Performing CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a crucial skill that can save lives in emergency situations where someone’s heart has stopped. This article will guide you through the critical steps of CPR, presented in English, so that you can understand and apply them effectively.
Step 1: Ensure Safety
Before you begin CPR, it’s essential to ensure that the scene is safe for both you and the person in need. If there is any risk of harm, such as traffic, fire, or chemicals, call for help immediately and move to a safe location.
Step 2: Check Responsiveness
Approach the person and gently tap their shoulder to see if they respond. Shout their name to see if they respond audibly. If there is no response, you may need to perform CPR.
Step 3: Call for Help
If the person is unresponsive, immediately call emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so. If you’re alone, perform CPR for two minutes before calling for help, if possible.
Step 4: Open the Airway
Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Tilt their head back slightly by lifting their chin and pushing down on their forehead with one hand. Use the other hand to lift the chin to open the airway.
Step 5: Check for Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for no more than 10 seconds to check if the person is breathing. Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person’s breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing, proceed to chest compressions.
Step 6: Perform Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, directly between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands.
Begin compressions by pushing down firmly and quickly at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. The depth of the compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 centimeters). Allow the chest to rise completely between compressions.
Step 7: Give Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
If you are trained in CPR, after 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut, make a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth, and blow into their lungs until you see their chest rise. Each breath should take about one second to deliver.
Continue compressions and rescue breaths in a cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths until help arrives or the person shows signs of life.
Step 8: Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Do not stop CPR unless the person starts breathing normally, help arrives, or you are too exhausted to continue. In some cases, defibrillation may be required, so if an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, use it according to the device’s instructions.
Practice and Training
While this article provides a general guide to CPR, it’s important to receive proper training from a certified instructor. CPR techniques can change, and hands-on practice is crucial for proficiency.
By following these steps and ensuring you are prepared with the necessary training, you can be a lifesaver in situations where CPR is needed. Remember, it’s better to act quickly and provide assistance than to hesitate and do nothing.