In the US, cardiac arrest is one of the main causes of mortality. It frequently occurs with little to no notice. People who are there during a medical emergency, such as family members, coworkers, and anybody else around, must be ready to act and render life-saving aid.
When administered within the first few minutes after a person has collapsed due to sudden cardiac arrest, high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is beneficial in saving lives.
Chest compressions are crucial in doing basic CPR.
Through chest compressions and rescue breaths, conventional CPR can replenish the brain’s and other essential organs’ inadequate oxygen supply.
Effective chest compressions are the cornerstone of CPR. Kneel close to one side of the victim’s chest to prepare for CPR. The bottom half of the breastbone should be touched with the heel of your hand in the center of the chest. The other hand’s heel should then be parallel to and on top of the first. Make sure to straighten your arms, lock your elbows, and stack your shoulders directly above your hands.
When in position, perform the following CPR procedures:
- Strive to push deeply. Compress the chest by at least two inches using the weight of your upper body.
- Permit the entire chest to recoil. At the conclusion of each compression, remove your entire weight from the person’s chest.
- Quickly push. 100–120 compressions should be applied to the chest each minute
Basic CPR steps
Rescue breathing with a barrier device should also be performed by trained CPR providers who are willing and able. Successful resuscitation depends on the use of rescue breaths.
However, you can still help by phoning 911 and performing compression-only CPR if you don’t have personal protective equipment (such as a pocket mask) or aren’t trained in CPR.
