When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that can keep a person’s heart beating until emergency medical services arrive. CPR is simple to learn and can be performed by anyone. The American Heart Association recommends that everyone learn CPR because it can be used to help people of all ages who suffer a cardiac arrest.
CPR classes are offered in various formats, and you can even learn CPR online. If you are interested in becoming CPR certified, there are a few things you need to know. First, CPR certification is not just for healthcare professionals. In fact, there are a variety of CPR certifications available to the public. Second, CPR certification is not just for adults. There are CPR certifications available for children as well. It’s important that everyone learn life-saving CPR because you never know when you will be faced with an emergency. Let’s take a closer look at how to perform CPR to save a life.
Check the scene.
Before you do CPR or first aid, you should always check to make sure that the scene is safe. This means checking for hazards and making sure that the area is clear. To check for hazards, you should look for things that could cause injuries, like electrical cords, sharp objects, or hazardous chemicals. You should also make sure that there is plenty of space around the victim.
Call 911
Prior to starting CPR, it is imperative that you have someone else call 911 or the local emergency number. CPR will help keep the person alive. However, they will need proper medical care as soon as possible. The 911 dispatcher can send medics and other emergency personnel to provide aid and transport the victim to the hospital as soon as possible.
Check the victim.
There are a few ways to check if someone is unresponsive. One way is to gently shake the person and call their name. This should only be done if you can do it safely without injuring them further. If the person doesn’t respond, then you can check for a pulse by feeling for one on the carotid artery on the side of their neck. You can also look for signs of breathing, such as chest movement, and see if the person’s lips or mouth are blue. If they are unresponsive or not breathing, you will need to begin CPR immediately.
Start compressions and rescue breaths.
CPR is vital to keep the blood pumping and oxygen going to vital organs and preserving life. If the victim is not breathing, you need to begin chest compressions and rescue breaths as soon as possible. To give chest compressions, place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Push down on the chest, compressing it at least two inches. Keep your arms straight. Push hard and fast. The American Heart Association recommends 100 compressions per minute.
To give rescue breaths, tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin. Seal your lips around their mouth and hold the nose closed with your hand. Give two rescue breaths. Each breath should last for one second. You’ll want to repeat this process until medical help arrives.
Use an AED.
An AED, or automated external defibrillator, is a medical device that is used to shock the heart in cases of cardiac arrest. If a person’s heart stops beating, an AED can be used to deliver an electrical shock that can help the heart start beating again. AEDs are often found in public places, such as schools, airports, and shopping malls and are easy to use. If you are trained in CPR and the use of an AED, you can use the device if it is needed.
Overall, it is important to know how to perform CPR in case of an emergency. Along with your CPR and first aid training, it is important to be aware of what to do in different emergency situations and to have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
