How to Perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

I can't count how many times I've said, "I really should take a CPR course. A person never knows when they might need that skill." But, like most people, I am a procrastinator. When I see a new course being offered, I can come up with more excuses than a kid who fails to do his homework. "I'm swamped with other things right now." or "I'm kind of cash-strapped so I'll wait until the next class comes along." or "My best friend and I want to take the class together, so I'll wait until we are both able to make time for it at the same time." Etc., etc, etc.

We all know that putting off something so important isn't a good idea, but we do it anyway. So, while we are putting off taking the class, here are the basic things we need to know to stop a victim from having brain damage or worse while paramedics are on their way.

1. Make sure someone calls for an ambulance or other medical help.

CPR administered by amateurs is usually a stop-gap measure that can save lives and prevent brain damage, but the victim is not usually fully resuscitated until someone trained in the procedure arrives to take over.

2. Place the victim on his back and tilt his head back before attempting CPR.

Make sure his or her airway is open. You may need to insert a finger in the non-responsive person's mouth and feel for obstructions and to make sure the tongue is not blocking the airway.

3. Start CPR procedure.

Begin by pinching the person's nose together and blowing twice into his or her mouth. Listen for any sign of breathing. If there is none, proceed by placing both your hands together on the chest between the nipples. Do 30 chest compressions in succession a little faster than one per second. Push hard enough that the chest compresses about 2 inches.

If there is still no sign of breathing, repeat the procedure until medical help arrives. If you tire and feel you cannot continue, have someone else ready to take your place as you move away so that the continuity is not lost.

Note: The American Heart Association recommends that untrained persons who feel inadequate to perform regular CPR should do only the chest compressions as this will usually be enough to keep the victims circulation going enough to avoid brain damage. See American Heart Association link below under resources.

4. CPR for babies or animals is different.

If you are performing CPR on an infant, very small child, or an animal, use two fingers instead of two hands to do the chest compressions and breathe into their mouth only once instead of twice.

Accidents can happen anytime, and usually when you least expect them. Automobile accidents are common. Kids fall off bicycles, skateboards, and scooters. People drown. Heart attacks are frequent.

In all of these cases, you may be the only one around who can help the victim, and knowing the steps outlined above may help you keep that person alive and from suffering permanent brain damage. Condense the steps into your own words and write them on a card to carry with you in your purse or wallet. Review them often.

Better yet, why don't you (and I) get serious about taking a CPR course where we not only learn the techniques, but are able to practice them on a life-sized dummy? That way, should the need for our help ever arise, we will be able to meet that need with skill and confidence.

Sources:

Mayo Clinic, "Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation," http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/first-aid-cpr/FA00061

American Heart Association, "Hands Only CPR," http://handsonlycpr.eisenberginc.com/

American Heart Association, "UTube Video," (Shows "hands only" CPR being performed) http://handsonlycpr.eisenberginc.com/fun_stuff.html