Recognizing the Right Moments to Perform CPR

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why is CPR Important?
• When to Perform CPR
• How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide
• When Not to Perform CPR
• Common CPR Myths and Misconceptions
• Steps to Choose A CPR Course
• Benefits of Taking A CPR Course
• Final Thoughts

Have you ever wondered what you would do if someone suddenly collapsed and stopped breathing? About 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home, and about 90% of them do not survive. Thus, in these emergencies, knowing how to act quickly can save a life. That’s where Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation comes in.

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a life-saving skill that helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs when a person’s heart stops beating. If CPR is done correctly and promptly, it can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. 

This guide will help you recognize when to do CPR, how to perform it step-by-step, and what myths you should ignore.

Why is CPR Important?

The brain and other organs need a constant supply of oxygen-rich blood to function. When a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing, the blood flow and oxygen supply to these organs are cut off. If this lasts too long, it can lead to permanent damage or even death. 

CPR helps keep blood circulating and oxygen flowing to the brain, buying valuable time until the person can receive professional medical treatment. 

When to Perform CPR

Knowing when to perform CPR can make you skilled in saving lives in an emergency. Being able to recognize when it is required will increase the chances of survival pending the arrival of professional medical help. Here’s how you can tell when to use CPR:

• The Person is Unconscious and Not Breathing

The most common scenario for CPR is when a person is unconscious and not breathing. If someone collapses, the first thing you should do is check for responsiveness. Tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?”. You need to check if the victim is breathing if there is no response from their side.

Check for Breathing: Look at the person’s chest to see if it’s rising and falling. Listen for any breathing sounds, and feel for air coming from their mouth or nose. If the person isn’t breathing or is only gasping (agonal breathing), they need CPR immediately. Agonal breathing is not normal breathing. It’s a sign of severe cardiac distress, and CPR should be started right away.

• The Person has No Pulse

Another clear sign that CPR is needed is when the person has no pulse. In this case, their heart has stopped beating, which means oxygen is no longer reaching vital organs.

Check for a Pulse: You can feel for a pulse on the wrist (radial pulse) or neck (carotid pulse). If you can’t feel a pulse within 10 seconds, it’s time to start chest compressions.

• The Person is Unresponsive After Drowning, Choking, or Suffocation

In situations where a person has drowned, choked, or suffered from suffocation, they may become unconscious due to a lack of oxygen. In these cases, it’s important to check for breathing and pulse immediately. If neither is present, start CPR right away.

1. Choking: If someone collapses from choking and becomes unresponsive, they may need CPR after attempts to remove the blockage (such as abdominal thrusts) fail.
2. Drowning: In cases of drowning, rescue breaths are especially important since the person may have water in their lungs, which prevents them from breathing properly. Start CPR with rescue breaths to help restore oxygen flow.

• The Person is Having a Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood flow to the heart is blocked, which can cause the heart to stop. If you suspect someone is having a heart attack, watch for signs like chest pain, shortness of breath, and dizziness. If they collapse and become unresponsive, check for breathing and pulse. If there’s no pulse or they’re not breathing, start CPR immediately.

Warning Signs of a Heart Attack: If someone is showing symptoms of a heart attack, like severe chest pain or shortness of breath, it’s important to call 911 even before they collapse.

• The Person Has Had Electrocution

Electrocution can cause a person’s heart to stop. If someone has been electrocuted and becomes unconscious, check their breathing and pulse. If they have no pulse or are not breathing, CPR is necessary.

• Drug Overdose or Poisoning

In cases of drug overdose or poisoning, especially involving opioids, the person may stop breathing or their heart may stop beating. If they become unconscious and you can’t detect breathing or a pulse, you should begin CPR.

Opioid Overdoses: In some situations, administering naloxone (Narcan) can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. If naloxone isn’t available or doesn’t work, CPR should be performed.

