How to Perform CPR: 6 Easy Steps That Could Save a Life

Advertisement CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a simple first-aid process to revive a person who has stopped breathing. Similar Story In Assam, This Transwoman’s Free Libraries Are Changing How Villages

By Anjali Doney

December 16, 2019

CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a simple first-aid process to revive a person who has stopped breathing.

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Step 1: Call for help

First of all, call or shout for help. Call 112, 102, or 108 for medical assistance or ask someone nearby to do so. Always save emergency numbers on your mobile phone.

All India: 112
Medical: 102, 108
Police: 100
Fire: 101

Step 2: Preliminary Checks

Take stock of the situation quickly.

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Step 3: Open up their airway

Lay them flat on their back.

Tilt their forehead back with one hand, and lift their chin. Open their mouth and check if anything is obstructing the airway.

Briefly listen for breathing. An occasional gasp does not count. If there is no breathing, start performing CPR.

Step 4: Chest Compressions (30 times)

Where: Right on the chest bone. At the centre of an imaginary line joining the nipples.

How: Place the heel of one of your palms on the centre of the chest. Place your other hand over the first one, interlocking fingers. Raise your fingers so they don’t apply unnecessary pressure on the chest or rib cage. Only the heel of your palm should be touching the chest. Lean forward so that your arms are straight above the person’s chest. Push down hard and fast 30 times.

How fast: A little faster than the ticking of the second hand of a clock. The beat of the Bee Gee’s song Stayin’ Alive is a good reference for the speed. Technically, this is 100 compressions per minute.

For infants: You don’t need to apply as much pressure for infants. Place your hand as shown in the image below, instead of the clasp used for adults.

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Step 5: Rescue Breaths (2 times)

Tilt the person’s head slightly back and lift their chin. Open their mouth, pinch their nose shut and place your mouth fully over theirs. Blow into the person’s mouth. Watch if the chest rises. Repeat two such rescue breaths.

Note: If the chest does not rise with the first breath, tilt the head and try again. If the chest still doesn’t rise, the person may be choking. Check their airway for obstructions.

Step 6: Repeat Compressions & Breaths

Continue the cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths, until the person starts breathing or a trained medical professional arrives. It may take up to 20 minutes of CPR before the person is revived.

Note: Do not continue with CPR if the person starts breathing.

SUMMARY

Call for help. Emergency numbers: 112, 102, or 108.
A quick safety check for electrocution and other threats.
Open the airway and check for breathing.
Apply 30 chest compressions.
Administer 2 rescue breaths.
Repeat the compression-breath cycles till the person is breathing or help arrives.

India is such a big country and it’s difficult to get prompt medical assistance to everyone in need because of distance, traffic, infrastructure, etc. So if most people know these simple first-aid techniques, that can save many lives!”

Dr Nelia Mathew