Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be performed when someone's heart has stopped beating or is no longer beating effectively to circulate blood. You can start chest compressions whether an individual is unconscious, unresponsive or gasping for air.
In cardiac emergencies, every second counts. Lifework Education can teach you the importance of knowing proper techniques and how to tell if someone needs CPR.
Understanding CPR
CPR is a lifesaving procedure used in cardiac emergencies. Combining chest compressions with an automated external defibrillator (AED), CPR manually pumps and stimulates a failing heart until medical personnel arrive. Proper and timely CPR techniques are important for success and can double or triple patient survival rates.
How to Determine When Someone Needs CPR
Here are the most common warning signs for CPR:
- Unresponsiveness: Someone who becomes unconscious will initially collapse. The first action is to say their name — if you know it — and ask them if they are OK. If they cannot answer your question, they are likely entering or already in cardiac arrest.
- Absence of breathing: You will also need to check their breathing, specifically identifying whether it is normal, abnormal or has stopped. Normal breathing will be calm and regular, with quiet inhaling and exhaling through the nose. Abnormal breathing can look different for each person but can be choppy, gasping, labored, gurgling or grunting.
- No pulse: Someone entering cardiac arrest can have a very light or no pulse. To check, place two fingers in the crook of the neck between the neck muscles and windpipe. If you do CPR on someone with a steady pulse, you won't harm them — it's better to perform unnecessary compressions than to withhold necessary care.
Situations Where CPR Is Necessary
CPR can be necessary in various situations. While cardiac arrest is the most common, CPR can be used in any instance where an individual goes unconscious.
Whether you are a medical professional, teacher or bystander, learning CPR can help in:
- Cardiac arrest scenarios
- Drowning incidents
- Choking emergencies
- Drug overdose situations
- Electrocution accidents
- Severe allergic reactions
How to Perform CPR
Performing CPR requires the right technique to be effective and avoid further injury. There are two forms of CPR — one with chest compressions and intermittent rescue breaths, and one is compressions-only. We will walk you through a step-by-step guide below, but seek visual aids, diagrams and training for a better understanding.
Chest Compressions and Rescue Breaths
Chest compressions and rescue breaths are the most traditional form of CPR. While this technique can be done alone, it is best performed with two people — one doing compressions and the other doing breaths.
Follow these steps:
- Call 911: First, you should call 911 and explain where you are and what happened. They may ask you to stay on the line throughout the process until the ambulance arrives.
- Position the person: The person in distress should be placed flat on their back on a solid surface.
- Place your hands: For the person doing compressions, place the heel of your dominant hand on the center of the chest with the other hand on top. Kneel and keep your elbows straight with your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Perform chest compressions: Press your hands at least two inches deep at a consistent speed, specifically around 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Adults will receive 30 chest compressions between breaths, while children get 15 if two rescuers are present. If you are acting alone, children will need 30 compressions.
- Provide rescue breaths: The other person will provide two rescue breaths between compression sets. Tilt the person's head back slightly, lift their chin, pinch their nose, seal your mouth around theirs and blow steadily for one second each breath.
Repeat chest compressions and rescue breaths as necessary until emergency medical services arrive.
Hands-Only CPR
With hands-only CPR, you will follow the instructions above, providing consistent compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute without rescue breaths. This method is recommended in most cases, especially if you do not know the person who collapsed or are not confident in giving proper breaths.
Common Misconceptions About CPR
Over time, many misconceptions have spread about CPR. It is important to understand the difference between fact and fiction since the difference could save someone's life.
Here are a few of the most common myths surrounding CPR:
- Myth 1 — You can't perform CPR on a beating heart: You can perform CPR on a beating heart. Someone in cardiac arrest can have a pulse or no pulse at all. When in doubt, start CPR compressions immediately to use precious time.
- Myth 2 — CPR can cause serious harm: While you have to use a lot of pressure when performing CPR, the consequences of not doing it far outweigh the potential harm. The worst that can happen to the patient is a cracked sternum or broken rib — mendable issues compared to a stopped heart.
- Myth 3 — CPR is only for medical professionals: Anyone who wants to learn basic CPR is encouraged. All you need is proper CPR training and certification.
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