Introduction
We all know that CPR can save lives, but what if you're the one who needs CPR? If you're not trained in this life-saving skill, then you may not be able to help yourself or someone else in an emergency situation. Thankfully, we have made it easier than ever for anyone to learn how to administer CPR—and our latest offering is a certification course created specifically for those interested in becoming certified as a lay rescuer.
What is CPR?
CPR is a lifesaving technique that can be used on adults, children, and infants. It involves pressing hard on the chest to get blood flowing again.
CPR is performed by placing one hand on top of another and placing them in the center of your victim's breastbone (sternum). You then press down about 2 inches (5 centimeters) with each compression. When you do this correctly, it should take about 100 compressions per minute -- which means you should be doing around two compressions per second!
The beauty of CPR certification is that once you have learned how to perform these life-saving measures, they will always be available in emergencies when they are most needed!
Who needs to learn CPR?
Whether you are interested in learning CPR skills for yourself, a loved one, or someone else who needs help, it is important to have a basic understanding of how the process works so that you can be prepared for emergencies. Several varieties of classes are available, teaching essential and advanced life-saving techniques.
Basic Life Support (BLS): This introductory course covers the most generally used form of CPR and instructions on automated external defibrillator (AED) usage. Typically, the duration is around two hours, and the cost spans a moderate range.
Advanced Life Support (ALS): Taking the next steps beyond the BLS certification, this course offers training in additional critical life-saving skills. The focal points are airway management and correct administration of drugs during cardiac arrest scenarios.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): Tailored specifically for healthcare providers, this course delves into the best practices when dealing with children who have suffered injuries or illness leading to respiratory distress.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program: This specialized program is crafted for healthcare professionals working with infants born before 37 weeks of gestation. It includes guidance on infant massage techniques as well as enhancing understanding surrounding neonatal resuscitation procedures.
When should you administer CPR?
- Proceed with CPR in the following situations:
- Upon finding an individual who is unconscious or not breathing.
- If the person is unresponsive to loud voices and bright lights.
- If symptoms such as seizures, choking, or chest pain indicative of a heart attack are observed.
- When the individual is conscious and capable of conversing with you, unless in emergency conditions.
- If the person has already received first aid treatment from trained professionals like paramedics or firefighters, and they're stable enough to be transported to the hospital without the need for additional help. If such a situation arises, promptly dial 911 for emergency assistance.
What are the steps of CPR?
- Check to see if the person is conscious. If they are not, start chest compressions immediately.
- If they are conscious, check to see if they are breathing. If they aren't, start mouth-to-mouth immediately.
- Do 30 compressions for every 2 breaths you give the person (for example: if you give them 10 breaths, do 30 compressions in between each set of 10). The amount of pressure applied during chest compressions should be about 100 pounds per square inch (PSI) or at least 5 cm deep into the chest cavity; this means that if your hands were put flat on top of each other and placed over one another with both thumbs touching at their tips while fingers were spread apart at least as wide as a tennis ball would be across its diameter--that's how much force needs applied! To ensure proper depth when performing CPR remember: "Push hard enough so that one hand could fit between breastbone & spine." You should also continue until help arrives or until another certified provider takes over caregiving duties from you
Learn this vital skill so that you can save a life!
Broaden your knowledge base by mastering the following critical life-saving techniques:
- Grasp the intricacies of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and the sequential steps it involves.
- Understand how to effectively deploy an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in emergency situations.
- Familiarize yourself with using barrier devices like pocket masks or bag masks. Such devices augment the procedure of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during chest compressions, especially if the individual isn't breathing normally or lacks a pulse in their carotid artery (neck veins). Notably, these devices are incredibly beneficial in preventing cross-contamination of germs, especially when dealing with patients carrying contagious diseases like the flu or meningitis.
Should your interest extend to earning a certification in any of these areas, explore the diverse resources provided by various educational platforms conveniently located where you dwell or work. Be sure to check for detailed information regarding their course offerings and schedules.
Conclusion
CPR is a lifesaving skill that everyone should learn. It's simple to learn and can be practiced anywhere, so there's no excuse not to have this knowledge. Whether you're at home or work or even out in public, knowing how to administer CPR could save someone's life if they suffer cardiac arrest. With proper training and certification, anyone can learn how to do chest compressions on another person until paramedics arrive at the scene.
