How To Perform CPR: A Step By Step Guide | Resuscitation CPR First Aid Training

Introduction

This tutorial provides a step-by-step guide on how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). CPR is a critical skill that can save lives in emergencies when someone is unresponsive and not breathing. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, ensuring you are equipped to respond effectively.

Step 1: Assess the Situation

• Ensure the environment is safe for you and the victim.
• Check for responsiveness by gently shaking the person and shouting, “Are you okay?”
• If there is no response, call for emergency help immediately or ask someone else to do so.

Step 2: Check for Breathing

• Position yourself beside the victim.
• Tilt the head back slightly to open the airway.
• Look, listen, and feel for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  • If the person is not breathing or only gasping, proceed to the next step.

Step 3: Clear the Airway

• If there are any obstructions in the mouth or throat, carefully remove them if visible.
• Use the head-tilt, chin-lift method to keep the airway open.

Step 4: Use the DR ABC Approach

• Danger: Ensure the area is safe.
• Response: Check responsiveness.
• Airway: Make sure the airway is clear.
• Breathing: Check for normal breathing.
• Circulation: Begin chest compressions if there is no breathing.

Step 5: Perform Chest Compressions

• Position your hands on the center of the chest, one hand on top of the other.
• Keep your elbows straight and use your body weight to compress downwards at least 5 cm deep.
• Compress at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths if trained.

Step 6: Utilize a Pocket Mask

• If you have a pocket mask, place it over the victim’s mouth and nose.
• Ensure a good seal before giving rescue breaths.
• Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise visibly.

Step 7: Understand the Chain of Survival

• Recognize the importance of:
  • Early recognition of cardiac arrest.
  • Early CPR.
  • Early defibrillation.
  • Advanced medical care.
• Each link is essential for improving survival rates.

Step 8: CPR for Infants

• Use two fingers for compressions instead of your hands.
• Place your fingers just below the nipple line in the center of the chest.
• Compress about 1.5 cm deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
• Use gentle breaths when giving rescue breaths, ensuring not to overinflate the lungs.

Conclusion

Performing CPR can be a life-saving skill in emergencies. Remember the key steps: assess the situation, check for breathing, clear the airway, and perform chest compressions effectively. Regular practice and training can enhance your confidence and ability to respond in critical situations. Consider enrolling in a certified first aid course for hands-on experience and further knowledge.