How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used when someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. It can significantly increase the chances of survival in emergencies such as cardiac arrest or drowning. CPR involves chest compressions to maintain circulation and, when necessary, rescue breaths to provide oxygen to the lungs. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the correct procedure to perform CPR effectively and confidently.

When to Perform CPR

Before rushing into action, it’s crucial to assess the situation and determine if CPR is needed. The main signs that CPR should be performed include:

• No pulse: If the person has no pulse, their heart is not beating, and immediate action is needed.
• Unconsciousness: The individual is unresponsive to touch or sound, indicating a serious emergency.
• No breathing or abnormal breathing: If the person is not breathing or is gasping for air, CPR should be started without hesitation.

If you’re unsure, it’s better to begin CPR than to wait, as every moment counts in these emergencies.

Step 1: Ensure the Scene is Safe

Safety is the first priority. Before approaching the person, assess the area to ensure there are no immediate dangers. This could include traffic, fire, electrical hazards, or unstable surfaces. If the scene is unsafe, do not attempt CPR until it is safe to do so.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness

Approach the person and gently tap or shake their shoulder while shouting, “Are you okay?” Loudly and firmly. If there is no response, and the person remains unconscious, it is time to proceed with CPR. If the person does respond, check for any signs of distress such as difficulty breathing or severe pain.

Step 3: Call for Help

After confirming the person is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately. In many cases, you may need someone else to do this while you begin CPR. If you’re alone, use your phone to call emergency services but do not wait for them to arrive before beginning CPR. Time is critical, and starting CPR early can make a difference.

Step 4: Open the Airway

Once you’ve ensured that help is on the way, you need to open the person’s airway. This is important because it allows air to flow freely into the lungs. To do this:

• Place one hand on the person’s forehead and tilt the head backward.
• Use the other hand to lift the chin upward. This will help open the airway and prevent the tongue from blocking the throat.

If you suspect a neck injury, be careful not to move the head or neck excessively. In such cases, try to gently lift the chin while stabilizing the head.

Step 5: Check for Breathing

Now, check if the person is breathing. Place your ear close to their mouth and nose, and watch for any signs of breathing, such as chest movements or sounds of air. If the person is breathing normally, position them on their side in the recovery position and monitor them until medical help arrives. If they are not breathing or only gasping, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR and are crucial for maintaining circulation when the heart has stopped beating. Follow these guidelines for effective chest compressions:

• Position your hands: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, right over the sternum (breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlace your fingers.
• Body alignment: Position yourself with your shoulders directly over your hands and your elbows straight. This positioning allows you to use your body weight for effective compressions.
• Compression depth: Push down hard and fast. Aim for a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
• Compression rate: Perform compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. You can use the rhythm of the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees to keep a consistent tempo.

Continue chest compressions without pausing for about 30 compressions, ensuring that each compression is firm and deliberate.

Step 7: Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

If you are trained in rescue breathing and are comfortable doing so, after every 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths. This provides oxygen to the lungs and supports circulation. Follow these steps for giving rescue breaths:

• Pinch the nose: While keeping the airway open with your other hand, pinch the person’s nostrils shut.
• Deliver a breath: Cover the person’s mouth with your own, making sure the seal is tight. Give a breath lasting about 1 second, ensuring the chest rises.
• Repeat: After the first breath, give another breath in the same manner.

If you are not trained in giving rescue breaths or prefer not to do so, it’s still essential to continue chest compressions. Compression-only CPR can be effective and is preferred for those who are untrained.

Step 8: Continue CPR

Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (if trained) until:

• The person starts breathing or shows signs of life, such as coughing, moving, or responding.
• Professional medical help arrives and takes over.
• You are physically exhausted and unable to continue. If this happens, try to find someone to relieve you or continue compressions until help arrives.

Step 9: Use an AED (If Available)

If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, use it as soon as possible. The device will guide you through the steps of using it, providing voice instructions to ensure proper use. An AED can deliver a shock to the heart if necessary, which can restore a normal heart rhythm.

Step 10: Keep Monitoring

Once the person shows signs of life, continue to monitor their breathing and pulse until professional medical help arrives. If they become unresponsive again, restart CPR.

Conclusion

Learning how to perform CPR is a critical skill that can save lives in emergencies. By following these steps—assessing the situation, performing chest compressions, and giving rescue breaths—you can make a significant difference in someone’s survival chances. While it’s important to practice CPR under professional guidance to ensure proficiency, understanding the basic steps and staying calm during an emergency is a valuable and empowering skill for anyone to have.