What does CPR stand for?

Table Of Content(s)

1. What does CPR stand for?
2. What are the types of CPR
3. How to perform CPR?
4. What are the fundamentals of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?
5. Why is CPR important?
6. Conclusion

In moments of crisis, knowing CPR can make all the difference. But what does CPR stand for? CPR also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency procedure that combines chest compression and rescue breathing. Conventional manual CPR when properly administered can provide up to 33% of normal cardiac output. It is an acquired talent that helps bystanders become lifesavers in emergencies. 

In this blog, we will go through the fundamental principles of CPR. We will also discuss the history, the techniques used and its impact on survival rates. If you are a healthcare professional, a parent or simply someone who is eager to learn, understanding CPR gives you the power to buy valuable time to those in need. 

Let’s know what CPR is, why it matters, and how mastering this technique can potentially save lives.

What are the types of CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique essential in emergencies such as heart attacks or near-drowning incidents, where someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Here are the main types of CPR:

1. Traditional CPR with Rescue Breaths

• Recommended For: Trained rescuers and health professionals.
• Technique:

1. Chest Compressions: 30 compressions at a depth of 2 inches.
2. Rescue Breaths: 2 breaths after each set of compressions.
3. Cycle: Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the person recovers.

2. Hands-Only CPR

• Recommended For: Untrained bystanders or situations where rescue breaths are not feasible.
• Technique:

1. Chest Compressions Only: Perform uninterrupted chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
2. Depth: Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep.
3. Importance: Keeps blood circulating until professional help arrives.

3. Infant CPR

• Recommended For: Infants under 1 year old.
• Technique:

1. Chest Compressions: Use two fingers to give 30 gentle compressions about 1.5 inches deep.
2. Rescue Breaths: 2 gentle breaths covering the infant’s nose and mouth.
3. Cycle: Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

4. Child CPR

• Recommended For: Children aged 1 to puberty.
• Technique:

1. Chest Compressions: Use one or both hands to compress the chest about 2 inches deep.
2. Rescue Breaths: 2 breaths after each set of 30 compressions.
3. Cycle: Repeat the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

5. CPR with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Recommended For: Sudden cardiac arrest situations.
• Technique:

1. Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths: Perform standard CPR.
2. AED Use: Follow the device prompts to deliver a shock if needed.
3. Importance: AEDs can restore a normal heart rhythm in certain cases of cardiac arrest.

6. High-Performance CPR

• Recommended For: Professional rescuers and teams.
• Technique:

1. Team Coordination: Multiple rescuers performing chest compressions, ventilations, and AED use simultaneously.
2. Efficiency: Aimed at maximizing blood flow and minimizing interruptions in compressions.

What are the fundamentals of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that aims to restore blood circulation and breathing in individuals experiencing cardiac arrest or respiratory failure. It’s a crucial skill anyone can learn. The core concept is to provide immediate intervention until professional medical help arrives. Here’s an overview of the key fundamentals of CPR:

• Recognition of Cardiac Arrest: The first step is identifying when someone is undergoing cardiac arrest. Common signs include sudden loss of responsiveness and abnormal or absent breathing.
• Activation of Emergency Response: Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911) to ensure professional medical assistance is on the way. Time is of the essence in cardiac emergencies.
• Chest Compressions: The principles of CPR involve rhythmic compressions on the chest to manually circulate blood through the body. This action helps maintain vital organ function until the heart can be restarted.
• Airway Management: Ensuring an open airway is essential for effective CPR. Tilting the head back and lifting the chin helps clear any obstructions and facilitates artificial ventilation.
• Rescue Breaths (Ventilations): In traditional CPR, rescue breaths are given to supply oxygen to the lungs. This step complements chest compressions and helps maintain oxygenation of the blood.
• Use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator): AEDs are portable devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary to restore normal heart rhythm. They are increasingly available in public places and are critical in treating sudden cardiac arrest.
• Continued Monitoring and Support: CPR is a dynamic process that requires ongoing assessment and adjustments based on the victim’s response and the arrival of professional help.

Read More: What are the different levels of CPR certification training?

How to perform CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill for saving lives in emergencies. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:

1. Ensure Safety

• Check the Scene: Make sure the area is safe for both you and the victim.
• Protect Yourself: Use personal protective equipment if available (gloves, mask).

2. Check Responsiveness

• Tap and Shout: Tap the victim’s shoulder and shout, “Are you OK?”
• Look for Signs: Check if the victim is breathing or moving.

3. Call for Help

• Emergency Services: Dial emergency services (911 or local number).
• Get an AED: If available, ask someone to bring an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

4. Open the Airway

• Head Tilt-Chin Lift: Place one hand on the victim’s forehead and the other under the chin, then gently tilt the head back.

5. Check for Breathing

• Look, Listen, and Feel: Look for chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek for no more than 10 seconds.
• Not Breathing: If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, start CPR.

6. Perform Chest Compressions

• Hand Position: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, place your other hand on top, and interlock your fingers.
• Body Position: Position your shoulders directly over your hands and keep your arms straight.
• Compression Depth: Press down hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep for adults, about 2 inches for children, and 1.5 inches for infants.
• Compression Rate: Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

7. Give Rescue Breaths

• Open Airway Again: Use the head tilt-chin lift method.
• Pinch the Nose: For adults and children, pinch the nose shut. For infants, cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth.
• Breath Delivery: Give 2 rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second, watching for chest rise.
• Resume Compressions: Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

8. Use an AED

• Power On the AED: Follow the device instructions.
• Attach Pads: Place the AED pads on the victim’s bare chest as shown on the pads.
• Analyze Rhythm: Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.
• Follow Prompts: Deliver a shock if instructed by the AED, then immediately resume CPR.

9. Continue CPR

• Cycle Repeats: Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
• Don’t Stop: Keep performing CPR until medical professionals take over, the victim shows signs of life, or you are physically unable to continue.

Why is CPR important?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial link in the chain of survival during emergencies. It is an immediate intervention that can highly improve a person’s chances of survival. It also reduces the risk of any permanent damage to the brain or the heart. Here’s why CPR is so essential:

• Immediate Response: CPR can be initiated by anyone present at the scene of a cardiac arrest, buying valuable time until professional medical help arrives.
• Maintains Blood Circulation: Chest compressions performed during CPR manually circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. This sustains vital organ function.
• Preserves Brain Function: Adequate blood circulation and oxygenation provided by CPR can prevent brain damage, which can occur within minutes of cardiac arrest.
• Increases Survival Rates: Immediate CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival from cardiac arrest, highlighting its critical role in the chain of survival.
• Accessible to Everyone: CPR training is widely available and can be learned by individuals of all ages and backgrounds. This empowers communities to respond effectively in emergencies.
• Complements Advanced Care: CPR serves as a bridge to advanced medical interventions such as defibrillation and professional medical treatment. The implementation of effective CPR optimizes patient outcomes.
• Public Health Impact: By increasing awareness and training in CPR, communities can create a safer environment and potentially save countless lives each year.

Read More: CPR Certification: Jobs in Non-Medical Roles Needing CPR Skills

Conclusion

CPR is not just a technique. It is a skill that empowers individuals to act decisively during critical moments. Its importance lies not only in its ability to sustain life but also in its potential to transform bystanders into heroes. CPR is all about performing chest compressions for blood flow and rescue breaths to ensure oxygenation. This when performed efficiently, sustains vital organ function, till medical help arrives.

Now that we have thoroughly discussed “what does CPR stand for”, let’s embrace the opportunity to save lives whenever needed. Get enrolled in a CPR class and be confident and competent in emergencies.