What is CPR?

In an emergency, knowing what to do during the first crucial minutes can mean the difference between life and death. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly referred to as CPR, is a life-saving technique that is performed on someone whose heart has stopped or who has stopped breathing. In these critical situations, CPR can keep blood flowing to vital organs, especially the brain, until professional medical assistance arrives. Understanding CPR is essential, whether you’re a healthcare professional, a bystander, or someone interested in learning basic life support.

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What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure consisting of chest compressions combined with artificial ventilation to manually preserve brain function until further measures can be taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a state where the heart ceases to pump blood due to electrical or mechanical issues within the heart muscle. During cardiac arrest, the body cannot circulate blood, which means that vital organs such as the brain, lungs, and other tissues do not receive oxygen, and irreversible damage begins to set in within minutes.

How Does CPR Work?

The goal of CPR is to mimic the function of the heart and lungs when they stop working, by manually pumping blood through the heart and ventilating the lungs. There are two main components to CPR:

• Chest Compressions: These are firm, rhythmic presses on the center of the chest that pump blood through the heart and into the body. By pressing down on the chest, a rescuer creates pressure that pushes blood out of the heart, providing oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs.
• Rescue Breaths (Artificial Ventilation): Also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, rescue breaths are given to supply oxygen to the lungs. This helps to oxygenate the blood that chest compressions then circulate throughout the body.

Both components work together to circulate oxygenated blood, helping to reduce the damage to vital organs caused by a lack of oxygen. CPR is performed in cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths, and this process is repeated until emergency medical personnel arrive or the individual begins to show signs of life.

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When is CPR Necessary?

CPR is necessary when an individual has stopped breathing or their heart has stopped beating, which could result from various emergencies such as:

• Cardiac Arrest: A sudden loss of heart function caused by arrhythmia or other heart issues.
• Drowning: When someone has inhaled water, leading to asphyxiation.
• Choking: An obstruction in the airway can cause a person to stop breathing.
• Drug Overdose: Some substances can depress the respiratory system, leading to cessation of breathing or cardiac arrest.
• Severe Trauma: Major injuries, such as those caused by car accidents, can lead to life-threatening conditions requiring CPR.

The ABCs of CPR

CPR is taught with a focus on the "ABCs," which stands for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. This acronym serves as a reminder of the critical steps to follow during a CPR procedure:

• Airway: Check to make sure the airway is open. This can be done by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. If there’s an obstruction in the airway, such as food or another object, attempt to remove it.
• Breathing: After ensuring the airway is clear, check for normal breathing. This can be done by watching for chest movement or listening for breath sounds. If the individual isn’t breathing, you should begin rescue breaths.
• Circulation: This refers to the chest compressions that are done to manually keep blood circulating through the heart and vital organs.

Types of CPR

There are different types of CPR, each adapted for different individuals and circumstances:

• Adult CPR: Adult CPR typically involves 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Compressions should be deep and fast—about 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Child CPR: For children ages 1-8, CPR is slightly modified. Chest compressions are still performed, but they may be slightly shallower and can be performed with one hand rather than two, depending on the size of the child.
• Infant CPR: For babies under one year old, CPR requires even gentler compressions, typically with only two fingers. Rescue breaths should be very gentle to avoid causing damage to an infant’s lungs.
• Hands-Only CPR: Hands-only CPR is a form of CPR that skips the rescue breaths and focuses solely on chest compressions. This is especially useful in situations where a bystander is not trained in giving rescue breaths or is uncomfortable doing so. Hands-only CPR is also recommended by the American Heart Association for adults who experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital.

Why is CPR So Important?

CPR is a crucial life-saving skill because it can dramatically improve the chances of survival for individuals in cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death globally, with over 350,000 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year in the United States alone. The survival rate for sudden cardiac arrest victims drops by about 10% with each passing minute without intervention, which is why immediate action is critical.

Bystander CPR, or CPR performed by a person nearby, has been shown to improve survival rates. In fact, studies show that immediate CPR can double or triple the chance of survival for cardiac arrest victims. When a bystander begins CPR within the first few minutes, they help bridge the gap until emergency medical services arrive, buying valuable time for the victim.

How to Perform CPR?

For those trained in CPR, here’s a basic outline of how to perform it:

• Assess the Situation: Make sure it’s safe to proceed. Check if the person is responsive and call for emergency help if needed.
• Begin Chest Compressions: Kneel beside the individual, place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, and put the other hand on top. Press down hard and fast, aiming for 100-120 compressions per minute.
• Give Rescue Breaths (if trained): After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths by tilting the person’s head back, lifting the chin, and pinching the nose closed. Breathe into their mouth until you see the chest rise, then return to compressions.
• Repeat the Cycle: Continue the 30 compressions and two breaths cycle until emergency responders arrive or the person starts breathing.

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