Last Updated on: November 8, 2024
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Cardiac arrest and respiratory emergencies are increasingly becoming a threat to a million lives. Thus, being prepared to act quickly can save a life. Moreover, when you are the only person available to help, knowing how to perform single rescuer CPR is crucial. In these moments, it’s up to you to provide immediate assistance until medical professionals arrive.
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year, and immediate CPR can greatly improve the chances of survival. There are different types of CPR depending on the number of people available to help, such as 1-rescuer CPR and 2-rescuers CPR.
This blog focuses on the steps, benefits, and challenges of one person CPR that will help you understand how to take action confidently when you’re the only one who can help.
Single rescuer CPR is a life-saving skill performed by one person to help someone who is suffering from sudden cardiac arrest. In cases of providing one-person CPR, the rescuer takes sole responsibility for performing chest compression and rescue breathing to maintain the blood and oxygen circulation in the vital body parts of the victim before any professional medical help arrives in the scenario.
The rescuer delivers 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths, alternatively ensuring the revival of the victim’s normal heartbeat and proper oxygenation and blood circulation in the body.
Read more: Types of CPR Classes & Their Costs
The 1-Rescuer CPR is generally performed in cases of adult victims who become unresponsive, meaning they are unconscious, not breathing normally, and do not respond to external stimuli such as verbal commands or physical touch. It can also be used to treat children, specifically those between the age range of infants to puberty. Additionally, this type of CPR is performed under the following conditions:
Cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, leaving no time to wait for professional help. Knowing how to perform 1-Rescuer CPR can help. However, there are a series of essential steps that need to be followed with precision. They are as follows:
In the United States, almost 702,880 deaths were recorded due to heart disease in 2022. Therefore, the need for an initial assessment is very crucial as it determines whether the patient will live or die.
The initial assessment in one rescuer CPR is a critical first step to determine if the victim needs immediate help. You can begin by checking for responsiveness. For this, gently shake or tap the person’s shoulders and call their name. If there is no response, the victim may be unconscious, a sign of cardiac arrest.
Next, assess their breathing by observing if the chest rises and falls or if they are gasping. Abnormal or absent breathing is a strong indication to start CPR. You should also check for a pulse by feeling the carotid artery in the neck. If no pulse is detected, begin chest compressions immediately.
Once you have assessed the situation and confirmed that the victim is unresponsive, immediately call 911 or ask someone nearby to do so. This is a crucial step in ensuring professional help is on the way. While waiting for emergency responders, start performing 1 rescuer CPR. This helps restore the heart’s normal rhythm and ensures that oxygenated blood continues to circulate to vital organs, increasing the victim’s survival chances.
CPR is one of the most effective measures to assist a patient experiencing heart issues. Although trained medical professionals should provide CPR, first responders can also perform it during emergencies. An effective one-rescuer CPR involves several key steps that, when done correctly, can save lives.
Chest compression is a crucial part of delivering 1-person CPR. Hands-only CPR requires the proper positioning of both the victim and the rescuer. When you are ready to start chest compressions, kneel beside the patient.
Place the heel of your left hand on the center of the chest and the palm of your right hand on top of the left hand, interlocking your fingers. Ensure that your shoulders are directly above your hands. Follow these steps:
Providing rescue breath is as important as delivering effective chest compressions. You are required to offer 2 rescue breaths after 30 chest compressions. Also, you can tilt the head of the patient gently and lift the chin with 2 fingers. You should pinch the person’s nose, seal your mouth over theirs and blow firmly and steadily into their mouth for about a second.
Check if the victim’s chest is rising, and then give 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle of chest compression and rescue breaths. The 1 person CPR ratio is 30:2, which should be given until any professional help arrives.
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is very important in cases where normal CPR fails. When CPR following the 2 person CPR ratio fails, AED comes into play. The electric shock given to the patient helps to bring the abnormal heartbeat to the usual heartbeat, thus relieving the patient. AED is very easy to use. Therefore, it can be learned very quickly. If an AED is nearby, follow these steps:
Also Read: How to Perform CPR? – The Guide to the Crucial Steps of CPR
Performing one-man CPR comes with a range of challenges. A study shows that 57% of healthcare professionals experience stress while providing CPR. One of the challenges is the physical strain involved in performing CPR.
The emotional stress of both the first responder and the patient can also affect the effectiveness of CPR. Time management is another major challenge, as the rescuer may struggle to balance calling for help and applying first aid measures.
Learning single rescuer CPR along with a 1-person CPR ratio is a skill that can literally save lives when it matters most. With heart disease causing so many deaths each year, it’s more important than ever to be prepared. Knowing how to perform CPR as a single rescuer means you can step in and help when someone’s life is on the line. In case CPR doesn’t work, using an AED can bring the heart back to its normal rhythm.
CPR can be physically and emotionally tough, but it makes a huge difference. In addition, having this skill gives you the confidence to handle emergencies and help your community. If you want to be ready to save a life, check out the CPR courses available online by different reputed course providers and get trained!
