7 Fundamental Steps of CPR That You Should Know

Do you know that performing CPR accurately with the available Automated External Defibrillator can double or triple the chances of a person surviving cardiac arrest? Surprised? Well, that’s true, and if statistics were to be believed, then CPR is equally important outside the hospital. A person is in a sudden cardiac arrest when their heart stops beating. The heart loses its capability to pump blood to the rest of the body during cardiac arrest, including the lungs and brain. Without medical care or CPR, death can occur within minutes. A single CPR imitates the heart’s pumping action by using chest compressions. These compressions support the body’s natural blood circulation. Knowledge of CPR steps comes in handy when you are faced with a situation, and you can save a life if you know the basics of how to perform CPR.

Basics of CPR

There is no blood flow during cardiac arrest. The more effectively chest compressions are performed, the more blood flow gets created. Ineffective chest compressions that are too shallow, too sluggish, or frequently broken up, do not effectively transfer blood to the heart and brain. In a situation if and when you are required to perform CPR steps, CPR training is always helpful. It is a good idea to remember the C-A-B method to perform the steps of CPR correctly. The steps of C-A-B are:

C for Compressions

Compressions means applying pressure on the victim’s chest with your hands while pressing down quickly and firmly. Compressions are the most crucial CPR procedure. Keep reading as we discuss the 7 fundamental steps to CPR in this article.

A for Airway

Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the person’s airway. Gently tilt the person’s head back with one hand and raise the chin forward with the other hand.

B for Breathing

If the mouth is significantly wounded or can’t be opened, rescue breathing can be performed mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose. As per current COVID-19 CPR rescue guidelines, rescue breathing should be performed by using a high-quality bag mask fitted with a HEPA filter.

7 CPR Steps

CPR instructions are simple, even though they may seem complicated or daunting to someone who doesn’t know or has never performed it before. However, getting in action immediately to start CPR on a person who is not breathing can help in keeping them alive until the emergency services or medical assistance arrives. Perform the following 7 basic step-by-step CPR procedures until help arrives –

Step 1 – Check surroundings

First, look around for anything that can endanger you, such as moving traffic, a fire, or falling debris. If you feel safe, check the victim and assess if they require aid. Go near them and ask loudly if they are OK.

Step 2 – Call 911

In case the victim is not responding, call 911 immediately or request that a bystander dial 911. Ask a passer-by to look for an AED if at all possible. AED machines are usually found in many public buildings like offices.

Step 3 – Place the victim on their back

Make the victim lie down on a firm surface on their back and kneel next to their chest. Lift their chin and slightly tilt their head back to open the airway. Open the victim’s mouth gently and look for any obstructions in their mouth, such as food or vomit. Remove any loose blockages. You have to be careful because if it’s not loose, trying to remove it might push it further down the airway.

Step 4 – Check breathing

Go near the victim and place your ear close to their mouth. Listen carefully for not more than 10 seconds. Start CPR if you cannot hear breathing or if you only occasionally hear gasps. Don’t attempt CPR on a person who is breathing but unresponsive. Instead, put them in the recovery posture if they don’t appear to have a spinal injury. Keep an eye on their respiration. If it stops, administer CPR immediately.

Step 5 – 30 Chest compressions

Clasp your hands together by stacking one hand on the top of the other in the palms down position. Push quickly and forcefully in the center of the chest, just below the nipples, using the heel of the palms and straight elbows. Push down their chest two inches deep with at least 100 compressions each minute. Let the chest rise fully between the compressions.

Step 6 – 2 Rescue breaths

Tilt the head of the victim back a little and elevate their chin and make sure their mouth is open. Your mouth should be completely over theirs while you pinch their nose shut and blow to make their chest rise. Give 2 rescue breaths, then continue the compressions. Tilt their head again if their chest does not lift with the first breath. It’s a sign of choking if their chest does not rise with a second breath.

Step 7 – Repeat chest compressions and breathing

Repeat the chest compressions and breathing cycles until:

1. The victim shows indications of life, such as breathing.
2. If an AED becomes accessible, use it immediately and continue CPR if the patient is still not breathing.
3. Qualified medical assistance or EMS arrives on the site and takes control.

Where Can I Take an Online Course for CPR Certification?

An online CPR/AED certification course from American HealthCare Academy is the right choice for you if you ever face a medical emergency. Learn this CPR course online at your pace without worrying about timelines. Otherwise, you may consult your employer, institute, or organization for accurate information before considering our online CPR courses.

Conclusion

When someone’s heartbeat stops because of emergencies like cardiac arrest or near drowning, CPR can help save their life. If you’re hesitant to administer CPR or aren’t sure how to do it properly, learning CPR/AED will provide you with life-saving abilities. The choice between taking action and doing nothing could mean the difference between life and death. American HealthCare Academy provides online CPR/AED certifications at the comfort of your home. You can complete the certification whenever you want, wherever you want. Register now and avail of discounts on our courses.