What does a cardiopulmonary resuscitation involve?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and artificial breathing to help maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply to the brain and heart. It is performed when a person's heart has stopped beating or is not pumping effectively, and breathing has ceased or become inadequate.

A step-by-step overview of performing CPR involves the following actions:

1. Check for responsiveness:

- Gently shake and shout to the person, "Are you okay?"

- If there is no response and the person is not breathing or is only gasping, initiate CPR.

2. Call for help:

- Immediately dial emergency services (e.g., 911) or delegate someone else to do so.

- If you are alone, perform CPR for about 2 minutes before calling for help.

3. Open the airway:

- Gently tilt the person's head back slightly and lift the chin.

- This helps to open the airway and ensure proper airflow.

4. Check for breathing:

- Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

5. Begin 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 of the first hand and interlock your fingers.

- Position yourself with your shoulders directly over your hands.

- Keep your elbows locked and use your body weight to provide compressions.

- Push down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

6. Provide rescue breaths:

- After 30 compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths.

- Pinch the person's nose closed and cover their entire mouth with your mouth to create a seal.

- Give a breath that makes their chest rise visibly. Allow air to exit before delivering the next breath.

- Each breath should last about 1 second.

7. Continue cycles:

- Continue alternating between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:

- The person starts breathing normally.

- An automated external defibrillator (AED) is available and ready to use.

- Emergency medical services arrive and take over.

- You are too exhausted to continue.

8. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available:

- If an AED is accessible, follow the voice prompts provided by the device.

- Attach the AED pads to the person's chest as directed.

- The AED will analyze the heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver a shock to help restore a normal heartbeat.

9. Continue CPR until help arrives:

- Continue performing CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive and take over or the person starts showing signs of life.

- If the person regains consciousness, place them in the recovery position and continue monitoring their breathing.

Remember that performing effective CPR requires proper training and practice to ensure the correct techniques are followed. CPR should only be performed by individuals who have received proper certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.