How to perform CPR

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Learning how to perform CPR can save lives. After someone stops breathing, he or she can survive for only 4 to 6 minutes before lack of oxygen results in brain damage or death.

It’s far better to do something than to do nothing at all. Remember, the difference between your doing something and doing nothing could be someone’s life.

CPR consists of chest compression and rescue breathing.

The first thing to do to help an unconscious victim is to check if he/her is really unconscious. Call out to them, tap them and gently shake them to try and provoke a response. You should also check for signs of breathing. If their chest is not rising or falling, there’s a good chance they’ve stopped breathing and will need CPR.

The next thing to do is to have someone call for medical assistance so they’ll be on their way while you are performing CPR.

Chest compression is done to restore blood circulation. It’s done by;

Putting the person on his/her back on a firm surface, kneel next to the person’s neck and shoulders. Place your hands on the chest and push straight down on the chest at least 2 inches. Push hard at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute until there are signs of movement.

After 30 compressions, open the person’s airway by putting your palm on the person’s forehead and gently tilt the head back, then gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. Check for normal breathing.

If there is no response, rescue breathing can be performed by giving full breaths while maintaining an airtight seal with your mouth on the person’s mouth. Each breath should be one second in duration and should make the person’s chest rise. Then, continue chest compressions till medical personnel take over.