WHY CPR IS DONE

Have you ever found yourself in an emergency situation where someone seemed lifeless, unresponsive, or not breathing? If so, did you know what to do?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving skill that can help keep a person alive until medical help arrives. It’s a basic emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to help restore a person's breathing and heartbeat if they have stopped.

WHEN SHOULD CPR BE DONE?

CPR should be done immediately if you find someone who is:

• Unresponsive: They don't respond when you shake them or shout loudly in their ear.
• Not breathing: There is no chest movement, and you can't feel a pulse.
• Not coughing: They aren't coughing or choking.

Chest compressions and rescue breaths are the two main components of CPR. Chest compressions help circulate blood throughout the body, while rescue breaths provide oxygen to the lungs. By combining these two techniques, you can help keep a person alive until medical help arrives.

S OF CPR

1. Check for Responsiveness:

   • Gently shake the person and shout loudly, "Are you okay?"

2. Call 911:

   • If the person is unresponsive, call 911 immediately.
   • While waiting for help to arrive, start CPR.

3. Begin Chest Compressions:

   • Place the heel of one hand on the person's sternum, between the nipples.
   • Place your other hand over the first hand, interlacing your fingers.
   • Deliver 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
   • Compress the chest 2 to 3 inches deep, allowing it to recoil between compressions.

4. Give Rescue Breaths:

   • Pinch the person's nose to prevent air from escaping.
   • Cover their mouth with your mouth and give two rescue breaths.
   • Each breath should cause the person's chest to rise and fall.

5. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives:

   • Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths in a ratio of 30:2 until the person starts breathing or help arrives.
   • If you are tired, ask someone else to take over.

WHEN TO STOP CPR

Stop CPR if:

• The person starts breathing
• Medical personnel arrive and take over
• You are too exhausted to continue

IMPORTANCE OF LEARNING CPR

Learning CPR is a valuable skill that can save a life. You never know when you might find yourself in a situation where someone needs help. By learning CPR, you can be prepared to make a difference.

HERE ARE SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CPR:

1. What is the difference between CPR and AED?

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, while AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that delivers an electric shock to the heart to restore its rhythm. AEDs are often used in conjunction with CPR.

2. How often should CPR be performed?

CPR should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

3. How long should CPR be performed?

CPR should be performed until the person starts breathing or help arrives.

4. Who should learn CPR?

Anyone can learn CPR. It's a valuable skill that can save a life.

5. Where can I learn CPR?

CPR classes are offered by many organizations, such as the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, and local fire departments.

Remember, CPR is a lifesaving skill that can help keep someone alive until medical help arrives. By learning CPR, you can be prepared to make a difference in an emergency.