CPR Procedures and Methods
Dec 20, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingli
Introduction
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency first-aid measure. The procedures and methods of CPR include assessing safety, calling for emergency help, checking breathing, performing chest compressions, delivering rescue breaths, continuing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). In severe cases, prompt medical attention is recommended. Regular participation in CPR training helps update knowledge and skills, enhancing one's ability to respond effectively in emergencies.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency first-aid procedure. Generally, the steps and methods of performing CPR include assessing safety, calling for emergency help, checking breathing, chest compressions, rescue breaths, continuing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED). In severe cases, prompt medical attention is recommended. The details are as follows:
1. Assess safety: Ensure the environment is safe for rescue efforts and check whether the patient responds.
2. Call for emergency help: If the patient does not respond, immediately call emergency services to obtain professional medical assistance.
3. Check breathing: Listen for the patient's breath and observe whether the chest rises and falls. If there is no breathing or only abnormal gasping, begin CPR immediately.
4. Chest compressions: Lay the patient flat on a firm surface. Place one hand over the other on the lower half of the sternum and use your body weight to perform rapid, forceful compressions. Maintain a compression depth of at least 5 cm and a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
5. Rescue breaths: After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths. Tilt the head back, pinch the patient’s nose shut, and deliver breaths mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose.
6. Continue CPR: Continuously alternate between chest compressions and rescue breaths until emergency personnel arrive or the patient regains consciousness.
7. Use an automated external defibrillator (AED): If an AED is available, follow the device instructions and administer defibrillation as directed.
Learning basic CPR skills is crucial for responding effectively in emergencies. Regularly attending CPR training courses helps refresh knowledge and skills, enhancing emergency response capabilities. Keeping reliable first-aid equipment—such as an AED—available at home or in the workplace, and knowing how to contact local emergency medical services, can significantly improve outcomes during medical emergencies.
