Lifesaving Facts About CPR Everyone Should Know

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency technique used when someone’s heart or breathing stops. It involves giving chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing to organs. Immediate CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival.

It’s essential to recognize when to perform CPR: if someone is unresponsive and not breathing. The correct method involves 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. So, getting a CPR certification can improve your ability to save a life in emergencies. Let us explore some more facts about CPR everyone must know.

Why is CPR important to learn?

CPR helps sustain life in emergencies. Here is why it is important to learn CPR.

CPR Maintains circulation: Keeps blood flowing to the brain and heart.
Prevents brain damage: CPR provides oxygen to prevent brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Increases survival chances: It improves the likelihood of survival by almost double.
Buys time: CPR sustains life until emergency medical services arrive.
It is Accessible: CPR can be performed by trained bystanders and professionals alike.

When Should You Perform CPR?

CPR should be administered during a cardiac arrest or heart attack. Prompt action can make a big difference in a person’s chances of survival. Perform CPR in the following circumstances:

Unresponsiveness: The person does not respond to verbal commands or physical stimulation.
No Breathing or Abnormal Breathing: The person is not breathing or is only gasping (agonal breathing).
Sudden Collapse: Witnessing someone suddenly collapse, particularly if they are unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Drowning: If a person is pulled from the water and is unresponsive and not breathing.
Choking: After performing the Heimlich maneuver, if the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing.
Cardiac Arrest: Any situation where the person’s heart has stopped beating effectively.

How Do You Perform CPR Correctly?

Performing CPR correctly is crucial to maximize the chances of survival. Follow these steps to ensure proper technique:

Check for responsiveness:

Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”

Call for help:

Dial emergency services or ask someone nearby to call.

Open the airway:

Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin.

Check for breathing:

Look, listen, and feel for no more than 10 seconds.

Start chest compressions

Place your hands on the center of the chest.
Push hard and fast, at least 2 inches deep.
Aim for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Give rescue breaths.

Close the nose properly and cover their mouth with yours.
Give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second.
Continue CPR and alternate between 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the person gets better.

How Can You Improve Your CPR Skills?

Improving your CPR skills can make you more effective in an emergency. Here are several ways to enhance your abilities:

Take a Certified CPR Course

Enroll in courses offered by reputed and recognized institutions.

Practice Regularly

Frequent practice helps maintain your skills and muscle memory.

Stay Updated on Guidelines

Follow the latest updates from health organizations to learn new techniques and changes in CPR procedures.

Use CPR Manikins

Practice on manikins to get a realistic sense of depth and pressure needed for compressions.

Watch Instructional Videos

Visual aids can reinforce proper techniques and provide step-by-step demonstrations.

Attend Refresher Courses

Periodically retake courses to keep your skills sharp and up to date.

Participate in Simulations

Engage in mock scenarios to practice responding under pressure.

Learn from Experts

Seek advice and tips from certified instructors and experienced professionals.

What Are Common Misconceptions About CPR?

Despite its importance, several misconceptions about CPR can delay effective responses in emergencies. Here are some common misunderstandings:

CPR Alone Can Restart the Heart

CPR helps maintain blood flow but does not restart the heart. It buys time until defibrillation or advanced medical care is available.

CPR Is Always Successful

While CPR can significantly improve survival rates, it does not guarantee success. Success depends on various factors, including the person’s overall health and how quickly CPR is initiated.

CPR Is Only for Healthcare Professionals

CPR training is beneficial for everyone. Bystanders are often the first to respond in emergencies, and early CPR from anyone can save lives.

CPR Is Complex and Difficult

CPR training is easy to learn. Even basic CPR skills can make a difference in an emergency.

CPR Is Not Necessary for Children

Children can experience cardiac arrest, and CPR is equally important for them. However, the technique may vary slightly for infants and children compared to adults.