CPR
CPR
A Lifesaving Skill for Everyone
Introduction
CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a set of essential skills that can help save a life when someone's heart stops beating. While the concept may seem complex, CPR is actually quite straightforward.
The Basics of CPR
Think of your body as a system: your heart is the pump, your blood vessels are the pipes, and your blood is the fluid. When the pump fails, the fluid can't reach vital organs, leading to serious consequences. CPR is essentially a way to manually keep the pump going until professional help arrives.
Traditional CPR vs. Hands-Only CPR
Traditionally, CPR involves both chest compressions and rescue breaths. However, recent research has shown that focusing on chest compressions alone can be equally effective, especially for laypeople who may be uncomfortable performing rescue breaths.
WHAT TO DO
WHAT TO DO
- Check for responsiveness: Tap the person's shoulder and ask if they're okay. If they don't respond, call for emergency medical help immediately.
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing. If the person is not breathing normally, proceed to the next step.
- Locate the center of the chest: Find the center of the person's chest by imagining a line running just below their armpits to the breastbone.
- Start compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest and the other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and press down firmly at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Continue compressions: Keep pushing hard and fast until professional help arrives or the person resumes breathing normally.
- If you have an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) available, use it as soon as possible.
Remember, CPR is a skill that anyone can learn. By taking a first aid class, you'll be better equipped to handle emergencies and potentially save a life.
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