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How to Do Red Cross CPR

Red Cross CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) training is an important skill that can help save lives. According to First Aid Web, cardiac arrest is becoming one of the main causes of death in America. Performing CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive is crucial, since the brain can only survive undamaged for four minutes without oxygen. Properly-administered CPR can provide oxygen to the person's heart and brain, increasing the person's chance of survival.

Things You'll Need

  • Hard, sturdy surface
  • Protective mouth device
  • Defibrillator, if available
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Instructions

  1. Breathing

    • 1

      Make sure the person is not breathing normally, coughing, or moving, as CPR can potentially make his condition worse. Survey the scene to be sure there are no dangers, such as a fire or fumes that could have caused the person to become unconscious, and call 911 so that help will be on the way.

    • 2

      Position the person flat on her back if she is not already lying that way. Open her airway by tilting her head back and lifting her chin, which will help remove the tongue from the back of the throat. Listen and feel for any signs of breath.

    • 3

      Begin breaths if the person is still not breathing after you have cleared his airway. Give two full breaths by holding his nose and blowing air gently into the mouth (using the protective mouth device if one is available) until his chest rises.

    Chest Compressions

    • 4

      Begin chest compressions immediately after giving two breaths. Kneel at the chest and interlock fingers, placing the heel of your hand over the breastbone in the center of the chest. Press hard, keeping both arms straight.

    • 5

      Use 15 chest compressions for every two breaths, pressing down about 2 inches into the chest. Continue the cycle until professional medical help arrives, occasionally checking the carotid artery on the side of the neck for a pulse.

    • 6

      Use an AED, or automated external defibrillator, if one is available. AED devices use electrical therapy to regulate the heartbeat. Deliver a single shock to the chest, immediately followed by two minutes of CPR. Follow the instructions on the device carefully.

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