Heart disease is the leading cause of death around the world. There are about 697,000 people in the United States who die from a cardiovascular condition. With so many people dying from heart problems, we should all know how to save a life.
Cardio Pulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, can be the difference between life and death. Knowing how to perform the basics of CPR can help you save someone’s life. Keep reading to learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants.
Learn the ABCs of CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is important when a person stops breathing, or their heart stops beating. When performing CPR, it is important to remember the ABCs of CPR:
A Is for Airway
To start with, you should open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
B Is for Breathing
Then you should look, listen, and feel for breaths. If there is no breathing or only abnormal breaths, give two rescue breaths.
C Is for Circulation
Finally, start compressions as soon as possible. Compressions should be also made at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute with a depth of at least two inches.
Critical Safety Protocols
These protocols help ensure that the person performing the CPR is safe, as well as the person who is receiving the CPR. Before performing CPR, it is important to make sure that you take necessary safety measures such as:
- Putting on latex gloves
- Protective eyewear
- A face shield
It is also recommended to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby in case cardiac arrest occurs. It is also essential to check for signs of a pulse and breathing before starting CPR and to call 911 before beginning the procedure.
During CPR, it is important to keep the chest compressed at least two inches deep and to check for signs of life every few minutes. After a person has recovered and is ready to transfer, it is vital that you maintain an open airway and help support the head and neck.
Guidelines for Administering CPR to Infants & Children
The guidelines for administering CPR to infants and children differ from those suggested for adults. As such, it’s recommended for infants and children their chest compressions with a rate of about 100-120 per minute.
To ensure adequate blood flow, the depth of chest compressions must also be adjusted. Specifically, a depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of the infant/child’s chest should be used.
An important caveat to remember is that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation (or rescue breathing) should only be attempted on children over the age of 1 because of their developed airways. In addition to chest compression and rescue breathing (depending on the age of the infant/child), AED (automated external defibrillation) should also be used if available.
To ensure you’re prepared for an emergency, test now and sign up for CPR and first aid certification today to provide invaluable assistance to victims!
Learn the Basics of CPR Right Now
CPR is a powerful tool that can save a life! Through our understanding of the basics of CPR and the use of practice, we can try our best to help those in need.
So, in order to be prepared, invest in a training class on CPR to empower yourself with the knowledge. And remember – every life counts!
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