Knowing how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. That's why hands-on CPR training is so important for everyone. This article will provide a step-by-step guide to performing CPR on adults and discuss special considerations for infants and children. We'll also compare hands-on CPR versus traditional CPR to help you decide which is better.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR on Adults
Performing proper CPR involves chest compressions to manually pump blood through the body, combined with rescue breaths to provide oxygen. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following steps:
1. Check for Responsiveness
If you see an adult suddenly collapse, the first thing to do is tap them on the shoulder and shout "Are you OK?" to see if they respond.
2. Call 911
If they are unresponsive, call 911 or ask a bystander to make the call immediately. Call 911 before beginning compressions.
3. Position the Person on Their Back
Gently roll the person onto their back on a firm, flat surface. If there is potential neck trauma, use care to keep the head, neck, and spine aligned when moving them.
4. Open the Airway
Tilt the head back slightly to lift the chin up. This helps open the airway.
5. Check for Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for breathing by placing your ear close to your mouth. Look to see if their chest rises and falls.
6. Give Two Rescue Breaths
If they aren't breathing normally, pinch the nose shut and seal your mouth over their mouth. Blow steadily into their mouth for about one second to make the chest rise. Give two breaths.
7. Start Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest. Place the other hand on top and interlace fingers. Push hard and fast, compressing chest at least 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
8. Continue CPR Cycles
Keep performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until you see obvious signs of life return, like breathing, an AED becomes available, or another trained responder takes over.
Following these CPR steps can triple someone's chance of survival after cardiac arrest before emergency medical services arrive.
CPR for Infants and Children: Special Considerations
Performing CPR on infants and children under age 8 requires some important modifications compared to adults:
Check for responsiveness - Gently tap infants and speak to children to check for response.
Call 911 - Have someone call emergency services if unresponsive.
Open airway - Carefully tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Be careful of potential neck injury.
Check for breathing - Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing by placing your ear close to the nose and mouth.
Give two rescue breaths - Gently cover the mouth and nose with your mouth to make a seal. Give two gentle breaths to make the chest rise.
Start compressions - Use two or three fingers in the center of the chest for infants. Use one or two hands for children. Press down about 1/3 depth of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Continue CPR - Keep performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until responsive or help arrives.
Key differences for infants and children are using lighter compressions at a shallower depth. Gentleness is important to avoid injury. Proper training is vital to providing pediatric CPR correctly.
Hands-Only CPR vs. Traditional CPR: Which is Better?
Both hands-only CPR and traditional CPR with breaths are recommended by the American Heart Association in different circumstances:
Hands-Only CPR
Intended for use by untrained rescuers
Involves pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute
Recommended for teens and adults in cardiac arrest
Traditional CPR with Breaths
Includes cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths
Preferred for infants and children in cardiac arrest
Also recommended for adults in cardiac arrest if trained in giving rescue breaths
The AHA recommends hands-on CPR for adults when the rescuer is untrained or unsure of their skills. However traditional CPR is preferred when the responder has training, especially for pediatric patients.
Hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective as conventional CPR for cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in public. It can save lives by providing crucial blood flow to the body and brain until professional help arrives.
However, rescue breaths provide much-needed oxygen, especially for respiratory-related cardiac arrests. So traditional CPR is still recommended for trained providers who can properly administer breaths.
No matter which CPR method you use, the most important thing is taking action quickly when someone needs help. Don't be afraid to step in. You have the power to be a lifesaver.
Get Hands-On CPR Certification in Nashville
Are you interested in gaining the skills and confidence to perform CPR when it matters most? CPR Nashville offers American Heart Association certification courses that include plenty of hands-on practice. Sign up for a stress-free class in basic life support, ACLS, PALS, or first aid. Gain life-saving expertise with the best CPR training in Nashville!
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