Simply put, CPR is the act of moving a person's heart when it has stopped beating. Performing chest compressions allows a heart that has stopped moving to pump blood to the heart, brain, and the rest of the body. Many people are afraid to perform CPR, but fear should not deter us from saving someone's most loved person in the world, including our own.
During chest compressions, you are pumping the person's heart because that heart has stopped pumping. The sooner chest compressions are started, the better the chance the person can come back to life. We want to do our best not to stop chest compressions because every time we stop, blood flow stops.
Questions people ask:
Should I push hard and fast in the center of the chest? Is that correct? Yes! If you find a loved one not moving, not breathing, pick up your phone, dial 911, and push hard and fast in the center of their chest.
People ask, will I hurt the person by doing chest compressions? No. Sadly, the person who requires chest compressions is already deceased. Unless we start chest compressions right away, their chances of survival are very low.
People ask, will I break the ribs? Maybe. Chest compressions need to be forceful, which may cause a person's ribs to break. However, the ribs will heal if the person survives. Keep in mind there is no healing in death, so to that, we say, break the ribs.
People ask, what if I am unsure whether the person is not moving or not breathing? If you think the person is dead, it is always better to start chest compressions on the person who doesn't need them than to delay chest compressions on the person who does.
CPR involves three main components:
Chest Compressions: The foundation of CPR lies in chest compressions. To perform chest compressions, you'll place your hands on the center of the victim's chest and push down hard and fast at a rate of approximately 100-120 compressions per minute. The goal is to compress the chest by at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) in adults.
Rescue Breaths: After 30 chest compressions, the rescuer delivers two rescue breaths to the victim. These breaths help oxygenate the lungs and circulate oxygen throughout the body. For trained individuals, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is used, ensuring a proper seal over the victim's mouth while closing their nose.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): If available, an AED can be used in conjunction with CPR. AEDs are portable devices that analyze the victim's heart rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm. They provide step-by-step voice prompts to guide rescuers.
Sign Up For Our Next CPR Class
CPR is not just another skill; it's a powerful tool that can mean the difference between life and death. You can learn how to save someone’s life in less than 3 hours. Sign up for a CPR class near you by visiting www.activeassisthomecare.com. We are located at 108 Greentree Rd, Unit JK, Turnersville NJ 08012. Call/Text to register for a CPR Class at 856-375-0866.