Correct Way to Perform CPR on a Cardiac Arrest Victim

A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening emergency, it’s crucial to call 911 and start CPR with immediate effect. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the ticker stops beating. Immediate administration of the CPR procedure can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Significance of the procedure lies in the fact that it keeps the blood flow active (even partially) that extends the chance for a successful resuscitation once emergency medical service arrive on site.

CPR is a crucial step in the AHA’s chain of survival with the five links in the AHA’s chain of survival being

1.      Cardiac arrest recognition and emergency response system activation (calling 911).

2.      Prompt CPR application with emphasis on chest compressions.

3.      Rapid defibrillation

4.      Basic and advanced emergency medical services.

5.      Advanced life support and post cardiac arrest care.

Strong Chain of Survival improves chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.

For an American HeartAssociation CPR class Nashville, you can sign up at the AHA certified CPR Nashville. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. There are courses for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers.

Follow these steps to learn how to perform CPR:

Shake and Shout to Check Responsiveness- Do check for danger and look for risks before you start helping when you come across someone who’s unconscious. Check for the responsiveness of the victim by gently shaking the victim’s shoulders and ask loudly whether he/she is alright. If someone is close by, ask them to stay. On the other hand, if you are all by yourself with the victim, attract attention by shouting loudly but don’t leave the person.

Check for Breathing- A person involved in a cardiac arrest won’t be breathing, or won’t be breathing normally, they also will be unconscious. Check if the victim on your hand is breathing normally which can be done by checking for regular chest movements, listening for breathing and feeling for breath on your cheek. Do not mistake gasps for normal breathing. If you aren’t sure if their breathing is normal, take it as not normal. Put the victim in the recovery position and call 911 if the person is breathing normally. Open their airway if breathing isn’t normal. Open the airway by placing one hand on the person’s forehead, gently tilting their head back, then lifting their chin using two fingers of your other hand under their chin.

Call 911- Ask someone to call 911 immediately and ask for an ambulance or ask someone for a public access defibrillator (PAD) if the person isn’t breathing or breathing normally. If there’s no one to help, call 911 prior to starting CPR. Start with 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute – that’s around 2 per second. Give two rescue breaths which should take no longer than five seconds. Check for the rise and fall of the person’s chest while performing breaths.

Carry on until Ambulance Arrives- Repeat 30 compressions and two rescue breaths. If you’d rather not give rescue breaths, call 911 and deliver hands-only CPR. It’s better than doing nothing. Carry on until professional help arrives and takes over, or the person starts to show signs of regaining consciousness, such as coughing, opening their eyes, speaking, or breathing normally.

At CPR Nashville, either register for a course online or call on 615-397-9316 for registration.