CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. CPR is an emergency live saving technique that combines chest compressions and rescue breathing(mouth-to-mouth). Here, cardio means ‘heart’, pulmonary means ‘lungs’, and resuscitation stands for ‘revival’. The procedure is performed to maintain oxygen and blood flow when the heart suddenly stops beating(cardiac arrest). It should be given immediately to increase the chances of survival. CPR is most commonly performed in case of cardiac arrest, electric shock, drowning, etc.
Dr.Kouwenhoven, Dr. Safar, and Dr. Jude invented the technique of CPR in 1960 by combining mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions.
Why is CPR important?
- The lack of oxygen to the brain can cause irreversible damage to the brain within minutes. CPR maintains the oxygen supply to the brain, reducing the risk of brain injury.
- Immediate initiation of CPR increases the chances of a successful revival of the heart.
- It provides critical support until professional medical help arrives.
When is CPR required?
CPR becomes necessary when an individual is:
- Not breathing normally
- Not breathing at all
- Unconscious
- Not having a pulse
How CPR is performed?
The basic steps of CPR are the same for adults and older children. The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD:
- D – Danger: Before starting the CPR, ensure that you are at a safe place, away from any danger
- R – Response: Check the response from a person by speaking loudly.
- S – Send for help: Send anyone for medical help or call the hospital.
- A – Airways: Open the airways (nose, mouth, and throat) and check for any blockage.
- B – Breathing: Check for breathing. Is it normal or not? In any case, start CPR without delay.
- C –CPR: It consists of 30 compressions and 2 mouth-to-mouth. It can be performed by anyone, either a bystander or a trained professional.
- D – Defibrillator
Steps of CPR
- Place the person in a supine position ( on their back) on a flat surface. Sit beside the person on your knees.
- Place your hands on the center of the chest. Shoulders should be directly over the hand, and the elbow should be locked.
- Perform chest compression at the rate of 100-120 per minute. The depth of compression should be between 5 cm(2 inches) to 6 cm(2.4 inches).
- Make the head tilt and lift the chin. Shut the nose of a person with your fingers and make a complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth. Each breath should last for at least 1 second and allow the chest to rise. Before giving the next breath, ensure the air exits first.
- Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths under medical help arrive.
Points to remember
- The compression should be at an adequate rate and depth.
- Should not lean on the patient.
- Hands should be placed in a proper position on the chest.
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
Why should we learn CPR?
It saves lives. The person getting a cardiac arrest needs immediate help. It’s an emergency procedure, and in an emergency, every second counts. Until medical help arrives, it’s important to maintain oxygen and blood supply to vital organs and the brain, as there are high chances of permanent brain injury or brain death. The person getting CPR has high survival and recovery rate.
CPR is easy to learn and you don’t have to be a doctor or a health expert to learn or perform CPR.