Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR : A Life Saving Technique

What is CPR?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s heartbeat or breathing has stopped. CPR is performed to manually pump blood and provide oxygen to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical help can arrive.

Why is CPR important?

Keeping blood flow active even if partially increases the chance of successful resuscitation once trained medical personnel arrive on site.

When is CPR Used?

Cardiac Arrest

This is the primary scenario for which CPR is employed. Cardiac arrest can be caused by a heart attack, arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), drowning, severe trauma, drug overdose, or other medical emergencies.

Drowning

When someone has been submerged in water and is unresponsive, CPR is initiated to restore breathing and circulation.

Electrocution

Severe electric shock can disrupt the heart’s normal rhythm, leading to cardiac arrest.

Choking

If someone has been choking and becomes unresponsive, CPR may be performed after attempts to clear the airway have failed.

Other Medical Emergencies

There are various medical conditions that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest

How to perform CPR?

Assess the Situation

Ensure the area is safe for both you and the victim. If there are any immediate dangers (like a fire or electrical hazard), address them or move the victim to a safer location if possible.

Check for Responsiveness

Gently tap the victim and shout loudly, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, assume they need help.

Call for Help

Dial your local emergency number or have someone else do so. If you’re alone, call for help first, and then start CPR.

Open the Airway

Tilt the victim’s head backward gently and lift the chin up to open the airway.

Check for Breathing

Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. Spend no more than 10 seconds on this. If the victim isn’t breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR.

Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if Available

If an AED is nearby, turn it on and follow the prompts. It will guide you through the process, which may include analyzing the victim’s heart rhythm and delivering a shock if necessary.

Perform Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, just below the nipple line.

Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

Position yourself with your shoulders directly over your hands.

Push down hard and fast, at a rate of around 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil after each

Give Rescue Breaths (if Trained)

After 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. Tilt the victim’s head back slightly and cover their mouth with yours. Pinch their nose shut and give a breath that lasts about one second and makes the chest rise visibly.

Continue CPR

Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained) until the victim shows signs of life, trained medical personnel take over, or you are too exhausted to continue.

Continue CPR Until Professional Help Arrives

Do not stop CPR until trained medical professionals take over or the victim starts breathing and has a pulse.

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

AEDs can greatly increase a cardiac arrest victim’s chances of survival. The AHA offers a two-page guide on how to implement an AED program at a company or organization. To minimize the time to defibrillation for cardiac arrest victims, deployment of AEDs should not be limited to only trained people (although training is still recommended).

In association with MAX Super Speciality Hospital Dehradun, Himalaya Shelter Trek leaders received CPR training because we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our trekkers