Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an artificial heartbeat and respiration process. It is not a cure but if properly performed will give the victim a 40% chance of survival. This process was established in 1960 as the simplest but effective way that allows anyone to sustain life in the first critical minutes of a heart attack. It provides oxygen to the blood, brain, heart and lungs long enough to keep vital organs alive.
To perform CPR you must be a certified individual, but here are a few things to keep in mind.
In case of an emergency call 911. DO NOT leave the person alone, DO NOT give them water or throw water on their face. DO NOT prompt the victim to sit upright or slap them to revive them. Always remember to use common sense and DO NOT put yourself in harms way.
Follow the sequence
C- CHEST COMPRESSION/CIRCULATION
A- AIRWAY
B- BREATHING
Step 1
CIRCULATION:
Determine if the heart is beating by placing 2 fingers on the victim carotid artery located in the depression between the windpipe and the neck muscle and apply light pressure for several seconds. If there is no pulse start chest compression. Place 2 finger in the sternum (chest) and put the heel of the other hand next to the fingers, then place your first hand on the other hand and interlock fingers, lock elbows and using your weight. Compress the chest, the depth of compression should be at least 2 inches. 2 hands, 2 inches at a rate of 100 compression per minute.
Step 2
AIRWAY:
If victim is not breathing the tongue could block the airway, so do a finger sweep to move tongue. Lie the victim flat on the back, firmly old chin with one hand using the finger of your other hand in a sweeping motion. Once airway is cleared place hand on forehead and your other hand under the tip of chin and gently tilt head backward. If still not breathing you will have to assist with breathing process.
Step 3
BREATHING:
Gently support the chin and tilt back the head, pinch the nose to prevent air escaping once you begin ventilating. Take a full breath, place your mouth tightly over the victim’s and blow until the chest starts rising. Maintain a tight seal around the mouth and be careful not to over inflate the lungs, this may cause vomiting. If victim starts vomiting then turn on his side then do finger sweep and begin again. Between each breath allow the victim lungs to relax, place ear next to mouth and listen for air to escape and watch chest fall as they exhale.
When only 1 person is performing CPR count aloud 30 compression and finish by giving 2 breaths. Do this 5 times 30 compression, 2 breaths then check carotid artery (neck) for pulse. Continue process until help arrives or the victim revives consciousness.
Please note when ventilating a child use shallower breaths and keep an eye on the chest to prevent the child from vomiting due to excessive air in the chest and stomach. If child vomits do a finger sweep and continue the life saving process of CPR.
Natalie
Contributor
