Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heartbeat or breathing stops. It can be the difference between life and death, keeping oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. Knowing how to perform CPR correctly is a crucial skill that everyone should learn, as it can happen in any situation, from home to public spaces. This guide will walk you through the steps of performing CPR for adults, ensuring you feel equipped and confident in an emergency.
Step 1: Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
Before rushing to help, always check your surroundings for safety. Ensure that the environment is not dangerous for you or the victim. If you are in a traffic accident, for example, make sure vehicles are not moving toward you. Once you have ensured your own safety, assess the victim.
- Check for responsiveness: Gently tap the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” to see if they respond.
- Look for signs of breathing: Kneel down beside the person, and look, listen, and feel for breathing. Check for chest movements and listen for breaths for about 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or is gasping, you must begin CPR immediately.
Step 2: Call for Help
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, it’s vital to call for emergency medical help. Do not attempt to perform CPR without calling emergency services. If you’re alone, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately, and then begin CPR. If you are with someone, ask them to make the call while you start CPR.
- Provide the dispatcher with information: Be ready to explain the situation and the victim’s condition. Answer any questions calmly and clearly.
Step 3: Begin Chest Compressions
The first part of CPR is chest compressions, which are vital to help circulate blood to the brain and heart. Compressions should be strong, deep, and at a steady pace. Follow these steps:
- Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest, right on the breastbone (sternum). Place your other hand on top of the first, interlocking your fingers.
- Body position: Kneel down beside the victim and position yourself directly over their chest. Keep your elbows straight and use your upper body weight to apply pressure.
- Perform compressions: Push hard and fast, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Each compression should be at least 2 inches deep for an adult, and the rate should be around 100-120 compressions per minute. To maintain the rhythm, imagine the beat of the song “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees, which matches the appropriate speed.
- Minimize interruptions: Only stop compressions to switch rescuers or when instructed by emergency responders. The fewer interruptions, the better.
Step 4: Provide Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
While chest compressions are the primary focus in CPR, if you are trained in the technique, the next step is to give rescue breaths to help provide oxygen to the lungs. Rescue breaths are most effective when combined with compressions, and it’s important to maintain a good rhythm.
- Open the airway: After 30 compressions, tilt the victim’s head backward by lifting their chin while pushing their forehead gently down. This opens the airway, making it easier to give breaths.
- Give the breaths: Pinch the person’s nose closed, and cover their mouth with yours, creating a seal. Give two full breaths, watching to ensure the chest rises with each breath. Each breath should last about one second.
- Resume chest compressions: After two breaths, continue with 30 more chest compressions, and then give two more breaths. This pattern of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths should be maintained.
Step 5: Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Continue performing CPR, alternating between chest compressions and rescue breaths (if trained), until one of the following happens:
- The person starts breathing or shows signs of life: If the person begins breathing on their own or regains consciousness, stop CPR and monitor their breathing while waiting for professional medical help.
- Emergency services arrive: If help arrives, let the professionals take over and provide any additional information they need.
- You are too exhausted to continue: If you are alone and exhausted, it is important to continue CPR until help arrives. If you must stop for a break, try to find someone nearby to continue the procedure.
Step 6: Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if Available
If there is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby, use it as soon as possible. An AED is a device that can assess the heart’s rhythm and, if needed, deliver a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. AEDs are designed to be used by non-medical individuals, and they provide clear, step-by-step instructions. Follow the prompts provided by the AED:
- Turn on the AED: Open the device and turn it on. The machine will guide you through the steps.
- Apply the pads: Place the pads on the victim’s chest as directed by the device.
- Follow the instructions: The AED will analyze the heart’s rhythm. If a shock is needed, it will instruct you to stand clear while it administers a shock.
- Resume CPR: After the shock, continue CPR as directed by the AED.
Important Considerations
- Don’t hesitate: Time is critical in CPR. Even if you’re unsure whether the person is truly unresponsive or not breathing, it’s better to act quickly than wait too long.
- Do not perform CPR on a breathing person: If someone is breathing normally, do not start CPR. Instead, monitor them closely while waiting for help to arrive.
- CPR for children or infants: The procedure for CPR on children or infants differs slightly. Always seek specific training to learn how to handle these age groups effectively.
The Importance of CPR Training
While performing CPR in an emergency situation can be a daunting task, the good news is that with practice and knowledge, it is a skill that can be mastered. It is always recommended to take a CPR certification course offered by recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) or the Red Cross. These courses provide hands-on training and can significantly improve your confidence and competence in performing CPR.
Learning how to perform CPR correctly is one of the most important steps you can take to be prepared for an emergency. With CPR knowledge, you can save lives, offering a lifeline to someone in need while waiting for emergency services to arrive.
