Three Parts of CPR
The three basic parts of CPR are easily remembered as"ABC":
A
for airway,
B
for breathing, and
C
forcirculation.
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A is for airway.
The victim's airway must beopen for breathing to be restored. The airwaymay be blocked when a child loses consciousnessor may be obstructed by food or some otherforeign object. In a CPR course, participantslearn how to open the airway and position thechild so the airway is ready for rescuebreathing. The course will include what to do toclear the airway if you believe an infant or childhas choked and the airway is blocked.
•
B is for breathing.
Rescue breathing is begunwhen a child isn't breathing. Someoneperforming rescue breathing essentiallybreathes for the victim by forcing air into thelungs. This procedure includes breathing intothe victim's mouth at correct intervals andchecking for signs of life. A CPR course willreview correct techniques and procedures forrescuers to position themselves to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to infants, children, andadults.
•
C is for circulation.
Chest compressions cansometimes restore circulation. Two rescuebreaths should be provided and followedimmediately by cycles of 30 chest compressionsand 2 rescue breaths. It is not necessary tocheck for signs of circulation to perform thistechnique. This procedure involves pushing onthe chest to help circulate blood and maintainblood flow to major organs. A CPR course willteach you how to perform chest compressions ininfants, children, and adults and how tocoordinate the compressions with rescuebreathing.
When Is CPR Needed?
CPR is most successful when administered as quickly aspossible, but you must first determine if it's necessary.It should only be performed when a person isn'tbreathing or circulating blood adequately.First, determine that it's safe to approach the person introuble. For instance, if someone was injured in anaccident on a busy highway, you'd have to be extremelycareful about ongoing traffic as you try to help. Or ifsomeone touched an exposed wire and was electrocuted, you'd have to be certain that he or she is no longer incontact with electricity before offering assistance, toprevent becoming electrocuted yourself. (For instance,turn off the source of electricity, such as a light switchor a circuit breaker.)Once you know that you can safely approach someone whoneeds help, quickly evaluate whether the person isresponsive. Look for things like eye opening, sounds fromthe mouth, or other signs of life like movement of thearms and legs. In infants and younger children, rubbingthe chest (over the breastbone) can help determine ifthere is any level of responsiveness. In older children andadults, this can also be done by gently shaking theshoulders and asking if they're all right.The next step is to check if the victim is breathing. Youcan determine this by watching the person's chest forthe rise and fall of breaths and listening for the sound ofair going in and out of the lungs. In a CPR or basic lifesupport (BLS) course, participants practice techniquesfor determining if breathing or circulation is adequate. If you can't determine whether someone is breathing, youshould begin CPR and continue until help arrives.Whenever CPR is needed, remember to call foremergency medical assistance.Current CPR courses teach you that if you are alone with an unresponsive infant orchild, give chest compressions for 5 cycles (about 2minutes) before calling for help.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Performing CPR on an Adult
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Remember the basic steps of CPR as the ABCsof CPR: A for airway, B for breathing, and C forcirculation.
Step 1. Clear the Airway
1.The first letter, A, is for clearing the airway.The person should be lying on their back on afirm surface.2.Look into the victim's mouth and check for aforeign object obstructing the person's airway,and, if necessary, use your finger to sweep theobject out.
3.
Kneeling next to their neck and shoulders, openthe airway by placing your palm on theirforehead to carefullytilt their head back, andlifting their chin gently forward with yourother hand.
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| Upload Date: | 02/14/2009 |
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