CPR for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide to Save a Life12

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that can save the life of someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It involves giving chest compressions and artificial breaths to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.

When to Perform CPR

CPR should be performed when someone is:

Unresponsive - They do not respond when you talk to them or shake them.
Not breathing - Check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds by looking at their chest, listening for breathing, and feeling for breath on your cheek.
Not circulating - Check for circulation for no more than 10 seconds by feeling for a pulse in their neck or wrist.

If the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse, call for emergency medical services (911 or your local emergency number) and start CPR immediately.

How to Perform CPR

1. Call for Emergency Medical Services
- Call for emergency medical services as soon as possible.
- If you are alone, use a hands-free device or speakerphone so you can continue performing CPR.

2. Check for Responsiveness
- Tap the person's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?"
- If they do not respond, proceed to the next step.

3. Check for Breathing
- Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
- If they are not breathing, tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin to open their airway.
- Check for breathing again for no more than 10 seconds.

4. Check for Circulation
- Feel for a pulse in the person's neck or wrist for no more than 10 seconds.
- If you cannot feel a pulse, proceed to the next step.

5. Give Chest Compressions
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, between the nipples.
- Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Position your shoulders directly over your hands and use your body weight to deliver compressions.
- Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to fully recoil after each compression.

6. Give Artificial Breaths
- After 30 chest compressions, pinch the person's nose closed and cover their mouth with yours.
- Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second.
- Check for chest rise with each breath.

7. Continue CPR
- Continue alternating cycles of 30 chest compressions and two breaths until emergency medical services arrive or the person starts breathing on their own.

Additional Tips

- If you are not comfortable giving artificial breaths, you can perform hands-only CPR, which involves giving continuous chest compressions without breaths.
- If you have an automated external defibrillator (AED) available, follow the device's instructions for use after 2 minutes of CPR.
- Do not stop CPR until medical help arrives or the person shows signs of life, such as breathing or moving.
- It is recommended to take a CPR training course to learn the proper techniques and gain confidence in performing this life-saving procedure.

2024-11-23

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