Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure used when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. According to the organization American CPR training, each year approximately seven million adults and children suffer cardiac-related injuries that could have benefited from prompt CPR. Considering the staggering demographics, CPR is a valuable skill. If you suspect a person is in medical danger and may require CPR, here are the five steps to follow.
Step 1: Assess surroundings
Before performing CPR or any medical approach, pause and assess your surroundings for potential dangers. It is crucial to make sure the area is safe for both you and the victim. Keep an eye out for threats or other environmental concerns such as fires or unstable structures, and act accordingly to any dangers. A safe area allows you to administer CPR without distractions and helps the victim receive fast and effective medical attention. Remember, your safety still comes first.
Step 2: Check responsiveness
Once your surroundings are clear, check if the person is conscious. According to NYU Langone Health, although many incidents of heart failure happen without the victim’s awareness, it is still possible for a person to be conscious during such experiences. You can check for consciousness by gently tapping the person and speaking loudly, such as asking if they are OK. You can further assess their consciousness by observing their breathing, eye or limb movement, or talking. If the person suddenly collapses, is unresponsive, or has abnormal/absent breathing, they likely require CPR.
Step 3: Call emergency services (911)
Call 911 as soon as possible. You may perform this step independently using your own device or by asking a nearby person. If you do ask a bystander, be sure to address them directly to ensure they take action. Once connected to a dispatcher, explain the situation and all known information: the victim’s identity, your location and the medical condition of the victim. Reaching out and providing the dispatcher with sufficient information increases the chances of fast, professional care for the victim.
Step 4: Perform CPR & breaths
Once emergency services are notified, your immediate CPR execution ensures the victim has the best chances of survival. To begin, interconnect your hands by stacking them on top of each other and lacing your fingers together. After, place them on the victim’s chest, with your shoulders directly over your hands and your elbows firm and locked. Once positioned, proceed to administer compressions. Use your whole body, rather than just your arms, to maintain stamina. Push two inches deep and maintain a steady rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute. This allows the chest to return to its normal position after each compression. Ribs may break—this is normal. Doing CPR to songs with these beats per minute (bpm) can help you maintain proper rhythm; a popular choice is “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
If you feel comfortable, you can administer breaths to the victim alongside chest compressions. If you do, tilt their head backward to open up the airway and exhale into the victim’s mouth. Each breath should last one second and allow the chest to rise. Do this every 30 compressions.
Step 5: Retrieve and use AED
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a medical device used to shock and restart a heart that has stopped beating. If there are other people nearby, you can instruct an individual to retrieve the AED. However, have someone administer CPR at all times. Many public places include signs that point to the nearest AED; however, it is important to know the location of AEDs in facilities you frequently visit.
Follow the voice prompts given by the machine or the written explanations on a card in the box’s front. To begin, use a small pair of scissors to remove the victim’s clothing. Scissors are included in the AED kit. Next, attach one electrode pad to the person’s chest and one along the side or towards the back to ensure the electric current travels through the body. Press the green start button and keep your hands off the victim as the machine analyzes the person’s heartbeat patterns. If the machine recommends delivering a shock, press the shock button on the machine. Do not touch the victim until the machine indicates that the shock has been delivered. Continue chest compressions and repeat shocks as needed until either emergency services arrive or you are unable to continue.
In the event of an emergency, do not hesitate to step up to the task; administering CPR in the first few moments is critical and can mean the difference between life and death. Just stay calm and follow these steps—anyone can be a hero.
