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Notes on CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a vital emergency procedure performed when the heart stops, significantly increasing survival chances if administered promptly. The process involves chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breaths, following specific steps for adults, infants, and children. Learning CPR and using an AED correctly can save lives, making regular training essential.

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Mosh Haggenson
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8 views

Notes on CPR

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a vital emergency procedure performed when the heart stops, significantly increasing survival chances if administered promptly. The process involves chest compressions, airway management, and rescue breaths, following specific steps for adults, infants, and children. Learning CPR and using an AED correctly can save lives, making regular training essential.

Uploaded by

Mosh Haggenson
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Notes on CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

1. What is CPR?

• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency life-saving procedure


performed when the heart stops beating.
• It helps maintain blood flow and oxygenation to the brain and other vital organs until
advanced care is available.
• CPR is crucial in cases of cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or other conditions causing
the heart to stop.

2. Importance of CPR

• Immediate CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival.


• Brain damage can occur within 4-6 minutes of cardiac arrest due to lack of oxygen, so
timely action is essential.

3. When to Perform CPR

• The person is:


o Unresponsive
o Not breathing or only gasping (agonal breathing)
o No pulse detected within 10 seconds

4. Steps of CPR (for Adults)

Follow the CAB Sequence:

1. C – Compressions
2. A – Airway
3. B – Breathing

Step-by-Step Guide to Adult CPR (with no equipment)

Step 1: Ensure Safety


• Check if the scene is safe for you and the person.
• If safe, approach the person and check for responsiveness (shake the shoulder and shout,
"Are you OK?").

Step 2: Call for Help

• Call emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so.


• If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available, send someone to retrieve it.

Step 3: Chest Compressions

• Position yourself by the person’s chest.


• Place your hands one on top of the other in the center of the chest.
• Push hard and fast:
o Depth: At least 2 inches (5 cm).
o Rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
o Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

Step 4: Open the Airway

• Tilt the head back and lift the chin (head-tilt, chin-lift technique).
• Check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

Step 5: Provide Rescue Breaths

• Pinch the person’s nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and give 2 breaths (each lasting 1
second).
• Watch for chest rise to confirm the breaths are effective.
• If the chest does not rise, reposition the head and try again.

Step 6: Continue CPR

• Alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths.


• Keep going until:
o The person shows signs of life (movement, breathing).
o An AED is available and ready to use.
o Emergency services arrive and take over.
o You are too exhausted to continue.

CPR for Infants and Children

• Compression Depth:
o Infants: 1.5 inches (4 cm)
o Children: 2 inches (5 cm)
• Compression Technique:
o Infants: Use two fingers in the center of the chest.
o Children: Use one hand or both, depending on size.
• Compression to Breath Ratio:
o If alone: 30 compressions : 2 breaths
o If with another rescuer: 15 compressions : 2 breaths

Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

1. Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.


2. Place the pads on the person’s bare chest (one pad on the upper right, the other on the
lower left side).
3. Ensure no one is touching the person.
4. Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm.
5. If a shock is advised, press the shock button when prompted.
6. Immediately resume CPR after the shock until signs of life appear or emergency
personnel arrive.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not pressing deep enough during compressions.


• Interrupting compressions for too long.
• Forgetting to allow full chest recoil between compressions.
• Delaying CPR while waiting for help or equipment.

CPR in Special Situations

• Drowning Victims: Start with rescue breaths before chest compressions.


• Choking Victims: Perform the Heimlich maneuver first, and if they become
unresponsive, begin CPR.
• Pregnant Women: Perform CPR as usual, but place the patient on their left side to
relieve pressure on the vena cava.

Conclusion

• CPR is a critical life-saving skill that everyone should learn.


• Quick and effective CPR improves the chances of survival and reduces brain damage.
• Regular CPR training and refresher courses ensure you are prepared for emergencies.

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