulder and asking if they are okay. If they do not respond, call for emergency medical help immediately and begin CPR.

Position the Person:

Lay the person on a flat surface and kneel down beside them. Position your hands in the center of the person's chest, with one hand on top of the other.

Begin Chest Compressions:

Compress the person's chest at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. These compressions help to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs.

Deliver Rescue Breaths:

After 30 compressions, give the person two rescue breaths by tilting their head back slightly, pinching their nose closed, and blowing air into their mouth until their chest rises.

Repeat:

Continue to give 30 compressions and two rescue breaths until emergency medical help arrives.

It's important to note that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the recommendations for administering CPR have changed. Check for the latest guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before administering CPR, as it may include added precautions to protect yourself and the person receiving CPR from the spread of the virus.

If the person is responsive and breathing, do not administer CPR. Instead, monitor their breathing and call for emergency medical help.

Proper training and taking a CPR class can help you learn the proper technique, understand when it is appropriate to use CPR, and give you the confidence to act in an emergency. Remember that CPR is not a substitute for emergency medical care, it's a life support measure that helps to keep a person alive until they can receive medical treatment. Once emergency medical help arrives, they will take over and provide the necessary care to revive the person.

CPR is also a technique that is constantly evolving. Over the years, the recommended guidelines for CPR have changed as new research and technology become available. For example, in the past, CPR was primarily focused on chest compressions and rescue breathing, but now it also includes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) which is a device that helps to restore the person's normal heart rhythm.

Another interesting thing about CPR is that it is not just used in emergency medical situations. It is also used in a variety of other fields such as swimming and diving, where it is used to revive people who have drowned. Additionally, CPR is also taught in many workplaces as a safety measure to protect employees in case of an emergency.

In conclusion, CPR is a life-saving technique that has saved countless lives over the years. It's a simple technique that can be performed by anyone, regardless of their age, physical ability or medical background.