Lifesaving Techniques: How to Administer CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can make the difference between life and death in critical situations such as cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. This technique, when performed correctly, helps maintain blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs until professional medical help arrives. As a trusted provider of emergency response education, MyCPR NOW underscores the importance of understanding and effectively administering CPR. This comprehensive guide will explore the steps of CPR, discuss when it is necessary, and provide essential information to empower individuals to respond confidently in emergency situations. For those who are untrained or uncomfortable providing rescue breaths, hands-only CPR is a recommended alternative that involves performing chest compressions to maintain blood circulation until help arrives.

What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

1. CPR Defined:

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving procedure that involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. These actions are designed to maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain and vital organs when a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Chest compressions involve using hands to apply pressure on a person's chest in a specific manner, highlighting the importance of this step for restoring blood flow.

2. Purpose of CPR:

• The primary goal of CPR is to sustain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical care can be provided. By doing so, CPR helps prevent brain damage and increases the chances of survival following cardiac arrest or respiratory failure.

When to Seek Emergency Help

If you are not trained in CPR or are unsure about how to perform it correctly, it’s essential to seek emergency help immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency number and follow the instructions provided by the operator. If you are alone with the person, start CPR and then call for help. If you are with someone else, one person should call for help while the other person starts CPR. This ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way while lifesaving measures are being administered.

When to Administer CPR

1. Unresponsive and Not Breathing:

• CPR should be administered when an individual is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (e.g., gasping or irregular breaths). In such cases, it is critical to start chest compressions immediately.

2. Absence of Pulse:

• If you cannot detect a pulse during the initial assessment, it is crucial to start CPR immediately. The absence of a pulse indicates that the heart is not effectively pumping blood.

3. Sudden Cardiac Arrest:

• CPR is essential in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, where the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Immediate CPR can double or triple a victim’s chances of survival.

Importance of Rapid Response

A rapid response is crucial when it comes to CPR. Permanent brain damage can occur after only 4 minutes without oxygen, and death can occur as soon as 4 to 6 minutes later. Therefore, it’s essential to start CPR as soon as possible to increase the chances of survival. The sooner you begin chest compressions and rescue breaths, the better the chances of maintaining blood flow and oxygenation to the brain and vital organs, significantly improving the person’s chances of recovery.

Assessing the Scene

1. Ensure Safety:

   • Before approaching the victim, assess the scene to ensure it is safe for both you and the victim. Look for any potential hazards such as traffic, fire, or dangerous objects that could pose a threat.

2. Check Responsiveness:

   • Tap and Shout:

     • Gently tap the person's shoulders or squeeze their arms and shout loudly, "Are you okay?" or "Can you hear me?" This is to check for any signs of responsiveness.

   • Call for Help:

     • If the person does not respond, shout for help and instruct someone to call emergency services immediately. If you are alone, call emergency services yourself before starting CPR.

Performing CPR - The ABCs

1. A - Airway

• Open Airway:

• Tilt the person’s head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. This helps to clear any obstruction that might be blocking the airway. When performing CPR on a child, it is crucial to ensure the child's airway is open to facilitate effective rescue breaths.

• Check for Breathing:

• Place your ear close to the person’s mouth and nose, and watch their chest. Look, listen, and feel for any signs of breathing. If the person is not breathing or breathing abnormally (e.g., gasping), proceed to CPR.

2. B - Breathing

• Give Rescue Breaths:

• Technique:- Pinch the person’s nose shut and cover their mouth with yours, ensuring a good seal.

• Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.

• Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio:

• For single rescuers, the recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.

• If there are two rescuers, the same 30:2 ratio is used, but efforts are coordinated to ensure continuous compressions and breaths.

3. C - Circulation

• Begin Chest Compressions:

• Positioning:

• Kneel beside the victim and place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.

• Place your other hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers, and keep your arms straight.

• Compression Technique:

• Push hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

• Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to maximize blood flow.

• Continue CPR:

• Perform cycles of 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Continue this process until:- The person shows signs of life (e.g., starts breathing normally).

• An automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available.

• Professional medical help arrives and takes over.

4. Using an AED (if available)

• Activate the AED:

• Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts provided by the device.

