CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which 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. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association (AHA) develops science-based CPR guidelines and is the leader in first aid, CPR, and AED training. The AHAs Chain of Survival provides a useful metaphor for the elements of the ECC systems concept. The 6 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:
- Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 9-1-1 in the US)
- Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
- Rapid defibrillation
- Effective advanced life support
- Integrated post-cardiac arrest care
- Rehabilitation
There are two types of CPR:
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Traditional CPR: This involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. It is recommended for use by trained individuals, such as healthcare workers and emergency responders.
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Hands-Only CPR: This involves only chest compressions and is recommended for use by people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting (such as at home, at work, or in a park) . It is an easy-to-learn skill that could save a life and consists of two easy steps: calling 9-1-1 (or sending someone to do that) and giving continuous chest compressions.
The steps for performing adult CPR are:
- Check the scene for safety, form an initial impression, and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
- If the person appears unresponsive, check for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.
- If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, call 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so.
- Kneel beside the person. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
- Give 30 chest compressions.
- Give 2 breaths.
CPR is important because it increases the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest, which affects half a million people each year. By keeping blood moving through a persons body, CPR prevents organ damage in someone whos in cardiac arrest. Even if you dont know CPR, you can help someone by using "hands-only" CPR until emergency help arrives. CPR comes with risks because of how hard chest compressions have to be to keep blood circulating. Its possible to break ribs and injure organs within the chest during CPR.
