The American Heart Association, a leading authority in CPR Certification, provides the CPR steps outlined in this guide. This comprehensive guide offers detailed instructions based on the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, which are essential for acquiring CPR Certification. By following these guidelines, you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies and potentially save lives.
The basic CPR steps below are based on the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care:
Performing CPR involves a series of steps to provide emergency life support to someone experiencing cardiac arrest. By following these ten basic steps, you maximize the chances of restoring circulation and saving a person's life:
In any emergency, the first step that you should follow is to check if the scene is safe. Ask how many victims are there and how the accident could have happened. See if other bystanders are available to assist the victims. It's important to check the scene for factors that could harm you and the victim, such as traffic or fire.
When the scene is safe to respond to, check if the victim is conscious or unconscious. Tap the victim's shoulder and ask, "Are you OK?" loudly. If protective gloves or other protective equipment is available, put it on before you check the victim.
If the victim is not responding, activate the emergency medical services by calling 911 or asking a bystander to call. If possible, ask a bystander to look for an AED machine. AEDs are located in most offices and public buildings. If you are alone, call 911 first before performing CPR.
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no longer than 10 seconds. Watch for chest rise and fall, listen for breath sounds, and feel for any air movement on your cheek. If the person doesn't have a pulse and not breathing, it indicates a cardiac arrest, and CPR should be started immediately.
To perform chest compressions:
Tilt the person's head back gently by placing one hand on the forehead and lifting the chin with your other hand. This helps ensure that the airway is clear and unobstructed for breathing.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths:
Alternate between 30 compressions and two breaths. Maintain a steady rhythm and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
If an AED is available, follow the device's prompts and apply it as soon as possible. Turn on the AED and follow the visual or audio instructions provided. Attach the electrode pads to the person's bare chest and let the AED analyze the heart rhythm. If advised, deliver a shock, and immediately resume CPR.
Look closely at the images on the pads. The device will tell you what to do, so it's essential to follow the prompts correctly. Deliver a shock if the AED determines one is needed. Do not touch the victim during the analysis or shock delivery. Say, "CLEAR" out loud, in a commanding voice.
Continue CPR starting with chest compressions, whether you had to give a shock or not. Do not stop CPR until EMS personnel arrive at the scene, or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing, opening their eyes, or moving. If you are too exhausted to continue, hand over to another trained individual if available.
To put the victim in recovery position, kneel on the side of the victim. Extend the arm closest to you at a right angle to their body, with their palm facing up. Take the other arm of the victim and fold it, so the back of the hand rests on the cheek nearest to you and hold it in place. Monitor the breathing until emergency medical services arrive to provide advanced life support.
Learning and mastering these 10 steps of CPR is vital for anyone seeking certification or preparing for emergency situations. Whether it's understanding scene safety for CPR, performing chest compressions, or knowing the correct actions after delivering a shock, being well-versed in these skills saves lives. If you're ready to improve your emergency readiness, consider enrolling in a CPR certification course today.
Here are the 7 steps of CPR:
Before initiating CPR, assess the scene to ensure your safety and the safety of others. Look for any potential hazards or dangers, such as fire or electrical hazards, and address them before proceeding.
Approach the person and gently tap their shoulder while asking loudly, "Are you okay?" Look for any signs of responsiveness, such as movement, moaning, or eye opening.
If the person is unresponsive, immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS) or ask someone nearby to call for help.
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no longer than 10 seconds. Watch for chest rise and fall, listen for breath sounds, and feel for any air movement on your cheek. If the person doesn't have a pulse and not breathing, it indicates a cardiac arrest, and CPR should be started immediately.
To perform chest compressions, follow these steps:
Remember to maintain proper hand and arm position, apply enough pressure, and maintain the recommended compression rate. These steps ensure effective chest compressions during CPR.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
Continue alternating between 30 compressions and two breaths. Maintain a steady rhythm and avoid unnecessary interruptions. Continue performing CPR until EMS personnel arrive at the scene, or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing, opening their eyes, or moving.
The American Heart Association (AHA) and many other organizations have simplified the steps for performing CPR into a 5-step process. Here are the revised 5 steps in performing CPR:
Approach the person and gently tap their shoulder while asking loudly, "Are you okay?" Look for any signs of responsiveness, such as movement, moaning, or eye opening. If there is no response, proceed to the next step.
If the victim is not responding, activate the emergency medical services by calling 911. If there are bystanders nearby, ask someone to call for help while you begin CPR.
To perform chest compressions, follow these steps:
Remember to maintain proper hand and arm position, apply enough pressure, and maintain the recommended compression rate. These steps ensure effective chest compressions during CPR.
