CPR: A Lifesaving Procedure
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that is performed when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR helps to circulate oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs, which can help to save the person's life.
Benefits of CPR
- Can double or triple a person's chances of surviving a cardiac arrest
- Can help to prevent brain damage and other complications
- Can be performed by anyone, regardless of medical training
How to Perform CPR
CPR is a simple procedure that can be learned in a few minutes. To perform CPR, follow these steps:
1. Call for help
If you see someone who is unresponsive and not breathing, call for help immediately. Dial 911 or your local emergency number.
2. Check for breathing
Tilt the person's head back and lift their chin to open their airway. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for up to 10 seconds.
3. Start chest compressions
If the person is not breathing, start chest compressions. Place your hands on the center of the person's chest and push down hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Compress the chest to a depth of at least 2 inches.
4. Give rescue breaths
After 30 chest compressions, give the person 2 rescue breaths. To give a rescue breath, pinch the person's nose closed, open their mouth, and blow into their mouth for about 1 second. Watch for the person's chest to rise. Give a second rescue breath.
5. Continue CPR
Continue giving CPR until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own. If you are not trained in CPR, you can perform hands-only CPR, which involves only chest compressions.
CPR is a vital skill that can save lives. If you see someone who is unresponsive and not breathing, do not hesitate to call for help and start CPR.
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