Last Updated on: September 11, 2024
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A cardiac arrest is an unexpected loss of heart function, breathing, and consciousness, where the heart abruptly stops beating. Without proper intervention, it can lead to imminent death. However, you can save a life with the help of CPR. Performing CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. It keeps the blood flow active and aids in successful resuscitation once professional medical staff arrives on the scene.
But how do you know the steps of CPR? In this blog, we will explain the step-by-step guide to performing CPR on victims who have suffered a sudden cardiac arrest.
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving skill that involves the combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing. It keeps blood circulating through the body so that oxygen can continue to be delivered to the brain and other organs. CPR is performed when a person is
Read More: 10 Reasons Why You Should Learn CPR
CPR training is a valuable investment that demonstrates your commitment to safety and your willingness to help others. The course ensures that you are equipped with the necessary skills to handle emergencies.So, what are the steps of CPR?
Below, you will find quick step-by-step instructions of CPR infographic guide to learn this life-saving technique.
Before proceeding with the CPR instructions, make sure the area is safe. Look around for dangers like traffic, fire, or exposed wires to secure both yourself and the victim. Reports indicate that approximately 73.4% of CPR cases occur at home, where even household hazards can pose a risk to both the victim and the rescuer.
While assessing the scene, wear protective gear like gloves and a mask, if available, to prevent the spread of infections. If the area isn’t safe, try to move the victim to a safer place if you can do so without risking injury. Always prioritize safety before proceeding with CPR.
Before starting CPR, call emergency services immediately. This step is crucial as professional medical help is often associated with increased survival chances for the victim. If you have someone with you or notice a bystander, ask them to call emergency services and fetch an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available nearby. If you are alone, use a speakerphone to call emergency services, while you prepare to perform the steps in CPR.
After notifying emergency services, check if the victim needs CPR. Tap their shoulder and ask loudly if they are okay. Observe their breathing by watching their chest and listening for breathing sounds. If there’s no response and you notice abnormal breathing, you have to carefully follow the steps to CPR.
Checking the victim’s condition is crucial in the CPR procedure. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing properly, you should perform CPR immediately.
Before you perform the steps for CPR, ensure the victim is in the right position. Lay them flat on their back on a firm surface to provide a stable base for chest compressions.
Chest compressions should be only included in the 10 steps of CPR if the victim is unconscious and cannot resume normal breathing, movement, or coughing. The proper technique, hand placement, and compression rate according to the age of the victims. Here’s how you will perform chest compressions on adults, children, and infants.
Even if you are trained in rescue breaths, initiating chest compressions in CPR significantly improves survival chances.
After performing chest compressions, open the airway using the head tilt-chin lift technique. Place one hand on the chin and the other on the forehead, gently tilting the victim’s head back. This ensures the airway is open, allowing air to reach the lungs.
If you are trained in CPR, give rescue breaths after opening the airway. Pinch the victim’s nose shut and cover their mouth with yours to create a seal. Give two gentle breaths, each lasting about a second, while watching for the chest to rise. If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.
After giving two breaths, resume the chest compressions following the ideal ratio of 30:2 to ensure you are performing the CPR steps in order. If you are not trained in providing rescue breaths, continue chest compressions until professional help arrives.
Continue CPR by performing chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood moving and help the victim. Perform 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Keep performing these steps of CPR without taking breaks, as it is crucial to maintain blood flow. Chest compressions move oxygen-rich blood around, while rescue breaths provide more oxygen. Continue until professional help arrives or the victim starts breathing on their own.
Using an AED, if available, can improve survival chances during cardiac arrest. AEDs are user-friendly devices that analyze heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock if necessary. Using an AED in cases of cardiac emergencies can significantly increase the survival rate. Here’s how to use an AED:
Once the victim is breathing normally, put them in a recovery position and continue to monitor their breathing and pulse:
Read More: Depth Compression: How Deep Should CPR Chest Compressions Be?
Learning the CPR steps can be a rewarding experience, which can boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment. However, there are certain things to follow after providing medical attention to the victims in such a crisis. After performing the steps of CPR, ensure to follow the below steps.
Whether you are a bystander or a healthcare professional, being prepared to act in an emergency makes all the difference. Knowing the steps of CPR, including the proper procedures and ratios, can help circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs, keeping the victim alive until professional help arrives. The course will equip you with knowledge and skills that bring a sense of security and preparedness during emergencies.
You never know when you might need to use life-saving skills. With the right knowledge and training, you can be ready to act quickly and potentially save a life.
