CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and is a process of emergency chest compressions and rescue breathing designed to save lives. CPR is typically used when a patient's heart has stopped or he has stopped breathing. CPR is often used in cases of cardiac arrest and near drownings. The goal of CPR is to provide oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs until emergency medical personnel are able to take over, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 1
Check whether the patient is unconscious by shaking her shoulder or calling her name. Have someone call 911, and roll the patient onto her back if she isn't there already.
Step 2
Kneel beside the patient's head and clear the airway by placing one hand under his neck and one on his forehead, and gently tilting the head back.
Step 3
Place your cheek close to the patient's mouth to feel for breathing. Place your ear to her chest and listen for signs of a heartbeat. Take no more than 10 seconds to determine whether she is breathing.
Step 4
Pinch his nose closed with your thumb and index finger, resting the heel of your hand on his forehead. Place your other hand underneath his chin and lift up slightly to keep the airway open.
Step 5
Inhale normally, then make an airtight seal with your mouth on the patient's mouth. Provide two full breaths, each lasting one second and making the chest rise. Avoid giving strong, forceful breaths.
Step 6
Feel for the area where the bottom of her rib cage meets the middle of her chest with your middle and index fingers of the hand closest to her legs. Place the heel of that hand on her breastbone, between her nipples in the center of her chest. Place the other hand on top of the first hand, keeping your fingers up and off the chest.
Step 7
Press the sternum down with straight arms, to about one-third to one-half the depth of the chest if the patient is an adult, then relax. Allow the chest to return to its normal level between compressions. Aim for 100 compressions per minute. Give two breaths for every 30 compressions, and continue until help arrives.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not try to administer rescue breaths if you are not trained. Concentrate on compression only.
