The 7 Steps of CPR: A Comprehensive Overview
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a critical life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The process involves seven key steps to effectively revive the individual.
Check for Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout to see if they respond. If there’s no reaction, proceed to the next step.
Call for Help: If the person isn’t responsive, immediately call emergency services or ask someone else to do so.
Assess Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing. If the person isn’t breathing or breathing abnormally, begin CPR.
Chest Compressions: Place your hands, one on top of the other, in the center of the person’s chest. Push down hard and fast, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, allowing full chest recoil between compressions.
Give Rescue Breaths: After 30 compressions, open the airway by tilting the head back, pinch the nose, and give two breaths, each lasting about one second. Ensure the chest rises with each breath.
Continue the Cycle: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency personnel arrive or the person starts to show signs of recovery.
Use an AED if Available: If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is nearby, turn it on and follow the instructions to deliver a shock if advised.
These steps are crucial for increasing the chances of survival and should be performed calmly and efficiently in emergencies.