CPR

What is CPR?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. If someone is going through cardiac arrest, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival. Even if you are not trained, hands-only CPR still increases the likelihood of survival.

The steps for performing hands-only CPR are as follows:

Call 9-1-1 first to have help arrive as soon as possible.
Check for breathing. If they are not breathing or unresponsive, lay them on their back on a flat surface and open their airway.
Place your knees near the person’s body and spread roughly shoulder-width apart.
Place the heel of your hand in the center of their chest with your other hand on top. Interlace your fingers and keep them off the chest.
Make sure your shoulders are directly over your hands. Lock your elbows and keep your arms straight.
Push hard and fast. At least 2 inches and 100-120 compressions per minute.
Repeat the chest compressions until an ambulance or first responders arrive.

Knowing these essential steps to perform CPR is crucial when responding to cardiac arrest. Assessing the situation and quickly taking action can save the life of another.

How to Find a Pulse?

If you are unsure of a person’s condition and need to identify their pulse, here’s how it can be found without the use of medical equipment:

Tap & Shout

First, check if a person is responsive through the Tap & Shout method.
Tap the person on their shoulder and ask them if they are okay.
If unresponsive, shout for help and check their pulse.

Radial Pulse:

First, turn one hand over with their palm facing up.
Then place two fingertips gently right under the wrist, below their thumb. You should be able to feel a pulse of their heartbeat.
Count the amount of beats you feel over 30 seconds and multiply the number by two to estimate their beats per second.

The pulse may also be found on the neck by using two fingers and gently pressing down on the side of their windpipe.