CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can save the life of a person whose heart has stopped beating or has stopped breathing. Knowing CPR and being comfortable performing the procedure could be the difference between life and death when you encounter someone having a heart attack. Receiving effective CPR can double the chances of survival for a person in cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. When you encounter a situation requiring CPR, think ABC--airway, breathing, circulation. Understanding and performing the steps properly is key.
Before You Start
Before you perform CPR, you need to assess the person in need of resuscitation. First, check whether he is conscious or unconscious. If he is conscious, check to see whether he can respond or communicate. If the person is unresponsive, have one person call 911 while the other begins CPR, according to MayoClinic. If you are in a public location, also check to see if an automated external defibrillator is available.
Check the Airway
The first step in performing CPR is to check the person's airway. To do this, make sure the person is laying flat on his back on a firm and flat surface. Kneel near the person's shoulders and open her mouth by tilting back her head, lifting her chin and pushing back on her forehead. Take between five and 10 seconds to listen for a normal breathing pattern, according to MayoClinic.com. If you do not hear normal breathing, begin mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing. However, if you think the person may be experiencing a heart attack, skip rescue breathing and perform chest compressions.
Mouth-to-Mouth Breathing
Rescue breathing restores an oxygen source for someone in need of CPR. To perform mouth-to-mouth breathing, place your mouth over the person's mouth completely so it forms a seal. Give two one-second breaths. Once you have given two rescue breathes, you can move on to chest compressions.
Chest Compressions
Chest compressions will help blood begin circulating through the body again. Start by placing the heel of your hand between the person's nipples and interlocking it with your other hand. Push straight down on the chest 30 times, using your upper body for leverage. The chest should be depressed two inches, and the compressions should be performed quickly--one every second, according to MayoClinic.com.
CPR Cycles
CPR should be performed in cycles. In adults, each cycle consists of two rescue breaths and 30 chest compressions, according to MayoClinic.com. If a defibrillator is available, perform five cycles of CPR before using it as directed. If no defibrillator is available, continue CPR cycles until the person begins to move or emergency personnel arrive and can take over.
