CPR Definition
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) uses a combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions to open the window of time a cardiac arrest victim can survive without defibrillation. Cardiac arrest means that the victim's heart has stopped pumping blood, and proper CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain. Professional medical attention is still necessary even when CPR has been successfully administered.
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Types
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CPR for infants is made for toddlers younger than 1.
CPR for children is meant for youngsters 1 to 8.
CPR for adults is administered to anybody older than 8.
Adult CPR
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Whether you are by yourself or with other people, the first thing you should do is call 911.
Place a hand on the forehead and tilt the victim's head back. Place two fingers under his chin, lift it and listen for breathing. Put your ear to the victim's mouth, look for chest movement and try to feel any movement on your cheek. If there is no breathing, or abnormal breathing, you should begin giving breaths. Abnormal breathing can sound like grunts, gasps or a snoring sound.
Pinch the victim's nose and cover his mouth with yours. Give the victim two rescue breaths. Each breath should be big enough to make the victim's chest rise, and each breath should last for one second. If the victim is still unresponsive, or breathing abnormally, check for a pulse.
To determine if the victim's heart is beating, place two fingertips on his carotid artery, located in the depression between the windpipe and the neck muscles, and apply slight pressure for several seconds. If there is no pulse, you have to begin chest compressions.
Place the heel of one of your hands on the victim's sternum, right in between his nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Push the chest down about two inches and give 15 compressions. Compress the chest at a rate of about three compressions every two seconds. Make sure to let the chest fully recoil before performing the next compression.
Repeat rescue breaths and chest compressions for four cycles--15 compressions and two breaths--then check the victim again for breathing and circulation. If breathing is still abnormal or absent, and there is no pulse, continue CPR until help arrives. If there is circulation but no breathing, continue performing rescue breaths only. Perform one breath every five seconds. Make sure to pinch the victim's nose while administering the breaths.
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Differences in Child CPR
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Check the mouth thoroughly. Children tend to get objects lodged in their throats that block the airways. You may be able to remove it with your finger or cough it out of him. If the child happens to vomit, turn him on his side so he doesn't choke.
When giving rescue breaths, use a shallower breath than you would administer in an adult. If the air isn't going in the child, you may be tilting his head back too much. Re-adjust his head and try again.
Place two fingertips on his carotid artery and apply slight pressure for several seconds. If there is no pulse, you have to begin chest compressions.
You'll only use one hand on a child and apply less pressure than you would on an adult. Put the heel of your hand on his chest bone, right between the nipples, and begin compressions. Push straight down about one inch. Do five compressions at about two compressions per second. After five compressions, repeat rescue breaths.
Differences in Infant CPR
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Infants tend to react well to foot stimulation. Rub the bottom of his feet and try to get a reaction. If there is no response, you'll have to begin CPR. If you're alone with the infant don't call 911 until one resuscitation attempt is made.
An infant's airway is really narrow, so if you tilt his head too far back, it'll close. And infants take short, rapid breaths, so make sure to listen carefully for any signs of breathing.
When you begin to perform rescue breaths, you're going to cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth, and give a quick, gentle puff from your cheeks.
To check for circulation, find the brachial artery in the infant's arm. It's located on the inner part of the arm, between the elbow and shoulder. Place two fingers on the artery and apply a little pressure for up to three minutes.
An infant's chest is extremely delicate, so performing improper compressions can be really damaging. Place three fingers on the chest, between the infant's nipples. Lift your index finger and use your other two finger to perform compressions. Each compression should be a half of an inch deep. Perform five compressions followed by one rescue breath. Repeat this cycle 20 times before you re-check for signs of breathing and circulation. If 911 hasn't been called yet, make sure to call now.
If there is no breathing and circulation, continue performing CPR. If there is circulation but no breathing, continue performing rescue breaths only. Perform one breath every three seconds
Considerations
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CPR keeps the victim alive longer so proper medical attention can be administered. You should always have professional medical assistance on the way when performing CPR on somebody.
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