How to perform a CPR during emergency? CPR guidelines

Cardiorespiratory resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving procedure that can be used when a person suffers a cardiac arrest or when their breathing stops. It aims to pump blood and provide oxygen throughout the body in an attempt to save a person’s life in an emergency situation. CPR is by far the most important procedure in such cases, and can be done by anyone who has been trained. Recent studies have shown that CPR improves the likelihood of a person’s survival after cardiac arrest by 2-3 times. So what are the CPR guidelines?

What should you do before giving a CPR?

1. First of all make sure the scene is safe. Ensure your own safety before attempting to save someone else’s life. Remove any foreign objects such as pieces of glass that may be around the person.
2. Tap the person’s shoulders while shouting “Can you hear me? Are you okay?”. Check for a response. If the person does not respond, ask someone to call an ambulance immediately (call 911 yourself if no one else is around.)
3. If there are any bystanders available to help, send one of them to get the automated external defibrillator (AED).
4. Place the person on his back and tilt his head back so that his chin is slightly lifted. This helps to open up his airway.
5. Then check for pulse and breathing. Pulse is checked mainly in the carotid artery in between the two heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck. Check if you know how. Otherwise just listen carefully for sounds of breathing. If the person does not seem to be have a pulse or is not breathing, begin CPR immediately.

What are the steps of CPR?

1. Midway between the person’s nipples, place your hands one on top of the other. Push hard and fast, administering compressions that are at least 2 inches deep. Try to attain a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Count the number of compressions as you do this. Give 30 compressions.
2. After the 30 compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths. In order to give proper rescue breaths tilt the person’s head slightly backwards and lift the chin. Then pinch the nose and seal your mouth over the person’s mouth completely. While you deliver the breaths, look at the person’s chest and make sure it rises. If the chest doesn’t rise even on the second breath, it may indicate choking. Look whether there are any objects obstructing the airway, remove if there are any.
3. Continue this 30 compressions-2 rescue breaths cycle continuously until the person regains consciousness, begins breathing, an AED machine is available or if a medical personnel arrives.