Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
What are the 7 steps of CPR? CPR is a lifesaving technique used to restore breathing and the heartbeat of a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped. The aim of CPR is to maintain blood flow to the vital organs until medical help arrives.
The technique involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, which work together to restore blood circulation and oxygenation. Chest compressions create a pumping action that mimics the heart’s natural contractions, while rescue breathing or mouth to mouth breathing provides the necessary oxygen to the body.
It is important to note that CPR can greatly increase the chances of survival for a person in cardiac arrest. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals receive proper CPR training in order to be prepared for emergency situations.
To perform CPR effectively, it is crucial to receive proper training. You can consider taking a first aid course or enrolling in CPR training provided by organisations like First Aid Pro or the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC). By learning CPR, you can help save someone’s life in an emergency situation.
Cycles Of CPR
The Australian Resuscitation Council recommends a cycle of CPR consisting of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths for adults who have collapsed and are unresponsive.
This cycle should be repeated continuously until emergency medical services arrive or the person recovers consciousness. It is essential to ensure that when you perform chest compressions, they are performed correctly by using the heel of the hand and the correct compression depth of 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest depth.
After every 30 compressions, two rescue breaths should be administered by tilting the head back and lifting the chin, sealing the mouth and nose, and giving two breaths that make the chest visibly rise.
CPR certification courses offer training in performing the cycle of CPR correctly, making it possible for individuals to perform CPR effectively and confidently during an emergency. The cycle of CPR is a crucial component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can help save the life of someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
Chest Compressions
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, involves a series of actions aimed at restoring blood flow and oxygen to the body during cardiac arrest. The primary technique used in CPR is chest compressions, which help to create a pumping action that mimics the heart’s natural contractions. To perform CPR, the recommended cycle involves administering 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. This cycle is commonly referred to as “30:2”. The aim is to perform five sets of 30:2 in approximately two minutes, while maintaining a compression rate of about 100 to 120 compressions per minute. It is important to receive proper CPR training in order to learn the correct technique for chest compressions and how to perform CPR effectively. CPR certification courses provide comprehensive training to ensure that individuals are confident in performing CPR during emergency situations. Performing CPR can help to maintain blood flow and prevent organ damage until advanced medical care arrives. With the correct training and knowledge of the recommended cycles of CPR, individuals can help to save lives in emergency situations.Rescue Breaths
Rescue breaths/mouth to mouth is a crucial component of CPR. During CPR, rescue breaths are administered after chest compressions. The rescuer places their mouth over the person’s mouth or nose and provides a controlled breath to inflate the person’s lungs. It is important to note that rescue breathing is a critical component of CPR, and their effectiveness depends on the proper technique. The rescuer should ensure that the person’s airway is open and free of any obstructions before administering rescue breaths. If the person has a suspected neck or spine injury, the rescuer should use a modified technique to minimize movement of the head and neck. In addition to CPR, rescue breathing or mouth to mouth breathing may also be administered in other emergency situations, such as drowning or suffocation. In these cases, it is important to call for emergency medical services immediately and begin rescue breaths as soon as possible.Cardiac Arrest
When a person experiences cardiac arrest, their heart suddenly stops beating, which can be a life-threatening emergency. Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is essential to maintain blood flow to vital organs until emergency medical services arrive. CPR involves a series of actions that include chest compressions and rescue breaths/mouth to mouth, which aim to restore the heartbeat and breathing. To perform CPR correctly and effectively, it is critical to receive proper CPR training. This training can help individuals learn the recommended cycles of CPR, the correct techniques for chest compressions and rescue breaths, and how to respond in emergency situations. It is important to note that CPR can greatly increase the chances of survival for a person in cardiac arrest. However, currently, CPR is used only in approximately one out of every four to fifteen cardiac arrest victims. Therefore, it is crucial to promote CPR training and increase awareness about the importance of this life-saving technique.
Automated External Defibrillator
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable electronic device that can automatically diagnose and treat life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The AED is designed to be used by laypeople or medical professionals in emergency situations where a person has experienced sudden cardiac arrest.
