It is not uncommon to experience a medical health emergency either as a bystander or primary care provider. A person may stop breathing, or his/her heart might sink for certain reasons, including a heart attack or in case someone drowns. In such cases, a basic CPR technique proves to be a life-saver as it helps to keep him/her alive until emergency health services arrive. This technique helps to keep the blood flowing and helps a person to be alive. More importantly, a first-aid guide on CPR implies one can do it even if he/she is an untrained individual who just knows the steps of CPR. Having health insurance ensures financial support for emergencies, covering treatments and hospitalizations when time is critical.
What is CPR
CPR refers to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, which means to resuscitate or revitalise the cardiac system (Heart) and the Pulmonary System (Lungs) when they stop working. It is a hands-on technique to save a life in the situation of breathing failure or when the heartbeat stops due to any reason. When CPR first aid gets performed, it acts as an artificial/assisted system to initiate the impeded heartbeat and breathing. It is performed in two stages and maintains the blood flow that provides oxygen to all parts of the body, including the brain; otherwise, the person might not survive. When CPR is provided just within a few minutes of the stoppage of the heartbeat or breathing, it can increase the chances of survival up to 3 times.
When is CPR required?
Usually, a person requires CPR in the following situations:
- When a person is gasping for breathing or not breathing
- When a person is not responding when tapped on his/her shoulder
- In case a person shows signs of cardiac arrest like:
- Experiences sudden pain on the left side and loses consciousness
- Gasps for air
- Shows no pulse rate
- Becomes unresponsive to his/her surrounding
- If a person has fished out of the water after drowning and remains unconscious
Key Elements of CPR
Mainly CPR includes two steps — chest compression and lung ventilation. It is done differently for adults, children, and infants and comprises the following:
- A rapid chest compression to re-initiate the stopped blood flow; it gets done by pushing down the chest with hands rapidly around 100 times per minute. The number and pressure applied differ in the case of adults and infants.
- Opening the airway to clear passage; this is done by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- One can provide mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing to revive the person.
- One must repeat the steps of Compression, Airway opening, and Breathing (Generally abbreviated as C-A-B to remember the steps) until the person gains consciousness or the emergency medical care team arrives.
Before initiating CPR
One must follow the steps listed below before initiating CPR:
- The person and the CPR provider should be away from traffic, a hazardous or crowdy place.
- It is important to make sure whether the person is conscious or unconscious; one should check the consciousness regularly.
- One must take immediate action by calling an emergency health service provider and deciding to start CPR. A bystander might assist in performing these activities immediately.
- Check the person’s breathing by laying him/her on the back.
- Check the person’s pulse rate by putting a finger on the wrist or neck. In the absence of a pulse, one must perform CPR.
- It is important to locate an automated external defibrillator (AED). AED assistance can increase the chances of survival in case of cardiac arrest. If the device is available, first give a shock with its help and then start CPR. One can find the instruction to use AED on the machine.
Although one can give first aid and CPR, calling an ambulance immediately is the best move.
CPR for adults
One can take the following steps for adult CPR:
Compressions
It gets done by putting the rear end of your palm on the chest of the person and the second hand's palm on the top of the first hand to make a clasp. One should push hard and at a fast pace so that the lung goes at least 2 inches below the normal level. The chest should get raised fully between the compression, and one must give compressions at least 30 times regularly.
Airway
Once 30 compressions get done, one should open the airway by tilting the head down (on the back side) and keeping the chin up. This should be performed by putting the head of the person on the edge of a table or maybe on the CPR provider's knee. Next, the CPR provider must gently put his/her hands on the forehead of the patient and push it back (head tilt). Now lift the chin forward or up to clear the person's airway.
Breathing
One should perform rescue breathing by giving a mouth-to-mouth breath to the patient. In fact, the CPR provider has to breathe for that person in this step. Here the CPR provider has first to seal off the nostrils of the recipient and open his/her mouth. The CPR provider places his/her mouth over the person's mouth, avoiding air-gap. Then the CPR provider should give at least two rescue breaths. One must give the first rescue breath for one second, followed by vigilance to see if the person's chest has risen, and then give the second rescue breath. After two breaths, if the person does not regain consciousness, one must repeat the C-A-B cycle.
CPR for Children
Performing CPR technique on children, known as paediatric CPR, is slightly different in terms of pressure applied on the chest and the compressions done. The child's breastbone should be compressed with little pressure with one hand only to push down around 5 cm below the normal level. Go for 30 compressions in between releasing to raise the lungs fully. The CPR provider must open the airway and give two rescue breaths. If the recipient still does not gain consciousness, repeat the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I perform CPR?
One must opt for CPR in case of health emergencies related to stoppage of breathing and heartbeat, provided the emergency healthcare team has not reached the spot. If a person has stopped breathing normally or becomes unconscious due to cardiac arrest, trauma, or respiratory arrest (as in the case of drowning or suffocation), one can give CPR as it can save the person's life if provided immediately with proper care and attention.
How do I know if someone needs CPR?
Some clear signs can detect if a person needs CPR like:
- if the person is conscious
- if there is no breathing and pulse rate
- if the person shows symptoms of cardiac or respiratory arrest
- if the person gasps for air; it could also be due to some other reason, like asthma
Is CPR different for adults and children?
The CPR technique followed in adults and children is the same in terms of steps followed, but performing the manoeuvre is a little different, like the hands used and the pressure applied during compression. The chest should not compress more than 5 cm in the case of a child, while it can go up to 2 inches for adults. While performing CPR on children, only one hand gets used during compression; one needs to use both hands for performing CPR in adults. The opening of the airway and rescue breathing is the same in both cases.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.
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