How to Perform CPR

If you're suddenly faced with an emergency, you'd be a better part of the scene if you know how to perform CPR on another person. With the tips below and practice, you just might be able to save someone's life in the nick of time.

Anyone can be hero, even you. First, you have to know CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. There are several organizations around the world encouraging each and every one to have knowledge and skill in performing this vital task. You can immediately attend to any grave situation and save lives, making you the above average human being.

CPR is not complicated and the steps are basically uniform in all parts of the globe. Once you get the groove and proper sequence, it can be easy and automatic for you to perform. However, if you still do not fully trust your skill and knowledge in doing so, never attempt on a live scenario or you’ll only risk giving the patient further injury. Here’s how.

1. Safety.

Even if you’re trying to save another life, you first have to make sure that your safety will not be compromised. Check the scene and surroundings if it’s safe to approach. Look for possible loose electric circuits or hanging debris. If all else is clear, you can slowly approach the person. It is better if you ask someone else near the scene to call for help as you move in.

2. Consciousness.

Once you get near the victim, check for consciousness by tapping or shaking by the shoulder then saying in a fairly loud voice, “Hey! Hey! Are you okay?” If the victim is conscious, put him in a recovery position or sitting position and call for emergency backup. If the victim is unconscious, kneel at his side and place him in a supine position then proceed to the next step.

3. ABC.

ABC stands for Airway Breathing Circulation. First, check and maintain patent airway by tilting the patient’s head as you push his forehead back and lift his chin up. Second, check for breathing by keeping your ear at his mouth to feel air output and observing the rise and fall of his chest for a good ten seconds. Third, check for circulation by feeling his pulse. Place your forefinger and middle finger at his neck or wrist area to look for a pulse. If ABC is present, stay with the patient and wait for help. If none of these three are present, proceed to the next step.

4. Resuscitate.

Give to initial breaths through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Locate the patient’s xiphoid process which is at the lower center portion of the chest. Place one palm over another with fingers interlocked. Keep your arms straight with your shoulders directly over your hands perpendicular to the ground as you prepare to give chest compressions. Give fifteen chest compressions followed by two breaths then recheck ABC. Do two to three more sets of these, rechecking ABC after each set.

Compress the chest about one and a half to two inches only. CPR can go on until other health personnel takes over the situation, another person who knows the task substitutes for you or you’re too exhausted to continue. The ratio of chest compressions and breaths and compression depth differ for infants and children. Two fingers are used for infant chest compressions while one hand is used for child chest compressions.

Author: Julieta Chin. All rights reserved.