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
Continue alternating between 30 compressions and two breaths. Maintain a steady rhythm and avoid unnecessary interruptions. Continue performing CPR until EMS personnel arrive at the scene, or until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing, opening their eyes, or moving. It's important to maintain proper hand positioning for effective CPR.
In the most recent CPR guidelines, the American Heart Association (AHA) has introduced a simplified approach to CPR called "Hands-Only CPR," which involves 3 basic CPR steps.
Here are the 3 steps in performing Hands-Only CPR:
Approach the person and gently tap their shoulder while asking loudly, "Are you okay?" Look for any signs of responsiveness, such as movement, moaning, or eye opening.
If the person is unresponsive, immediately call for emergency medical services (EMS) or ask someone nearby to call for help. In many places, the emergency number is 911. It is important to activate the emergency response system before starting CPR.
Hands-Only CPR focuses solely on chest compressions and does not include rescue breaths. It is designed to simplify the process and encourage more people to perform CPR when needed. However, standard CPR with rescue breaths is still recommended for infants and children, drowning victims, or situations where the cause of cardiac arrest is known to be respiratory-related.
It's always recommended to receive proper CPR training and certification to ensure you're prepared to respond effectively in an emergency and to learn the appropriate techniques based on the victim's age and circumstances.
CPR for a pregnant person follows the same basic steps as for adults, but there are some modifications to consider due to the presence of the uterus:
It's important to note that modifications for a pregnant person in need of CPR should be made with a focus on maintaining blood flow and oxygenation for both the pregnant individual and the unborn child.
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure performed to manually assist a person who is experiencing cardiac arrest or has stopped breathing. CPR involves a combination of chest compressions to maintain blood circulation and rescue breaths to provide oxygen to the lungs. The aim of CPR is to buy time and sustain the vital functions of the body until professional medical help arrives. It is a critical intervention that helps improve the chances of survival during a cardiac emergency. Proper training and certification in CPR are essential to ensure effective administration and maximize the potential for a positive outcome.
CPR, a crucial component of CPR Certification, maintains the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the victim's brain and vital organs until advanced treatment is available. There is usually enough oxygen to keep the vital organs alive, but it's only supported for a few minutes. After that, it will not circulate unless someone performs CPR Steps.
Mastering basic emergency first aid and CPR, as taught in CPR Certification, doubles or triples a victim's chance of survival. Keeping the blood flow active allows for successful resuscitation. Although there is no guarantee that the victim will survive CPR, it does give them a chance when otherwise, there would have been none. Without CPR, it only takes a few minutes for the victim's brain to become injured due to a lack of oxygen.
Healthcare providers and responders identifies and treat cardiac arrest and other potential causes of respiratory distress during CPR by determining the cause of the patient's symptoms. This should include checking the patient's pulse rate, assessing their level of consciousness, and listening for any abnormal breath sounds.
Additionally, healthcare providers in the hospital setting uses an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other devices to measure electrical activity in the heart and identify any cardiac arrhythmias or other signs of cardiac arrest. If the patient is unresponsive, they should be moved to a flat surface, and CPR should be started immediately.
CPR is a lifesaving intervention that should be administered when an individual of any age is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally. Here are some specific circumstances when CPR is necessary:
The ABCs in CPR are abbreviations for Airway, Breathing, and Compressions. It refers to the correct sequence of CPR. The ABC steps ensure that the victim receives proper CPR within the shortest time possible.
However, based on the latest guidelines of the American Heart Association, the correct order for CPR is now the C-A-B Steps or Compression, Airway, and Breathing. This is because cardiac arrest victims go a minute or two without taking a breath. What cardiac arrest victims need is for that blood to get flowing again, which is achieved through chest compressions.
If there is a suspected spinal injury, care should be taken to minimize movement of the head and neck. Jaw thrust without head tilt is used to open the airway. Use a CPR board or similar device to maintain spinal alignment during chest compressions.
The duration of a CPR clycle is 2 minutes. For CPR to be effective, rescuers should perform five cycles in two minutes. Additionally, it's recommended that rescuers swap after two minutes and five cycles to prevent exhaustion and maintain effective compressions.
Once you begin CPR, do not stop except in one of these situations:
Each step of CPR serves a vital purpose. By following the correct CPR steps, you contribute to the overall effectiveness of CPR and maximize the chances of a positive outcome. Here's what each step does:
After the procedure of CPR, continue monitoring the individual until professional help arrives. If the person starts breathing normally and shows signs of life, such as movement or responsiveness, place them in the recovery position. This position helps maintain an open airway and prevents potential complications. Continue to stay vigilant and provide any necessary information to emergency services when they arrive. Remember that the effectiveness of CPR doesn't guarantee full recovery, and professional medical assessment and care are essential.
