CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a technique used to keep oxygen and blood flowing in an emergency when someone can no longer breathe or his heart has stopped beating. According to the Mayo Clinic, skilled CPR involves performing both chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. CPR can help prevent brain damage and save lives prior to an ambulance arriving.
Step 1
Determine whether the person is conscious or unconscious by tapping his shoulder and loudly asking. "Are you OK?" If the person does not respond, designate a specific person to call 911, or call 911 yourself if you're alone, before starting CPR.
Step 2
Open the airway by placing the person on his back on a firm surface, suggests the Mayo Clinic. Tilt his head by placing one hand on the forehead and two fingers of the other hand under the patient's chin and gently tipping the jaw up.
Step 3
Lower your head so that your ear is over the patient's mouth. Listen and feel for breathing, and watch the chest to see if it rises. If nothing happens, pinch the nose with your fingers and place your mouth over the patient's, forming a tight seal. Blow into the mouth two times while watching the chest rise. Each breath should be about one second long, explains the University of Washington.
Step 4
Begin chest compressions by placing the heel of your hand on the chest just between the nipples, putting your other hand on top, and pushing down 1.5 to 2 inches, explains the Mayo Clinic. Keep your elbows locked and your arms straight over your hands. After 30 compressions at the rate of 100 compressions per minute, stop and retilt the chin. Repeat the two rescue breaths as before.
Step 5
Repeat the cycle, giving 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. According to the Mayo Clinic, if the patient is not revived after you've performed five cycles or approximately two minutes of CPR, use an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) if you have one and follow the instructions. If you don't have one, continue with chest compressions and breaths.
Tips and Warnings
- If you don't see the chest rising when you blow air into the mouth, retilt the head and make a tighter seal. Think of the ABC's of CPR to remember the steps are open the airway, breathing, and compressions. If the patient does not respond, always continue CPR until someone takes over or you are physically unable to continue.
