What is CPR?

What is CPR?

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CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed on persons who are in cardiac arrest or are not breathing normally. The purpose of CPR is to maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the heart and brain. CPR helps to buy time until advanced medical help can arrive and continue.

What Does CPR Involve?

CPR involves Chest Compressions, Rescue Breaths, and AED. The main element of CPR is rhythmic compressions of the chest to pump blood through the heart and around the body. The rescuer places the heel of one hand on the center of the victim’s chest, specifically targeting the lower half of the breastbone or sternum. Then, they position the other hand on top to initiate chest compression. The chest compression rate is about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. However, the depth varies according to the age and structure of the body.

Rescue breaths provide oxygen to the victim’s lungs by blowing air into their airway. For adults and children, rescue breaths are given after 30 chest compressions. Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise visibly. For infants, rescue breaths are given after every 30 chest compressions, covering the infant’s mouth and nose with your mouth and giving gentle puffs of air.

CPR is performed in cycles of chest compressions and rescue breaths, maintaining a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults and children. For infants, the compression ratio is 30:2 or continuous compressions without breaths. The cycle is repeated continuously until the victim shows signs of life or emergency medical services arrive at the location. An AED is also used, along with chest compressions if available.

Types of CPR

The type of CPR can vary based on the situation and the needs of the patient. Here are some common types of CPR:

Adult CPR

Adult CPR involves performing chest compressions and rescue breaths on teenagers and adults who are unresponsive and not breathing normally. The steps include checking for responsiveness, calling for help, opening the airway, checking for breathing, and delivering chest compressions and rescue breaths in the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Hands-Only CPR

Hands-Only CPR is CPR performed without rescue breaths. It is recommended for untrained bystanders or in situations where rescue breaths may be challenging or uncomfortable. It involves performing continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute on adult victims without the need for rescue breaths.

Child CPR

Child CPR is similar to adult CPR. However, it is for children aged between 1 year to 12 years. It involves checking for responsiveness, calling for help, delivering chest compressions (with one or two hands) and rescue breaths in the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths, and using a smaller breath volume for rescue breaths.

Infant CPR

Infant CPR is specifically performed on infants under 1 year of age. The steps include checking for responsiveness, calling for help, performing gentle chest compressions with two fingers at about 1.5 inches deep, and providing gentle puffs of air covering the infant’s mouth and nose in the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Why Should You Learn CPR?

Half a million cardiac arrests occur every year. Hence, one of the main reasons to learn CPR is to save lives. In emergencies such as cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking, immediate CPR can increase the chances of survival. If you know how to perform CPR, you’ll have the skills and confidence to take action when someone suddenly collapses or stops breathing. The importance of CPR cannot be understated. You can assist family members, friends, colleagues, or even strangers in need.

Who Needs to Learn CPR?

The need to learn CPR is not limited to healthcare providers. It extends to all individuals who want to respond effectively to critical cardiac emergencies. Everyone can benefit from learning CPR. It’s a skill that can be invaluable in everyday life, whether at home, work or in public spaces. If you want to help others during emergencies and save lives, then learning CPR is crucial. Any professional should learn CPR like:

  • Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, paramedics, and other medical staff require CPR training as part of their job responsibilities.
  • Non-Healthcare Professionals: Teachers, coaches, lifeguards, daycare providers, and other individuals in public-facing roles benefit greatly from CPR training.

Ready to start your CPR Classes?

If you wish to save lives and be prepared for cardiac emergencies, you should enroll in CPR classes. And if you are looking for a trusted AHA-authorized training center in Sacramento then Sacramento CPR Classes is the best CPR training institution in the Sacramento Area. With expert instructors, including paramedics, EMTs, and state-of-the-art training facilities, we provide CPR classes in a supportive and engaging environment. Join us at Citrus Height, CA, and take a first step toward learning CPR.

CPR FAQS

How is CPR Performed?

CPR is performed by placing the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, located in the lower half of the breastbone, and interlocking the other hand on top. Then, the compressions are delivered at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Do you do CPR when breathing?

If the victim is breathing, then you need to place them in a recovery position and look after them. CPR is not needed when the patient is breathing. If breathing stops, then only provide CPR.

Do you stop CPR if the patient starts coughing or breathing?

No, you do not stop CPR if the patient starts coughing or breathing. You should stop CPR only if the patient shows signs of normal breathing or movement. If not, continue CPR until emergency medical help arrives or the person shows definite signs of recovery.

How long is 1 round of CPR?

A standard round of CPR typically consists of cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Each cycle should take approximately 2 minutes to complete.

Can CPR alone restart a heart?

Generally, CPR performed alone, without the use of additional interventions like AED or medication administration, cannot restart a heart that has completely stopped beating. In some cases, it may, but CPR is just a critical emergency procedure that can help maintain blood flow to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart muscle. To fully restart the heart, advanced medical care is needed.