Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can help save a person’s life in a cardiac emergency. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:
Assess the Situation: Ensure the environment is safe for you and the person in need. Check for any hazards or dangers that may need to be addressed before starting CPR.
Check for Responsiveness: Tap the person’s shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If there is no response, it indicates an unresponsive person who needs immediate help.
Call for Emergency Help: Dial the emergency services in your country (e.g., 911 in the United States) or ask someone nearby to make the call. Clearly describe the situation and provide the exact location.
Open the Airway: Gently tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway. This helps ensure clear passage for air to enter and exit the lungs.
Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of normal breathing. Watch for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it is necessary to start CPR.
Perform Chest Compressions:
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples.
Place your other hand on top, interlacing your fingers.
Position yourself directly over the person’s chest, with your arms straight and your shoulders aligned above your hands.
Press down hard and fast, using your upper body weight, to compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep.
Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
Provide Rescue Breaths:
Pinch the person’s nose shut with your fingers.
Take a normal breath and make a complete seal over the person’s mouth.
Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second, while watching for the chest to rise.
If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.
Continue Compression-to-Breath Ratio: Perform 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Maintain a compression-to-breath ratio of 30:2. The compression rate should be about 100-120 compressions per minute.
Repeat the Cycle: Continue the cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until professional help arrives, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) becomes available, or the person shows signs of regaining consciousness.
Follow the Instructions of an AED: If an AED is available, follow the prompts provided by the device. Apply the pads to the person’s chest as instructed and follow the AED’s voice prompts for analyzing the heart rhythm and delivering a shock if advised.