CPR Techniques Everyone Should Know

Cardiac arrest can lead to irreversible damage to the brain and other vital organs within 4-6 minutes if not treated immediately. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be performed on-site without delay. The first step in the CPR process is to assess the safety of the environment. The following steps outline the proper procedure:

Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR

1. Check for Responsiveness

Begin by gently tapping the person's shoulders with both hands and asking, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, check for breathing by observing the chest for 5-10 seconds. If the person is not breathing normally, immediately call for help and bring over emergency equipment such as a crash cart and defibrillator.

2. Check for a Pulse

Using the index and middle fingers of your right hand, locate the trachea and slide your fingers into the groove of the nearest carotid artery to check for a pulse. This check should last at least 5-10 seconds. If no pulse is detected, begin CPR immediately.

3. Loosen Clothing

Remove any tight clothing that may restrict chest movement, such as collars or belts, to allow for effective chest compressions.

4. Perform Chest Compressions

Place the heel of your left hand on the lower third of the sternum, at the midpoint between the nipples. Place your right hand on top of the left, interlocking your fingers. Keep your arms straight and use your upper body weight to perform 30 compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, with a depth of 5-6 centimeters per compression.

5. Open the Airway

Use the head-tilt, chin-lift method to open the airway. Be sure to check the mouth for any secretions or foreign objects, including dentures, before proceeding.

6. Deliver Rescue Breaths

Using a bag-valve mask, apply the "CE" technique with one hand to seal the mask while the other hand squeezes the bag. Deliver 400-600 milliliters of air per breath at a rate of 10-12 breaths per minute.

7. Continue CPR Cycles

Perform high-quality CPR for two minutes, maintaining a compression-to-ventilation ratio of 30:2. Complete five cycles of CPR before assessing the effectiveness of the resuscitation. Check for signs of breathing and feel for a carotid pulse. If successful, continue with advanced life support measures until professional medical help arrives.