5 Easy Steps to Remember CPR & Save a Life (See Video)
CPR—or cardiopulmonary resuscitation—is a fundamental part of basic first-aid training.
Luckily, the average person doesn’t need to use it in their everyday routine, but knowing CPR can save lives.
What Is CPR?
CPR is a lifesaving technique used when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.
“It helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to vital organs until medical treatment can restore the heart pumping,” says cardiologist Aaron Feingold, M.D.
“A lack of oxygen to the brain can cause damage in a matter of minutes.”
To learn CPR correctly, you should take an accredited course. However, even untrained individuals can help in emergency situations.
Hands-only CPR
There are two versions of CPR. The first version is for health care providers and those professionally trained. This method uses chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. This is generally performed at 30 compressions to two breaths ratio.
The second version is for the general public or bystanders: hands-only CPR.
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 90 percent of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting die.
But CPR, especially if administered immediately, can significantly improve the victim’s chance of survival. And hands-only CPR has been shown to be as effective within the first few minutes as normal CPR.
5 Steps to Remember CPR
Check for safety:
Before starting CPR, you must check the environment to see if it’s safe for the person and yourself.
Check for responsiveness:
If the person is not responsive, check their breathing. Attempt to wake the person by tapping their shoulder and asking loudly if they are OK.
Call 911:
If the person doesn’t respond and is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing, call 911 immediately.
Get the person in position:
Place the person on their back on a firm and flat surface.
Apply chest compressions:
Put the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest and the other hand on top. Push hard and fast at 100–120 beats per minute. “
Try doing compressions to the beat of a song such as ‘Stayin’ Alive,’ ‘Walk the Line’ or ‘Hips Don’t Lie’,” says Dr. Feingold.
“Hopefully, you will never find yourself in a situation where CPR is needed, but it can save lives,” says Dr. Feingold.
“While it’s best to take a certified course, in the heat of the moment, it’s better to do something than nothing.”
Aaron J. Feingold, MD
Cardiologist