When a person’s heart is in a life-threatening rhythm, called ventricular fibrillation, an AED can deliver an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm. AEDs are equipped with pads that are placed on the person’s chest and the device will analyze the person’s heart rhythm and determine if a shock is necessary.
AEDs are easy to use and typically come with voice and visual prompts to guide the user through the process. The device will tell the user when to attach the pads to the person’s chest, when to press the shock button, and when to start CPR.
AEDs are commonly found in public places such as airports, sports arenas, and shopping malls. The availability of AEDs in public places has been shown to increase the likelihood of survival from sudden cardiac arrest. It is estimated that early defibrillation with an AED can increase survival rates by 60-70%.
In addition to their use in public places, AEDs are also used by emergency medical services (EMS) and first responders. Many EMS agencies have equipped their vehicles with AEDs to provide quick access to the device in emergency situations.
AEDs have become an important tool in the fight against sudden cardiac arrest. Their ease of use and availability make them an effective way to save lives in emergency situations.
7 Steps Of CPR
To begin CPR, one should first make sure that the scene is safe and then check if the person is unresponsive and not breathing or gasping.
After calling for emergency services, start chest compressions immediately. Hands-only CPR is an effective technique that involves only chest compressions without rescue breathing.
- Ensure your own safety by checking the scene and putting on personal protective equipment.
- Check if the person is responsive, breathing, and not experiencing life-threatening bleeding or conditions, using the shout-tap-shout technique.
- If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, immediately call 000 and ask for help or get someone else to do so.
- Kneel beside the person and place them on a flat surface with their back facing upwards after being in the recovery position.
- Start cpr/begin chest compressions, center your hands on the person’s chest and ensure your shoulders are directly over your hands with your elbows locked. Press down at least 2 inches at a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute, allowing the chest to return to normal position after each compression.
- After 30 compressions, Start mouth to mouth. Give 2 breaths by tilting the person’s head back and lifting their chin to open the airway. Pinch their nose shut and seal your mouth over theirs to give a 1-second breath that makes their chest rises, this is called mouth to mouth or rescue breathing.
- Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths until an emergency medical technician arrives or an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available.
However, to perform CPR there are different rules and methods for different age groups. To ensure you are following the correct CPR steps and performing cpr correctly, learn How to perform CPR on different age groups here.
How long Is 1 Round Of CPR?
The duration of one round of CPR can vary depending on the guidelines being followed and the number of rescuers performing CPR.
In general, a round of CPR consists of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. The recommended rate for chest compressions is 100-120 compressions per minute, which means that 30 chest compressions should take approximately 15-18 seconds (assuming a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute).
Adding in 2 rescue breaths, a single round of CPR should take approximately 18-20 seconds to complete. This means that five rounds of CPR would take approximately 90-100 seconds (18-20 seconds per round multiplied by 5 rounds).
How Many Cycles Is 2 Minutes CPR?
According to the Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines for CPR, the recommended rate for chest compressions during adult CPR is 100-120 compressions per minute.
Therefore, 2 minutes of CPR would require approximately 200-240 chest compressions (100-120 compressions per minute multiplied by 2 minutes).
CPR Training
Are you prepared to save a person’s life? CPR first aid training courses can help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to save a life.
With comprehensive training on the correct techniques for administering rescue breaths and performing CPR, you can feel confident and ready to respond when it matters most.
Not only can CPR training give you the tools to save a life and provide basic life support until an ambulance arrives, but it can also provide a sense of empowerment and satisfaction knowing that you are equipped to handle an emergency situation.
You never know when you may need to act quickly to help someone in need, and CPR training can give you the confidence to do just that.
Plus, CPR courses are a great opportunity to meet new people and learn valuable life-saving skills in a supportive and collaborative environment. You’ll work with experienced instructors who can answer your questions and provide guidance as you practice your technique.
Don’t wait until an emergency happens to realise that you could have been better prepared. Sign up for a CPR training today to learn life saving CPR compressions and take the first step towards becoming a confident and capable responder in any situation and get CPR certified!
