Everyone is strongly encouraged to learn something about cardiopulmonary resuscitation, simply known as CPR. This is basically due to the fact that life-threatening heart diseases and other situations resulting to heart malfunction could take place anytime and anywhere, including at home. Thus, the simplest thing that anyone can do about it is to apply CPR as a first aid care to the sufferer. Without this, there is a high chance that the patient would lose his or her life.
On the other hand, it is also very important to know what to do before applying CPR to the patient. One of these is making sure that both you and the patient are in a safe place. This means that there should be enough space around you, which is free of any body of water, sharp objects or edges, any uncovered moving machine, and extreme temperature. It is also not advisable to change transfer the patient to another place, unless preventive measures are not satisfied in the original location. This is to avoid delay of application of CPR – that could be fatal – as well as probable complications in the patient’s status. Take a few seconds to examine whether there is anyone else who is a medical expert or at least, knows better about CPR. If possible, call 911 immediately to ask for medical assistance; make sure you provide enough details on your location.
There are several symptoms that a person suffers from heart malfunction. The most obvious one is the patient’s unconsciousness, which is very threatening when it comes with the absence of the patient’s heartbeat and pulse. In the even that you are not sure enough about CPR, you can first try tapping the patient several times and shout “Are you OK? Are you OK?”. If there is no any sign of response from the patient, then it would be best to apply whatever you know about CPR. To help you out, here are some key points of this first aid practice:
- Chest compressions are normally at least 2 inches deep and should be done forcefully, except in the case of a child patient wherein you have to apply these gently to prevent breakage on the ribs.
- Ideal frequency for chest compressions is about 100 times per minute.
- You have the option to provide artificial breathing for the patient through mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
- If there is an available automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby, make sure of it with the help of quick manuals and the device’s automatic functions.
- Repeat these processes until the patient recovers normal heartbeat and becomes unconscious. While the patient is still alive, it is advisable to keep doing CPR unless the necessary medical assistance has arrived.
More comprehensive CPR topics could be learned when you go for a CPR training, especially at Citywide CPR – a noted training center for a diverse range of emergency medical services. Visit them at citywidecpr.com to see what their CPR training courses have to offer to make you prepared and confident enough whenever there is an emergency situation that needs the use of CPR. Get trained now!
