This episode of #askCarePoint, we discuss the question “What is CPR?” CPR stands for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, and it’s a set of skills that can artificially restore oxygenated blood flow to someone whose heart has stopped beating properly. Once the need for CPR has been verified, the main components of the procedure are chest compressions, oxygenation and defibrillation. These components can be combined several ways depending on the condition of the victim, the ability of the rescuer, and the availability of equipment.
When a person’s heart stops beating properly, CPR provides artificial circulation of blood by way of chest compressions. By pushing hard and fast on the sternum, we compress the heart and pump blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs. To make sure the circulating blood carries oxygen to the organs, we provide breaths by mouth, mask or ventilation device.
So, who needs CPR?
If you are not a healthcare provider, you’ll perform CPR on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing. Healthcare providers will need to check for a pulse in addition to responsiveness and breathing before beginning CPR.
Who can give CPR?
In short, YOU! You can save someone’s life by performing CPR until help arrives, your actions can make a great difference in someone’s life. And studies show that 9 out of 10 times, that someone may be a friend or loved-one.
Isn’t CPR more effective if performed by a healthcare provider or EMS?
If EMS personnel are the first to begin CPR, that is, if bystander CPR is not in place, the survival rate is somewhere around 11%. However, if bystanders begin CPR and use an AED prior to EMS arrival, 38% of victims survive cardiac arrest. So don’t wait for the professionals, 3 times more people will survive if you begin CPR prior to EMS arrival.
You can learn the steps to perform bystander CPR by clicking the link in the description. Also, taking a CPR class can greatly increase your ability and confidence in providing emergency care. One great resource to find a local class is the American Heart Association’s website, also linked in the description.
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Find an American Heart Association CPR class near you: cpr.heart.org
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