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What is CPR and How Does It Work?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, as it is commonly known is a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR is an essential skill which everyone must learn in order to be able to handle an emergency situation. Read on to know more.

What Is CPR?

CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. CPR works by compressing the chest and mimicking the beating action in an attempt to resuscitate the heart that has stopped beating and to allow the blood flow. It is often a stand-gap arrangement performed to keep the person alive till further help arrives.

Why Is CPR Important?

CPR is important because:

● It is life-saving

● It prevents brain damage which can occur due to cut off of oxygen and blood supply to the brain.

● It helps in quick recovery

How Does CPR Work?

CPR works in two parts. If the patient is unable to breathe, by delivering rescue breaths, we are mimicking the casualty breathing and hence delivering oxygen (from our breath) into their lungs and blood.

The second part of CPR is chest compressions. Delivering chest compressions is vital to the patient. By performing chest compressions, you become a manual pump, substituting the heart. You’re the heart pumping the blood around the patient’s body!

How to Perform CPR?

To perform CPR, you should remember the order it must be performed, which is

• C: compressions

• A: airway

• B: breathing

Compressions

Compressions are the most important step in CPR as it helps to restore the blood flow. In this, you'll use your hands to push down hard and fast in a specific way on the person's chest.

Airway

If you're trained in CPR and you've performed 30 chest compressions, open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.

Breathing: Breathe for the person

Rescue breathing basically means ‘breathe for the person’ which can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.

When to Perform CPR

You need to administer CPR when a person is struggling to breathe, due to a sudden cardiac arrest, injury or any other condition.

When Not to Perform CPR

You can stop performing CPR once the person stabilises or the emergency personnel has arrived.

Conclusion

It is important for everyone to know what is CPR and get trained as CPR can save lives. So go ahead and attend a training session and get adequate knowledge that can help you save someone someday.

Sources: CDC. Avive, Heartcert CPR

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on October 27, 2022