• Attach AED Pads:

• Apply the AED pads to the person’s bare chest as directed by the prompts, ensuring proper placement.

• Analyze and Shock:

• Stand clear while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm. If a shock is advised, ensure everyone is clear of the person and deliver the shock as instructed.

• Resume CPR:

• Immediately resume CPR after the shock is delivered, or if no shock is advised, continue CPR until the AED reanalyzes or emergency medical help arrives.

Rescue Breaths

Rescue breaths are an essential part of CPR, especially for children and infants. To give rescue breaths, pinch the person’s nose shut and cover their mouth with yours, ensuring a good seal. Give two breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise with each breath. This indicates that air is entering the lungs. After giving two rescue breaths, immediately resume chest compressions. For infants, give two breaths after every 30 chest compressions, and for children, follow the same 30:2 ratio. Ensuring the chest rises with each breath is crucial for effective ventilation.

Hands-Only CPR

1. Hand-Only CPR Overview:

   • Hand-only CPR is an alternative method for individuals who are untrained or uncomfortable providing rescue breaths. It focuses solely on chest compressions, which are the most crucial component of CPR.

2. Technique:

   • Perform continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. This method is effective in maintaining blood flow to vital organs during the initial minutes of cardiac arrest.

CPR for Different Age Groups

CPR techniques vary depending on the age of the person. For adults and children over 8 years old, use the same steps as for adults, including the depth and rate of chest compressions. For children aged 1 to 8 years old, use one hand for chest compressions, compressing about one-third the depth of the chest (approximately 2 inches or 5 cm). For infants under 1 year old, use two fingers for chest compressions, compressing about one-third to one-half the depth of the chest (approximately 1.5 inches or 4 cm). Always ensure that the chest fully recoils between compressions to maximize blood flow.

Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED is a device that can help restore a normal heartbeat during cardiac arrest. If an AED is available, use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Turn on the device and follow the voice prompts. The AED will analyze the person’s heart rhythm and provide a shock if necessary. Ensure everyone is clear of the person before delivering the shock. If you are not trained in using an AED, you can still help by calling 911 or your local emergency number and following any instructions provided by the operator. After delivering a shock, immediately resume CPR until the AED reanalyzes or emergency medical help arrives.

When to Stop CPR

1. Reasons to Stop CPR:

   • Stop CPR if:

     • The person starts breathing normally.

     • An AED advises you to stop and reanalyze.

     • Professional medical help arrives and takes over.

     • You are physically unable to continue due to exhaustion.

2. Continue CPR:

   • It is essential to continue CPR as long as possible until one of the above conditions is met.

Special Considerations

1. Child and Infant CPR:

• When performing CPR on children and infants, use age-appropriate techniques:

  • Children (1-8 years): Use one hand for chest compressions, compressing about one-third the depth of the chest (approximately 2 inches or 5 cm). It is important to consider the size of the child's chest, as it may require a different technique compared to adults.

  • Infants (under 1 year): Use two fingers for chest compressions, compressing about one-third to one-half the depth of the chest (approximately 1.5 inches or 4 cm).

2. Pregnant Victims:

• For pregnant victims, adjust hand placement slightly higher on the chest to avoid compressing the uterus.

3. COVID-19 Precautions:

• Consider using personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves and a face mask if available. In some cases, rescue breaths may be omitted to reduce the risk of virus transmission, focusing on chest compressions alone.

First Aid and CPR Training

1. Importance of CPR Certification:

   • First aid and CPR training are crucial for individuals who want to be prepared to respond effectively in emergencies. Certification courses provide the knowledge and skills needed to perform CPR confidently.

2. Ongoing Education:

   • Regularly updating CPR skills through recertification courses ensures that individuals stay current with the latest guidelines and techniques.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can make a critical difference in emergency situations. By understanding the steps of CPR and knowing when to administer it, individuals can play a vital role in saving lives. As an advocate for emergency response education, MyCPR NOW emphasizes the importance of learning CPR through certified training programs. Whether you are a healthcare professional, a first responder, or a concerned citizen, obtaining CPR certification equips you with the knowledge and skills to act confidently and effectively during a cardiac emergency. By following the ABCs—Airway, Breathing, and Circulation—you can provide crucial assistance until professional medical help arrives, contributing to a safer and more prepared community.