CPR

Not every CPR class is the same. There are CPR classes for healthcare professionals as well as CPR classes for the layperson. Before you take a CPR class, make sure the class is right for you.

These are the steps to perform adult CPR:

Difficulty: Easy

Time Required: CPR should start as soon as possible

Here's How:

1. Stay Safe! The worst thing a rescuer can do is become another victim. Follow universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if you have it. Use common sense and stay away from potential hazards.

2. Attempt to wake victim. Briskly rub your knuckles against the victim's sternum. If the victim does not wake, proceed to step 3. If the victim wakes, moans, or moves, then CPR is not necessary at this time. Call 999 if the victim is confused or not able to speak.

3. Begin rescue breathing. Open the victim's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Put your ear to the victim's open mouth:

• look for chest movement
• listen for air flowing through the mouth or nose
• feel for air on your cheek

If there is no breathing, pinch the victim's nose; make a seal over the victim's mouth with yours. Use a CPR mask if available. Give the victim a breath big enough to make the chest rise. Let the chest fall, then repeat the rescue breath once more.

4. Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand in the middle of the victim's chest. Put your other hand on top of the first with your fingers interlaced. Compress the chest about 1-1/2 to 2 inches (4-5 cm). Allow the chest to completely recoil before the next compression. Compress the chest at a rate equal to 100/minute. Perform 30 compressions at this rate.

5. Repeat rescue breaths. Open the airway with head-tilt, chin-lift again. This time, go directly to rescue breaths without checking for breathing again. Give two breath, making sure the chest rises and falls, then give another.

6. Perform 30 more chest compressions. Repeat steps 5 and 6 for about two minutes.

7. Stop compressions and recheck victim for breathing. If the victim is not breathing, continue chest compressions and rescue breaths.

8. Keep going until help arrives.


Tips:

1. If you have acces to an automated external defibrillator, attach it to the victim after approximately one minute of CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths).

2. Chest compressions are extremely important. If you are not comfortable giving rescue breaths, still perform chest compressions!

3. It's normal to feel pops and snaps when you first begin chest compressions - DON'T STOP! You aren't going to make the victim any worse. Cardiac arrest is as bad as it gets.

4. When performing chest compressions, do not let your hands bounce. Let the chest fully recoil, but keep the heel of your hand in contact with the sternum at all times.

5. For more information on these step attend EDRM training camp