How to Teach Basic CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also know as CPR, is a procedure involving rescue breathing and chest pumps or compression to help keep oxygenated blood flowing to the vital organs. Basic CPR can be lifesaving and is taught at schools, community centers, hospitals and many other locations. Teaching a CPR class involves both lecture, demonstration and the testing of students. It's essential students learn the correct way to perform CPR in order to make it as effective as possible.
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Instructions
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Follow guidelines from the American Heart Association. This widely respected national organization developed guidelines for performing CPR. Teach a basic CPR class using their recommendations for what material to cover. For example, discuss the purpose of CPR and why it may be lifesaving. Discuss medical emergencies that may require CPR, such as a heart attack and respiratory or cardiac arrest.
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Use mannequins especially designed for teaching CPR classes. Mannequins are available that can simulate the rise and fall of the chest as rescue breathing is performed. Because students can't practice CPR on each other, working with a mannequin may be helpful to learn proper technique.
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Teach the ABCs of CPR, which stand for airway, breathing and circulation. One of the most important parts of teaching CPR is to help students recognize when CPR is needed. Inform students to check the airway for anything that may be obstructing it, such as food. Teach students to check for breathing by watching the chest for movement. Inform students to check for circulation by feeling the pulse at the carotid artery in the neck.
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Show students how to open the airway by tilting the chin up and pressing down on the forehead. Demonstrate how to perform rescue breathing. Show proper hand placement during chest compressions. Explain the depth of the compression to provide adequate blood circulation.
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Provide a written test. Students should be able to answer basic questions, such as the symptoms of a cardiac arrest and how many chest compressions to perform in 1 minute.
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Watch students perform CPR. In addition to a written test, students should be able to perform CPR on the mannequin. Create a simple scenario where CPR is indicated and have students explain step by step what they would do. Be sure to check the student is using proper technique when doing both rescue breathing and chest compressions
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Tips & Warnings
Allow enough time for class instruction, review, practice CPR and the tests. Being rushed may prevent you from watching individual students and from making needed corrections. Understand guidelines may be changed as research determines how CPR is most effective. Get the latest, up-to-date CPR guidelines from the American Heart Association.
