CPR: Save a life!

By: Laura Clarke, MEd, ATC

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergency situations where someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped.  Statistics show that immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a person’s chance of survival.  CPR helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other organs until advanced medical treatment can be done.  Unfortunately, about 70 percent of Americans feel helpless to act during a cardiac emergency because they don’t know how to administer CPR.

The basic components of CPR include chest compressions and breathing.  The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends for adult, children, and infants to begin with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths for an unresponsive or unconscious person after calling 911 and getting an automated external defibrillator (AED), if available.

The chain of survival is important to remember in a life threatening situation.  The 5 links according to the AHA are:

• Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and calling 911 or your local emergency response system
• CPR
• Use of AED
• Advance life support
• Post care

These are the basic guidelines for CPR, but cannot replace real training to become CPR certified.

For more information and to find a course near you visit the American Heart Association at www.heart.org or the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org.

References:

Eisenberg, Mickey. “LEARN CPR – CPR Information and Training Resources.”LEARN CPR – CPR Information and Training Resources. University of Washington School of Medicine, Oct. 2010. Web. 27 June 2014

“Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): First Aid.” – Mayo Clinic. Mayo Clinic Staff, 7 Feb. 2012. Web. 30 June 2014.