CPR! What it is and what are the steps?

CPR! We see it on TV and the movies but what does it stand for?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

But what does it actually do?

CPR is a life-saving technique that can help keep someone alive until emergency services arrive. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing to maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the body. What are the steps of CPR?

Step 1: Assess the Scene and the Person The first step in any emergency is to assess the scene! This means checking for any potential hazards, such as live wires or dangerous chemicals, and assessing whether it is safe to go help that person. If the scene is not safe, then you should call 911 and wait for emergency services to arrive.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness The next step is to check if the person is responsive. Tap the person's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, then it is safe to assume the person is unconscious and requires immediate attention.

Step 3: Call for Help Call for emergency services immediately. If there is someone else present, ask them to call while you start CPR.

Step 4: Begin CPR To start CPR, kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, with the other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and position yourself directly above the person's chest right in between the nipple line. Then with arms locked, start pushing hard on the chest, using your body weight to perform compressions. For an adult you want to push down at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4. For a child you want to go about 2 inches. And for an infant you only want to be using two fingers and pushing down 1.5 inches.

Step 5: Perform Rescue Breathing After 30 chest compressions, tilt the person's head back and lift their chin to open the airway. Pinch the person's nose and give two rescue breaths. If the person's chest rises with each breath, then the airway is open, and the breaths are effective. If they don’t go in re-tilt and give one more rescue breath.

Step 6: Repeat Steps 4 and 5 Continue performing chest compressions and rescue breathing in a 30:2 ratio until emergency services arrives or until the person starts breathing on their own.