How to Perform CPR: Guidelines, Procedure, and Ratio

In emergency situations, knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be the difference between life and death. CPR is a critical skill that helps maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain until professional medical help arrives. This blog will guide you through the CPR procedure, highlighting essential steps, the correct ratio, and the method for adults, children, and infants. By mastering these steps, you can be prepared to save a life when it matters most. Moreover, it’s crucial to ensure that you have Online Health Insurance to cover any emergencies that may arise.

Understanding the Importance of CPR

Before diving into the CPR process, it’s essential to understand its significance. When someone’s heart stops beating, their brain and other vital organs are deprived of oxygen-rich blood. How to give CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep the blood circulating until professional medical services can take over. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest.

CPR Procedure: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Call for Help

The first step in the CPR procedure is to ensure the scene is safe for both the rescuer and the victim. Check for hazards such as traffic, fire, or unstable structures. Once safety is confirmed, assess the victim’s condition. Tap their shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” Call emergency services immediately if there is no response and the person is not breathing or only gasping. Ask a bystander to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) while you begin the CPR process.

Step 2: Open the Airway

After calling for help, place the person on their back on a firm surface. Kneel beside them and gently tilt their head back by lifting their chin with one hand while pushing down on their forehead with the other. This action helps open the airway by moving the tongue away from the back of the throat.

Step 3: Check for Breathing

Place your ear close to the person’s mouth and nose, and look for chest movement. Listen for no more than 10 seconds. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, it’s time to start the CPR method.

Step 4: Chest Compressions

• Adults: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the person’s chest, right between the nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and shoulders directly over your hands. Use your body weight to push down hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Children: Use one hand if the child is small. Compress the chest about 2 inches deep.
• Infants: Use two fingers to compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep.

Let the chest rise ultimately between compressions to allow the heart to refill with blood.

Step 5: Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.

• Adults and Children: Pinch the person’s nose shut, cover their mouth with yours to create an airtight seal, and blow into their mouth for about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise if it doesn’t, tilt the head and try again.
• Infants: Cover your nose and mouth with your mouth and give gentle breaths.

If the chest still doesn’t rise, the person might be choking. Check their mouth for any obstructions and remove them if possible.

Step 6: Continue the Cycle

Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and two rescue breaths until the person starts breathing, an AED is available, or professional help arrives. If an AED becomes available, follow its voice prompts while continuing CPR.

Special Considerations: CPR for Children and Infants

The CPR steps for children and infants differ slightly due to their smaller body size and anatomy.

1. Preparation

Check the area for safety and assess the child’s responsiveness by tapping their shoulder or flicking the sole of their foot for infants. If there is no response, call emergency services.

2. Airway and Breathing

Open the airway and check for breathing as you would for an adult. Administer two rescue breaths first for children and infants before starting compressions if you’re alone.

3. Compressions

Use one hand for children and two fingers for infants, and compress the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.

When to Use CPR?

CPR is crucial when a person is not breathing, or their heart has stopped. Situations that may require CPR include:

• Cardiac arrest or heart attack
• Choking
• Drowning
• Suffocation
• Drug overdose
• Severe allergic reactions
• Smoke inhalation
• Electric shock

Importance of Staying Updated

The guidelines for how to do CPR can change as medical research evolves. The American Heart Association (AHA) regularly updates these guidelines. Staying informed by taking refresher courses and maintaining your CPR certification is essential.

Ensuring Preparedness with Online Health Insurance

Emergencies can happen anytime, and being financially prepared is just as important as being trained in CPR. Online Health Insurance provides coverage for various medical emergencies, ensuring you and your loved ones have access to necessary treatments without financial strain. Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Company offers comprehensive health insurance plans that cater to diverse needs, giving you peace of mind in critical situations.

Conclusion

Knowing how to perform CPR is a vital skill that can save lives. By following the CPR procedure step by step, you can provide immediate assistance in critical situations. Remember to keep yourself updated with the latest CPR guidelines and ensure you have Online Health Insurance to cover any medical emergencies. With the right knowledge and preparation, you can make a significant difference in someone's life during an emergency. *Standard T&C Apply **Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions. ***Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale. ****The information presented is not meant to be a substitute for medical advice. Any suggestions mentioned should be considered for general use only. For expert guidance on any health ailment or medical issue or any treatment/procedure, please consult a certified medical professional.