Chances are that if you do find yourself in a situation in your lifetime where you have to administer CPR, it will be to help save the life of a family member or friend. Knowing and understanding the basics of CPR can literally be of vital importance.
What is CPR?
CPR is the abbreviation for cardio pulmonary resuscitation. It is a life-saving emergency technique that is performed when someone has stopped breathing or someone’s heart has stopped beating. CPR pumps oxygen-rich blood into the heart and brain. The brain must not be starved of oxygen for more than four minutes as permanent brain damage can occur thereafter. Every second counts and CPR is administered until the person starts to breath unaided or until a medical professional can take over to stabilise the person.
Latest basic guidelines
According to the latest guidelines regarding CPR, chest compressions should be the first priority in CPR and the sooner compressions are started, the better.
The sequence is known as C-A-B, or circulation – airway – breathing.
Circulation. Start chest compressions by squeezing the heart between the breastbone and the backbone to force oxygenated blood through the body to keep theh person alive until help arrives. People who have had no training in CPR should perform only this one of the three CAB steps.
Airway. Clear obstructed airways. This is done by placing two fingers on the forehead and two fingers under the chin and gently tilting back the head. You then take about ten seconds to check for signs of normal breathing such as the feel of breath on your ear and cheek.
Breathing. If normal breathing is absent, perform mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose breathing while chest compression is also continued.
Learning CPR
CPR procedure is relatively easy to learn and changes to the guidelines have simplified the procedure, making it even more accessible to Joe and Joey Public. The Resuscitation Council of South Africa has a list of training centres, or else you can do an internet search to find an accredited training facility in your area.
Sources
depts.washington.edu
health.howstuffworks.com
shine.yahoo.com
www.alphapharm.co.za
www.arrivealive.co.za
www.health24.com
www.resuscitationcouncil.co.za