CPR: a life saving technique

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most important techniques in first aid, its correct application can save a life. The resuscitation maneuver is used when a person has stopped breathing and their heart has stopped beat.

Learning this technique is very important, but also knowing when to apply it and how to perform it correctly.

Why is it important to know CPR?

There are more than 6 million people in the world who suffer from cardio respiratory arrest without previous symptoms. The CPR manoeuvre is applied to restore the pulmonary and cardiac functioning of the patient, trying to keep the blood flow from stopping when he stops breathing.

Thus, the damage caused by the lack of blood supply to the brain can be minimized. Something important to keep in mind is that this technique is not applied equally in children and adults.

In case we find an emergency and we must apply CPR, the manoeuvre will allow us to assist the victim until the health services arrive. The first minutes will be crucial to saving the person’s life. It is essential to be informed and know how first aid should be applied to, if necessary, know how to you must act against a borderline situation.

Adults: how to apply CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation consists of two phases: in the first one, chest compressions must be performed, so blood flow is kept in circulation. Then, you must do mouth-to-mouth breathing, which provides oxygen.

 

To perform cardiac compressions you must follow these steps:

 

1. Place the palm of one hand on the victim’s sternum. If it’s a woman, you should place it between her breasts; if it is a man, place it between the nipples.
2. Rest the palm of the other hand on the other one.
3. Place your body directly on both hands.
4. Place the arms perpendicular to the body and stretch the elbows.
5. One after another, apply 30 hand movements against the sternum. These compressions must be fast and strong.

After performing the 30 compressions, apply two sessions of mouth-to-mouth breaths. If you see the victim’s chest swelling, the technique is being applied correctly. In that case, continue with the same procedure until he/she breathes spontaneously or emergency services arrive.

 

Children: How to apply cardiopulmonary resuscitation?

This resuscitation maneuver is different if performed in children under 9 years. Because of their physical condition, children are more vulnerable, so chest compressions should not be applied with force or, otherwise, we can cause them serious injuries.

The correct method to perform it is with the middle and ring finger on the lower part of the sternum. As in adults, 30 compressions and two insufflations should be performed, repeating the cycle.

 First aid, Health, CPR