When every second counts, knowing CPR can save a life. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a commoner, this article will help you perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency. CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life-saving technique used when someone’s heart stops, or they stop breathing. It maintains blood flow and oxygen delivery to vital organs.

Quick, decisive action can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Mastering CPR not only boosts your confidence in emergencies but also makes you a vital link in the chain of survival.

How to Know When CPR is Needed
Situations Where CPR May Be Required
The Importance of Ongoing Training and Certification in CPR Techniques
Myths & Facts
Did You Know?
Conclusion
When to Seek Help
Frequently Asked Questions

How to Know When CPR is Needed:

Unconsciousness: If a person is unconscious and does not respond when you try to wake them, CPR may be necessary.
Lack of Breathing: CPR is required if the person is not breathing or is breathing abnormally (gasping for air or grunting).
No Pulse: If there's no pulse, the heart may have stopped.

Where CPR May Be Required

Situations Where CPR May Be Required:

Cardiac Arrest: CPR is crucial when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively.
Drowning: If someone is submerged in water and not breathing, CPR should be started after they are pulled out of the water. It is recommended to deliver two rescue breaths first, then begin cycles of chest compressions.
Electrocution: CPR may be necessary if someone has stopped breathing due to electrocution.
Choking: CPR may be needed if a person's breathing stops due to choking.
Drug Overdose: If a person stops breathing due to a drug overdose, CPR may be necessary.
Suffocation: CPR may be required if a person stops breathing due to suffocation.

Step 1: Assessing the Situation and Ensuring Safety

Before you even approach the victim, ensure the scene is safe. Look around for hazards—traffic, fire, or unstable structures can put both you and the victim at risk.

Safety First: Check your surroundings.
Responsiveness: Gently tap the person’s shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?”
Call for Help: If there is no response, shout for assistance and ask someone to call emergency services.

This quick assessment prevents further injury and ensures help is on the way.

Step 2: Checking for Breathing and Pulse

Once the scene is secure, check the victim’s breathing and pulse.

Breathing: Place your ear near the person’s mouth and look at their chest. Listen for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
Pulse: If you are trained, feel for a pulse in the carotid artery (in the neck).

If the person is not breathing normally or if you can’t find a pulse, prepare to start CPR immediately. For lay rescuers, the focus is on the absence of normal breathing.

Step 3: Starting Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are the heart of CPR. They help push blood through the body when the heart is not beating.

Hand Placement: For adults, place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (just below the nipples). If you are trained, interlock your other hand on top.
Technique: Keep your arms straight and your shoulders directly above your hands. Push down hard and fast—about 2 inches deep for adults.
Rate: Aim for 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Many people use the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” to maintain the right pace.

For children and infants, the depth and hand placement will change; use one hand or two fingers, respectively, and adjust the compression depth appropriately.

Step 4: Providing Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

If you are trained in CPR and feel confident, you can add rescue breaths to your compressions.

Ratio: After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Technique: Open the victim’s airway using a head tilt and chin lift. Pinch the nose shut and form a seal with your mouth over theirs. Give a breath lasting about 1 second; watch for the chest to rise.
Barrier Devices: Use a face shield or mask if available.

If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again. Resume compressions immediately after giving two breaths.

Step 5: Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

An AED can restart the heart by delivering an electric shock when needed.

Get an AED: As soon as one is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
Pad Placement: Expose the chest and apply the pads as shown on the device.
Safety: Ensure no one is touching the victim during the shock.

Use the AED while continuing CPR as instructed by the device. Quick defibrillation is necessary for the best outcome.

Ongoing Training and Certification in CPR Techniques

The Importance of Ongoing Training and Certification in CPR Techniques

CPR skills can fade over time. Regular training and certification ensure you keep your skills sharp and up to date with the latest guidelines. Many organizations offer refresher courses that take only a few hours but can make a huge difference when an emergency strikes. By staying current, you increase your ability to help and build confidence in high-pressure situations.

Myths & Facts

Myth: CPR always requires mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Fact: Hands-Only CPR, which involves chest compressions without rescue breaths, is effective for sudden cardiac arrest and is recommended for untrained bystanders.

Myth: Performing CPR can restart a stopped heart.
Fact: CPR maintains blood flow to vital organs until advanced medical care can restore normal heart rhythm; it doesn't typically restart the heart.

Myth: You can be sued for performing CPR incorrectly.
Fact: Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who provide reasonable assistance during emergencies, including performing CPR.

Myth: Only medical professionals can perform effective CPR.
Fact: Anyone trained in CPR can perform it effectively; immediate action by bystanders can significantly increase survival rates.

Myth: CPR is rarely needed outside of hospitals.
Fact: Over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals annually in the U.S., often in homes, highlighting the importance of widespread CPR knowledge.

Did You Know?

Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest.
Survival chances decrease by about 10% for every minute without CPR and defibrillation after cardiac arrest.

Conclusion

CPR is a critical life-saving skill that everyone should learn. From assessing the scene to starting compressions and using an AED, each step plays a vital role in keeping a victim alive until professional help arrives. Remember: acting quickly and confidently can make all the difference. Stay trained, stay prepared, and be the person who makes that life-saving call when every second counts.

Take the time to get certified and refresh your skills regularly—you never know when you might be called upon to save a life.

When to Seek Help

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing, start CPR immediately and call emergency medical services. Delaying CPR can be life-threatening. Seek professional cardiology care as soon as possible to ensure proper assessment and treatment.

Narayana Health is here for expert emergency care Call us @ 08068617735