Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR

What is CPR?
It is the lifesaving technique useful in emergencies where a persons breathing or heartbeat have stopped. It involves chest compression and mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing, this process keeps oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and other vital organs until the heart can return to its natural rhythm.

Before You Begin

Assess the situation Is the person conscious or unconscious? If they are conscious ask them if they are okay. If they do not respond have someone else call 911, or if you are alone and have a phone, call 911 yourself before beginning CPR.

Remember your ABCs

Airway: Clear the airway Breathing: Breathe for the person

 Circulation: Restore blood circulation with chest compressions.

Airway
Put the person on their back Kneel next to their neck and shoulders. Open the persons airway by putting your palm on their forehead and gently tilting their head back. Then gently lift their chin forward to open their airway. Look for chest movement, and listen for breath sounds. If the person is not breathing, begin Mouth-to-Mouth with chest compressions .

Breathing
Can be performed mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose if mouth is seriously injured. With the air way open, pinch the nostrils shut, then cover the victims mouth with your mouth, making a good seal.

Prepare to give two rescue breaths

 Give the first rescue breath, lasting 1 second---watch to see if the chest rises. If their chest does rise, give a second breath.

If their chest does not rise, repeat head/chin tilt, as the airway may still be blocked. Give the second breath. Begin chest compressions to restore circulation.

Circulation-restore circulation with chest compressions.

Position your body directly over your hands. Give 15 fast chest compressions. Give the person 2 slow breaths watching to make sure the chest rises. Repeat chest compressions and breaths until help arrives.

Bad CPR is better than no CPR

Dont worry about doing it wrong After calling 911 begin CPR.

 A bystander who witnesses someone collapse and is ready to perform CPR, can double or triple a persons chances of surviving. If nothing else, put your hands in the middle of the persons chest, push and relax, push and relax. Keep repeating the same rhythm, and do not stop until help arrives.