What is CPR?

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique that is used to help someone who is in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops beating. Without CPR, the person will die within minutes.

When to Give CPR

CPR should be given to anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing. Signs of cardiac arrest include:

• Unconsciousness: The person is not responding to any kind of stimuli, such as shouting, shaking, or pinching.
• No breathing: The person is not breathing or is only gasping.
• No pulse: The person does not have a pulse.

How to Give CPR

If you see someone who is in cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately. Then, start CPR.

1. Check for responsiveness: Shake and shout at the person. If they do not respond, call 911.
2. Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlacing your fingers. Give 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
3. Give rescue breaths: After 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. To give a rescue breath, pinch the person's nose and cover their mouth with your mouth. Give two breaths, each lasting about one second.
4. Continue CPR until help arrives: Continue giving CPR until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

How to Perform Hands-Only CPR

If you are not trained in CPR, you can still perform hands-only CPR. Hands-only CPR is a simplified version of CPR that involves only giving chest compressions.

1. Call 911: Call 911 immediately.
2. Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlacing your fingers. Give 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute.
3. Continue chest compressions until help arrives: Continue giving chest compressions until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

Tips for Giving CPR

• Stay calm and focused.
• Use enough force to compress the person's chest about 2 inches.
• Give chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Give two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.
• Continue CPR until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

Conclusion

CPR is a lifesaving skill that can help save the life of someone who is in cardiac arrest. By learning how to give CPR, you can be prepared to help in an emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the difference between CPR and AED?

CPR is a lifesaving technique that is used to help someone who is in cardiac arrest. An AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that is used to give an electric shock to the heart. AEDs are often used in conjunction with CPR.

2. How do I know if someone is in cardiac arrest?

Signs of cardiac arrest include: unconsciousness, no breathing, and no pulse.

3. How long should I give CPR?

You should give CPR until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

4. What should I do if I am not trained in CPR?

If you are not trained in CPR, you can still perform hands-only CPR. Hands-only CPR is a simplified version of CPR that involves only giving chest compressions.

5. Where can I learn how to give CPR?

There are many places where you can learn how to give CPR. You can take a CPR class at your local Red Cross or American Heart Association. You can also learn CPR online.