How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now that we know when to give CPR, let us see how to perform it. Performing CPR correctly can make a big difference in saving someone’s life during an emergency. It involves specific steps to ensure you’re helping the person as much as possible. Here is a simple step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:

• Step 1: Check the Scene for Safety: 

Before starting CPR, make sure the area around you is safe. If the person is in danger, such as in the middle of a busy street or near a fire, move them to a safer location if possible. 

• Step 2: Call for Help: 

If you’re not alone, ask someone to call 911 or emergency services. If you’re alone, call 911 yourself and put the phone on speaker mode so you can follow the dispatcher’s instructions while performing CPR.

• Step 3: Begin Chest Compressions: 

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Using your body weight, push down at least 2 inches deep into the person’s chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. 

Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions. The beat of the Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” matches the ideal pace for chest compressions.

• Step 4: Give Rescue Breaths (Optional in Some Cases): 

If you’ve been trained in CPR, give two rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions. Pinch the person’s nose shut, take a normal breath, and place your mouth over theirs to make a seal. Blow enough air to make the chest rise. 

If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. If you’re not comfortable giving rescue breaths or haven’t been trained, you can perform hands-only CPR by sticking to chest compressions.

• Step 5: Continue CPR Until Help Arrives: 

Keep performing chest compressions and rescue breaths (if applicable) until emergency responders arrive, the person shows signs of life, or you are too exhausted to continue.

When Not to Perform CPR

While CPR can save lives, there are many times when CPR is needed. But there are times when it’s not the right thing to do. It’s important to know when CPR isn’t necessary to avoid causing harm. Here are a few situations where CPR should not be performed:

• If the Person Is Breathing And Has A Pulse: CPR is only needed when someone is not breathing or has no pulse. If the person is breathing normally, do not perform CPR.
• If the Person Is Showing Signs Of Life: If the person starts to move, opens their eyes, or begins to breathe normally, stop performing CPR and monitor their condition until help arrives.
• If There’s A Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) Order: Some people have a DNR order, which means they do not want to be resuscitated if their heart stops. If you know the person has a DNR order, respect their wishes and do not perform CPR.

Steps to Choose A CPR Course

Choosing the right CPR course is key to learning life-saving skills that match your needs. Whether you’re a healthcare worker or just want to be prepared, picking the right course will ensure you’re trained properly. Here are some simple steps to help you choose the best CPR course:

• Identify Your Needs: 

Think about why you need CPR training. Are you a healthcare professional, teacher, or babysitter? Some courses are basic, while others are more advanced. Choose one that matches your needs.

• Look for Accredited Courses: 

Make sure the CPR course is certified by reputable organizations. Certification from these organizations ensures high-quality and recognized training.

• Decide on In-Person or Online: 

Some CPR courses are available online, while others require in-person attendance. While online courses are convenient, in-person training offers hands-on practice, which is important for CPR skills.

• Check the Course Content: 

Review the topics covered in the course. A good course should teach CPR for adults, children, and infants, how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and how to help someone who is choking.

• Consider Cost and Duration: 

Look at the length of the course and whether the price fits your budget. Some courses are quick and affordable, while others may offer more in-depth training.

• Verify Certification Validity: 

Check how long the certification lasts. Most CPR certifications are valid for two years, after which you’ll need to renew them.

Final Thoughts

Recognizing when to do CPR  when someone collapses from a heart attack, choking, drowning, etc, is crucial.  By staying calm, following the proper steps, and understanding the signs that CPR is needed, you can help keep someone’s heart and lungs functioning until professional help arrives. It’s a skill that anyone can learn, and it doesn’t take long to make a huge impact.

Learning CPR not only gives you the confidence to act in emergencies but also equips you with the tools to save a life, whether at home, work, or in public. So, don’t let fear or myths hold you back from stepping in when it matters most.

Ready to learn CPR? Sign up for a CPR training course today and equip yourself with the skills to help save a life when it counts the most. Your knowledge could make all the difference!

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