CPR saves lives.
Tragedy often strikes unexpectedly. Without warning, an accident can happen, affecting breathing or causing a person to go into cardiac arrest. When the heart stops pumping, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can keep blood flowing to the heart and brain. In 2005, the American Heart Association created new guidelines for administering CPR. Using a checklist of procedures helps medical workers stay safe while saving a life.
Keep Protective Equipment
Anyone who may perform CPR should have personal protective equipment on hand. Victims may pass diseases to those who are caring for them when proper medical supplies are not used. Latex, nitrile or vinyl medical gloves are important to use in cases where blood is visible. Eye protection is also essential for the person performing CPR. Most significantly, CPR masks must be handy. Close contact is required between the victim and rescuer. The CPR mask allows the medical worker to perform rescue breathing on the patient without making actual mouth-to-mouth contact. This device prevents the passage of diseases and infections.
Call for Help
Anyone in the presence of a victim should call a trained professional for help. Call 911 or a local emergency aid team immediately--before performing CPR. Trained EMT workers can provide assistance over the phone to the individual who is performing CPR. Medical workers are also trained to keep injured or sick individuals calm until help arrives. Once you have called for help, you can proceed to the next steps in the checklist.
Determine Consciousness
Check the victim to determine his consciousness. The medical rescuer rubs her knuckles against the victim's sternum to wake him. If the victim moans or moves, it means CPR is not necessary. However, if the victim does not respond to the pressure on the sternum, CPR may be needed.
Perform Rescue Breathing
Begin rescue breathing. Tilt the victim's head back by lifting the chin, while placing the other hand on the forehead. With the victim's mouth open, listen for breathing and see if the chest is rising and falling. If there is no breath, the person administering rescue breaths may use the CPR mask and blow into the victim's mouth enough to make the chest rise. Give two full breaths and then begin chest compressions.
Do Chest Compressions
In May 2007, the American Red Cross Advisory Council on First Aid Aquatics Safety and Preparedness established an advisory statement on compression-only CPR. This hands-only form of CPR is last on the checklist, but is key in preserving the victim's life. To perform chest compressions, place the heel of the hand in the middle of the victim's chest. The fingers of the other hand should be interlaced on top of the first hand; the person administering chest compressions locks her elbows and pushes straight down to pump the chest.
In 2007, The Red Cross introduced an at-home kit for properly performing chest compressions, according to Instructors Corner. The kit details information on placing the hands on the chest and how much pressure to administer to jump-start breathing.
Tags: chest compressions, other hand, person administering, rescue breathing, victim mouth