As emergency services arrive, communication becomes key. Briefly and clearly provide the professionals with information about what happened, the actions taken during CPR, and the current condition of the individual. This handover ensures a seamless transition of care. Emergency medical personnel are trained to continue advanced life support measures, further assess the person's condition, and transport them to a medical facility if necessary. Cooperation and effective communication during this transition enhance the overall care and support the continuum of life-saving efforts.
Several signs indicate the effectiveness of CPR:
It's important to note that even if these signs are observed, the person should still receive professional medical attention to assess and address any underlying issues.
The most common risks are broken ribs, a punctured lung, infection, and nerve damage. In extreme cases, a person administering CPR suffers from overexertion due to the physical strain involved in performing compressions.
To minimize these risks, ensure rescuers are properly trained in CPR and take frequent breaks to avoid overexertion. Additionally, rescuers should wear protective gloves to reduce the risk of infection.
Legal protections for individuals performing CPR are commonly covered by Good Samaritan laws. These laws vary by jurisdiction but generally provide immunity from civil liability for those who voluntarily and in good faith provide emergency assistance, including CPR, to someone in need. The purpose of these laws is to encourage bystanders to take action without fear of legal consequences, recognizing that immediate intervention is critical in life-threatening situations.
Good Samaritan laws apply as long as the responder is not grossly negligent or doesn't act with malicious intent. It's essential to be familiar with the specific laws in their jurisdiction, as they differs.
Yes. In certain situations, CPR is not advisable or appropriate, despite its critical role in life-saving efforts. Here are the situations where you should not perform CPR:
The first step in CPR is always to check for scene safety. Before approaching the victim, ensure that the area is safe for you and the patient. Look for any hazards such as traffic, fire, or electrical wires. This step is crucial to prevent further harm.
After ensuring scene safety, the next critical step is to assess the person’s responsiveness.
Yes, after a shock is delivered, you should immediately resume CPR. The AED will prompt you to begin chest compressions, which are critical for maintaining blood flow while the heart attempts to restore a normal rhythm.
To open the airway, follow these steps:
This is called the head-tilt, chin-lift method. Opening the airway is essential for providing effective rescue breaths during CPR.
There are a few key differences between adult and child CPR:
Understanding these differences is crucial when performing CPR on a child, as their bodies require a modified approach to ensure effective resuscitation.
For an infant under 1 year old, here's how to perform CPR:
Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the infant responds.
If the person doesn't respond to CPR and remains unresponsive, continue performing CPR until emergency services arrive or you are physically unable to continue. If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible following its instructions.
The success rate of CPR depends on the situation, with survival rates around 10-20% for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests and 20-25% for in-hospital cases. Research shows that immediate CPR significantly increases the chances of survival, especially when paired with early defibrillation using an AED. Factors such as how quickly CPR is initiated, whether the arrest was witnessed, and the underlying cause of the cardiac arrest influence the outcome. Although the overall success rate remains relatively low, prompt CPR often doubles or triples the chances of survival.
Common side effects of CPR can include:
Several techniques enhances CPR's effectiveness in emergencies:
Healthcare providers and responders work together to optimize the timing and sequencing of CPR steps in emergency situations by following established guidelines and protocols. Rescuers should identify the type of emergency, determine the patient's condition, and assess their level of consciousness before administering CPR.
Responders should take turns providing chest compressions and rescue breaths according to established ratios, such as 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. Additionally, healthcare providers should regularly review their protocols and adjust them as necessary to ensure that they are providing the most effective care.
Healthcare providers and laypersons ensures that they are properly trained to perform CPR by taking a CPR Certification course. These courses provide detailed instructions on the techniques of CPR and how to use an AED. Additionally, both lay rescuers and healthcare providers should stay up-to-date on the latest guidelines for CPR and AED usage, as these change over time.
In addition to taking a CPR course, rescuers must practice their skills regularly by participating in simulated scenarios with experts or by using a CPR mannequin. Practicing helps keep skills sharp and helps rescuers feel more confident when performing CPR in an emergency. It is important that healthcare providers and laypersons familiarize themselves with the signs of cardiac arrest and how to recognize them.
Accurate CPR steps are critical for passing a CPR test because they ensure effective resuscitation, demonstrating competence in life-saving procedures. Adhering to established guidelines, correct steps enhance CPR safety and efficacy, reducing patient risk. Proper execution is essential for meeting test standards and shows thorough protocol understanding, crucial for passing.
CPR certification is typically valid for a period of two years. After this time, individuals are encouraged to undergo CPR certification renewal to stay current with the latest guidelines, techniques, and any updates in resuscitation protocols. The renewal process often includes a refresher course that covers essential aspects of CPR, providing participants with the opportunity to reinforce their skills and knowledge.
Keeping certifications updated ensures you are equipped to respond effectively to emergencies and contribute to the overall safety of their communities. Regular renewal aligns with evolving standards in emergency medical care.
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