What is CPR?
CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. It involves a combination of chest compressions and, in some cases, rescue breaths to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of the body.
Purpose of CPR
CPR is aimed at increasing the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest, and it can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. It is not just for healthcare workers and emergency responders; it is a skill that everyone can learn and use to save lives.
Types of CPR
There are two main types of CPR:
- Hands-Only CPR: This involves continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by people who witness an adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting.
- CPR With Rescue Breaths: This involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. While hands-only CPR can be lifesaving, learning full CPR is still very important.
How to Perform CPR
When performing CPR, it is important to follow these critical components to ensure high-quality CPR:
- Minimize interruptions in chest compressions
- Provide compressions of adequate rate and depth
- Avoid leaning on the victim between compressions
- Ensure proper hand placement
- Avoid excessive ventilation.
Who Can Perform CPR?
Anyone, including bystanders, can perform successful CPR. There have been studies showing that even children can perform CPR effectively, emphasizing the importance of widespread CPR training and education.
In summary, CPR is a crucial skill that can significantly increase the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, and it is a technique that can be learned and performed by anyone to save lives.
