When someone's heart stops beating or their breathing stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an essential first aid method that can save their life. Combining chest compressions and rescue breathing keeps the critical organs' blood supply and oxygenation going until expert medical assistance comes. Acquiring knowledge of CPR might enable people to react appropriately in emergencies and possibly prevent fatalities.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an emergency resuscitation process for those who are having Cardio respiratory failure leads to cardiac arrest. By rescue breathing and manual chest compressions.

Why is CPR necessary?

Performing CPR on someone experiencing cardiac arrest can dramatically raise their odds of survival; it is essential. If prompt action is not taken, the deficiency of oxygenated blood in vital organs can cause irreversible brain damage and even death in a matter of minutes. CPR keeps the blood supply to the brain and other organs intact, sustaining life until qualified medical help arrives.

How to perform CPR?

Performing CPR involves several simple steps:

- First, check the response by tapping to the shoulder of the diseased the person and call out their name to see if they respond. If there's no reaction, they might be unconscious and require CPR.
- Immediately call emergency services, like 999 or 112, if you're alone, before starting CPR. If someone else is present, ask them to call for help while you begin CPR.
- Next, gently tilt the person's head and lift their chin to open their airway.
- Check if the person is breathing by looking, listening, and feeling for signs(Screening of the victim) of breathing. CPR is necessary if the person’s carotid pulse is not palpable or there will be agonal breath.
- Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the patient's chest(Lower 1/3 of breast bone in mid line and another imaginary line in between two nipples) and place the other hand on top to begin chest compression by interlocking method. Put your hands together and place yourself squarely on top of their chest. The chest can rise fully between compressions by applying forceful and rapid pressure. The ideal compression rate is between 100 and 120 per minute(As per AHA guidelines in 2020).
- Tilt the person's head back and raise their chin after 30 compressions. To create an airtight seal, pinch their nose shut and cover their mouth with yours. When the chest rises, give two rescue breaths, each lasting around a second.
- Continue performing cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths until professional medical help arrives or the victim shows signs of responsiveness.

How to perform CPR?

When to perform CPR?

CPR should be performed immediately if someone is unconscious and not breathing normally or if the person's heart has stopped beating, as indicated by the absence of a pulse. Time is critical in these life-threatening situations, so it is essential to initiate CPR promptly while awaiting the arrival of emergency services to maximise the chances of survival.

Training in CPR

Acquiring CPR skills through formal training courses is incredibly valuable. These courses teach people how to identify emergencies, administer CPR correctly, and utilise automated external defibrillators (AEDs) if accessible. CPR training instals confidence and capability in individuals, enabling them to respond effectively during emergencies.

Conclusion

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical fore most life saving technique that can save lives in emergencies such as cardiac arrest or cardio respiratory failure. Knowing how to administer CPR correctly can greatly impact the outcome for someone in distress. By acquiring CPR skills and being ready to act decisively, individuals can save lives and enhance community safety.

Reference:

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/cardiopulmonary-resuscitation-cpr
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-cpr/basics/art-20056600