CPR PART 1 ● BASIC INFORMATION

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a life-saving emergency procedure that's performed when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It can be used to help someone who is in cardiac arrest, when their heart isn't beating effectively or has stopped beating. Before performing CPR on an adult, use the following preparation steps: Step 1. Call for Ambulance (108 - for INDIA) First, check the scene for factors that could put you in danger, such as traffic, fire, or falling masonry. Next, check the person. Do they need help? Tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you OK?” If they are not responding, call the ambulance or ask a bystander to call for it before performing CPR. If possible, ask a bystander to go and search for an AED machine. People can find these in offices and many other public buildings. Step 2. Place the person on their back and open their airway Place the person carefully on their back and kneel beside their chest. Tilt their head back slightly by lifting their chin. Open their mouth and check for any obstruction, such as food or vomit. Remove any obstruction if it is loose. If it is not loose, trying to grasp it may push it farther into the airway. Step 3. Check for breathing Place your ear next the person’s mouth and listen for no more than 10 seconds. If you do not hear breathing, or you only hear occasional gasps, begin CPR. If someone is unconscious but still breathing, do not perform CPR. Instead, if they do not seem to have a spinal injury, place them in the recovery position. Keep monitoring their breathing and perform CPR if they stop breathing. Use the following steps to perform CPR: Step 4. Perform 30 chest compressions Place one of your hands on top of the other and clasp them together. With the heel of the hands and straight elbows, push hard and fast in the center of the chest, slightly below the nipples. Push at least 2 inches deep. Compress their chest at a rate of least 100 times per minute. Let the chest rise fully between compressions. Step 5. Perform two rescue breaths Making sure their mouth is clear, tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin. Pinch their nose shut, place your mouth fully over theirs, and blow to make their chest rise. If their chest does not rise with the first breath, retilt their head. If their chest still does not rise with a second breath, the person might be choking. Step 6. Repeat Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the person starts breathing or help arrives. If an AED arrives, carry on performing CPR until the machine is set up and ready to use. Find more about CPR on www.medicalnewstoday.com