What is CPR and Why Learn It?
When someone’s heart stops beating or their breathing stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is a lifesaving procedure that can assist pump blood and oxygen into the system. Proper CPR knowledge can make all the difference between life and death in many emergency scenarios. The manual pumping of blood throughout the body during CPR combines rescue breathing with chest compressions. Although it cannot replace expert medical treatment, CPR can be extremely helpful in maintaining a person’s vital organs and brain function until aid arrives. Don’t hesitate to learn how to perform CPR.
Nobody has to be a medical expert to learn about how to perform CPR; it’s a skill that everyone should learn. The life of a loved one, coworker, or even a stranger could be saved if you are trained in CPR. If CPR is required, stay composed and adhere to the following instructions.
How to Perform CPR to Adults
- Verify that you are breathing regularly and responding. If the person is not breathing and is unconscious, call 911.
- Start chest compressions on the person while they are on their back on a solid surface. With your hands in the centre, take a position next to their chest.
- At a rate of 100–120 per minute, apply 30 chest compressions by pushing down straight for at least 2 inches. A complete recoil of the chest is allowed in between compressions.
- Give them two rescue breaths by pressing your mouth over theirs, pushing their head back, elevating their chin, pinching their nose, and forcing air into their lungs.
- Until assistance arrives or the victim begins breathing on their own, repeat cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
How to Perform Children CPR (1–8 Years Old) With a few adjustments, the steps are the same as for adults:
- Compress the middle of the chest with one hand.
- Tilt the head back and raise the chin to clear the airway.
- Gently pinch the nose and exhale, feeling for the chest to lift.
- Use both hands and the adult approach for larger youngsters.
How to Perform Infants (Under 1 Year) CPR
- After the baby is on a stable surface, start the compressions.
- Press down roughly one-third of the depth with two fingers in the middle of the chest.
- Tilt the head back slightly and cover your mouth and nose to take two little breaths.
- As you gently puff air into their lungs using your mouth, observe for their chest to rise.
Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
An AED is a portable device that, in the event of sudden cardiac arrest, can assess cardiac rhythms and shock the patient with electricity to restart the heart. While you follow the voice and visual cues, the fundamental processes are as follows:
- After turning on the AED, reveal the patient’s bare chest.
- Glue the electrode pads to their chest securely.
- Observe instructions so that the AED can evaluate your heart rhythm.
- If shocking the victim is recommended, ensure no one is touching them before administering the shock.
- After the shock, start CPR right away. If at all possible, an AED should be used in addition to CPR. If available, utilize pediatric and neonatal AED pads.
CPR Training
Learning CPR through instructions or videos can be beneficial, but expert hands-on training is strongly advised. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and local hospitals offer certification that includes intensive practice in CPR techniques and AED use. This training can provide you with the skills and confidence necessary to act promptly in an emergency.
Additional Resources
The techniques covered here are a basic overview. For more detailed guidance and videos on CPR for adults, children, and infants, as well as using AEDs, refer to resources from trusted organizations like:
- American Red Cross
- American Heart Association
- National CPR Foundation
- Local hospitals, fire departments and EMS providers
Don’t hesitate to obtain CPR certification – this lifesaving knowledge is an invaluable skill to have, regardless of your profession or background. Being prepared could make all the difference when every second counts. Hart College provides cheap CPR training. We provide morning, evening, and weekend programs to accommodate all candidates’ schedules.
To learn more about this program & other programs like PSW with financial stipends, you can reach our CPR program specialists at 416-293-7373 or 416-293-7530 and by email at: admissions@hartcollege.ca
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