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When to Use CPR

Knowing when to us CPR can change the life of the rescuer and the person needing help. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is easy to learn and to perform when needed.

  1. Function

    • CPR is used when a person has stopped breathing and has gone into sudden cardiac arrest, meaning their heart has stopped and they have no pulse. At that moment, the person is dying. CPR is used to maintain a level circulation and provide oxygen to a person who is unable to do either. CPR is designed to keep oxygenated blood flowing until advanced medical care can arrive and revive the victim. To perform CPR, a bystander must place the victim on her back on a hard surface and then check to see if she is breathing. If not, the rescuer places one hand on the forehead, another under the chin, and tilt the victim's head back. The rescuer blows two breathes into the victim's mouth while pinching the nose. Then the rescuer draws an imaginary line between the nipples. Place the heel of one hand on the victim's breast bone and use the other to interlock their fingers. Keeping their arms straight, the rescuer presses down, depressing the chest 1 ½ to 2 inches. After 30 compressions, give two breaths.

    Facts

    • The American Red Cross says that 166,000 people will die of sudden cardiac arrest each year. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that at least 350,000 people will suffer a cardiac arrest in the United States annually, or about one person every 90 seconds. It is also estimated that 94 percent of those who suffer cardiac arrest will die before getting to a hospital, according to the AHA. Bystander CPR started immediately and continued until emergency medical professionals arrive can considerably increase the person's chance of survival.

    History

    • Aspects of CPR were developed over two centuries, but the term CPR as we know it and the basic skills taught today emerged five decades ago, according to the AHA. The first guidelines were published in 1966, when practice and skills were taught using mannequins. However, at that time the push to use CPR was limited to health care professionals. Now, everyone is encouraged to learn the basic skills.

    Considerations

    • It is not unusual for someone who has been trained in CPR to hesitate when facing someone going into cardiac arrest before their eyes. Many folks have to consider whether they could actually perform it when an emergency arises. The Mayoclinic.com suggests what bystanders do will depend on their knowledge and comfort level. Some other things to keep in mind include getting the person to a flat, hard surface. Also, the age of the victim comes into play. A child will take much less pressure to compress the chest than an adult. Likewise, an infant will need less breath--just a puff -- than an adult.

    Potential

    • Statistics suggest an overwhelming majority of the people suffering cardiac arrest die before they get to a hospital. One way to increase the survival rate is to have bystanders begin CPR before EMS professionals arrive. Essentially, the bystander witnessing the sudden cardiac arrest and knowing when and how to use CPR becomes a key link in the chain of survival.

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