Imagine you’re in a public place or even at home and someone suddenly collapses. You look around and no one else seems to know what to do. In that moment, your actions could be the difference between life and death. Learning CPR is like having a superpower – the power to save a life. Let’s learn how to use it.
Why CPR Is So Important: Every Second Counts
When someone’s heart stops beating, it’s called cardiac arrest. Every second without help reduces their chance of survival. Starting CPR quickly can dramatically increase their chances. This guide will help you understand the basics, step by step.
CPR for Adults: What to Do in 5 Easy Steps
If you see an adult who is unconscious and not breathing normally, here’s what to do:
- Check if They Respond:
- Shake their shoulders gently and shout, “Are you okay?”
- Call Emergency Services Immediately:
- If they don’t respond and aren’t breathing, call 999 (or your local emergency number) right away.
- Find a Defibrillator (AED):
- A defibrillator is a machine that gives an electric shock to the heart. If someone is nearby, ask them to find one while you start CPR.
- What is a Defibrillator? A defibrillator (also known as an Automated External Defibrillator or AED) is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and can send an electric shock to the heart to try to restore a normal rhythm.
- Start Chest Compressions:
- Place the heel of your hand in the centre of their chest.
- Push down firmly and smoothly, about two times every second.
- Try to push to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
- Push down about 5-6 centimetres deep.
- Use the Defibrillator:
- If you have a defibrillator, turn it on and follow its instructions while you continue doing chest compressions.
CPR for Children and Babies: It’s Different!
It’s important to know that CPR for children and babies is different from CPR for adults. Here’s a quick guide:
- Baby: A baby is under 1 year old.
- Child: A child is between 1 and 18 years old.
Before You Start: Safety First
- Make sure the area is safe, and there are no dangers like electrical wires or slippery floors.
- Check if the child or baby responds:
- For a child, gently tap their shoulders and call their name.
- For a baby, gently tap the bottom of their feet.
- Check if they are breathing: Look for their chest rising and falling. If they aren’t breathing normally, call emergency services immediately.
- If they are unconscious but breathing normally, place them into the recovery position and continue to monitor their breathing.
CPR for a Child (1 to 18 Years): Gentle and Careful
- Open Their Airway:
- Gently tilt their head back, supporting their neck.
- Give Rescue Breaths:
- Pinch their nose, cover their mouth with yours and breathe out firmly until their chest rises. Give 5 initial breaths.
- Chest Compressions:
- Use one hand in the centre of their chest.
- Push down about one-third of the chest depth, about two times every second.
- Do 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
- Use the Defibrillator:
- If you have a defibrillator, use child-sized pads if available, and follow the device’s instructions.
CPR for a Baby (Under 1 Year): Very Gentle
- Open Their Airway:
- Gently tilt their head back.
- Give Rescue Breaths:
- Cover their nose and mouth with yours and breathe out gently until their chest rises. Give 5 initial breaths.
- If you cannot cover both the nose and mouth, cover one or the other.
- Chest Compressions:
- Use two fingers or your two thumbs in the centre of their chest.
- Push down about one-third of the chest depth, about two times every second.
- Do 30 compressions, then give 2 rescue breaths.
- Use the Defibrillator:
- If you have a defibrillator, use child-sized pads if available and follow the device’s instructions.
If They Start to Show Signs of Life:
- Stop chest compressions, but continue giving rescue breaths until they can breathe normally.
- Place them in the recovery position.
- Keep checking their breathing until help arrives.
The Recovery Position: Keeping Them Safe
- For a Child: Roll them onto their side, with one knee bent and their hand under their cheek.
- For a Baby: Hold them in your arms, tilted downwards.
Learn CPR Today: You Can Make a Difference
Knowing CPR is a skill that everyone should have. Don’t wait for an emergency. Take a CPR course and be prepared to save a life.
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