What are the correct steps for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)?
Under normal circumstances, during the initial phase of cardiac arrest, oxygen is usually still present in the patient's lungs and bloodstream. Starting cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as early as possible helps establish blood circulation quickly, delivering oxygen to the brain and heart. The specific steps are as follows:
1. Ensure the surrounding environment is safe before beginning cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
2. Shout loudly at the patient to determine whether they have lost consciousness.
3. If the patient is not breathing, has no carotid pulse, and is unconscious, call for help loudly and dial 120 immediately.
4. Place the patient in a flat supine position. Perform chest compressions by overlapping both hands and placing them on the center of the sternum, at the midpoint between the nipples. Use the weight of your upper body to compress the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, with a depth of 5–6 cm.
5. After 30 chest compressions, open the patient’s airway, clear any secretions or vomit, check for loose dentures in the mouth, properly open the airway, then deliver rescue breaths immediately, observing whether the chest rises and falls.
6. Reassess the patient’s condition after five cycles of CPR to determine its effectiveness. If spontaneous heartbeat and breathing return, and the skin color of the face, lips, and other areas becomes pinkish, this indicates successful resuscitation.
When performing CPR, ensure that the scene is safe, actively seek assistance from others while resuscitating, and wait for emergency medical personnel from the 120 service to arrive.