Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is a life-saving
procedure (comprising chest compressions and rescue breaths) useful in many
emergencies like a cardiac arrest, heart attack, near drowning, etc. in which
someone’s breathing, or heartbeat has stopped. Every individual should be
trained in the procedure to be able to effectively handle cardiac emergencies.
Proper application of the procedure can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the
brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore
a normal heart rhythm.
If you are on the lookout to sign up for a CPR course in the
Nashville region in Tennessee, don’t look beyond the AHA certified CPR
Nashville. Classes are conducted through a series of audio and video lectures
and hands-on practice. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare
providers.
Tips to
Performing CPR on a Child:
The procedure for giving cardiopulmonary resuscitation to a
child age 1 through puberty is essentially the same as that for an adult.
Here’s a lowdown on ways to perform CPR on a child by the
American Heart Association:
Chest
Compressions
Perform five cycles of compressions and breaths on a child
prior to calling 911 and getting an AED (if one is available) if you are alone
and didn’t see the child collapse. On the other hand, if you are alone and
suddenly see a child collapse, call 911 and get hold of an AED device (the
devices are available in most public places) before beginning CPR. If you
aren’t alone, have that person call for help and get the AED while you begin
with the CPR procedure.
1. On a firm
surface, put the child on his or her back and kneel next to the victim’s neck
and shoulders.
2. Perform
chest compressions by using two hands, or one hand if the child is very small.
Compress the chest about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters). Push straight
down on the chest at least 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) but not
greater than 2.4 inches (approximately 6 centimeters) if the child is an
adolescent. Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
3. Carry on
with chest compressions until there are signs of movement or until emergency
medical personnel take over if you haven’t been trained in the procedure. Go on
to opening the airway and rescue breathing if you are well-trained in CPR.
Airway
Open the child’s airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift
maneuver if you are trained in the CPR procedure and you’ve already performed
30 chest compressions. Gently tilt the child’s head back by putting your palm
on his or her forehead. Use your other hand to gently lift the chin forward to
open the airway.
Breathing
Use the compression-breath rate of 30 compressions followed
by 2 breaths, which is one cycle.
1. With the
airway open, for mouth-to-mouth breathing pinch the nostrils shut and cover the
child’s mouth with yours making a seal.
2. Perform 2
rescue breaths where the first one should last one second and watch to see
if the chest rises. Give the second breath only if the chest rises. Repeat the
head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and then give the second breath if the victim’s
chest doesn't rise. Do not provide too many breaths or breathe with too much
force.
3. Begin the
next cycle of compressions and breaths immediately after the two breaths. For two
people performing CPR, 15 compressions should be conducted followed by two
breaths.
4. Use an AED
device as soon as it is available and follow the prompts. Use pediatric pads if
available, for children up to age 8, if they aren't available, use adult pads.
Administer one shock, then resume CPR — starting with chest compressions — for
two more minutes prior to administering a second shock. A 911 or other
emergency medical operator may be able to guide you in its use if you're not
trained to use an AED.
Carry on until the child moves or the arrival of emergency
medical services.
For
CPR training at CPR Nashville, call on (615) 638-0005.
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