What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a life-saving technique that is vital in such critical moments. It is an emergency procedure performed to revive someone whose heart has stopped or is experiencing difficulty in breathing.
The term CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, where “cardio” refers to the heart and “pulmonary” refers to the lungs. It is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, designed to maintain circulation and deliver oxygen to the vital organs until professional medical help arrives.
CPR is not a new concept. In fact, it has been practiced for centuries, albeit in different forms. The modern technique of CPR, as we know it today, was developed in the 1960s and has since become a standard procedure taught in various first aid and life-saving courses worldwide.
The primary objective of CPR is to keep the blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs. When the heart stops, it means that oxygen-rich blood is no longer being pumped throughout the body, which can lead to brain damage or even death within minutes. By performing CPR, you take over the role of the heart by manually compressing the chest and providing artificial ventilation.
The steps involved in performing CPR can be summarized in the following manner:
Check for responsiveness: Shake the person gently and ask if they are okay. If there is no response, it indicates a medical emergency.
Call for help: Dial the emergency number (such as 911) and ask for an ambulance or call for nearby medical assistance.
Open the airway: Tilt the person’s head back gently and lift the chin to open the airway. This helps ensure that the person can receive adequate oxygen.
Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, it is an indication to start CPR immediately.
Perform chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest (slightly above the lower half of the sternum). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Position yourself directly above the person’s chest and push hard and fast at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
Provide rescue breaths: After 30 compressions, open the airway again and pinch the person’s nose closed. Create a seal over their mouth with yours and give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second. Observe for chest rise with each breath.
Continue cycles of compressions and breaths: Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths until professional help arrives, an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available, the person starts showing signs of life, or you become too exhausted to continue.
Taking a CPR course and refreshing your knowledge periodically is highly beneficial, as it equips you with the necessary skills and confidence to respond effectively in a crisis. Many organizations and healthcare providers offer CPR training courses, both online and in-person, ensuring that more individuals have the knowledge to potentially save lives.
CPR, short for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a vital technique that can make a significant difference between life and death in an emergency situation. By understanding and being prepared to administer CPR, you become an important link in the chain of survival. Remember, your actions could save a life.
Full Form List
UPSC Full Form | SIM Full Form |
PDF Full Form | CPR Full Form |
CV Full Form | NTPC Full Form |
HTTP Full Form | COMPUTER Full Form |
NEET Full Form | NATO Full Form |
FAQs
[wp-faq-schema]