Seeing someone nearly drown can be a scary experience. Those first few minutes can make a big difference in that person’s life, when the need for CPR may be necessary. In fact, that person may be you, whether you are CPR certified or not.<\/p>\n
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a very common term and perhaps you\u2019ve seen somebody perform it (or saw it in a movie). CPR is crucial in emergencies, and it\u2019s to your benefit and those around you that you learn some basics.<\/p>\n
In this article you will learn more about the basics of CPR and how it can be beneficial in many ways.<\/p>\n
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation really is a lifesaving technique. This technique might be used in many emergencies that involve a heart attack or near drowning. When someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped, CPR can be used to resuscitate the person. It is performed by using forceful compressions on the chest, over the breastbone.<\/p>\n
Why is CPR so effective? Performing CPR can actually keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical personnel can restore a normal heart rhythm. When the heart stops, the lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in only a few minutes. A person may die within eight to ten minutes.<\/p>\n
If you are in a situation where CPR needs to be performed, the American Heart Association recommends that you begin with chest compressions, even if you are an untrained bystander. Using chest compressions only is known as Hands-Only CPR.<\/p>\n
Additional components of CPR include using a tube in the windpipe, assisted breathing with a device and electrical shocks.<\/p>\n
If you are in a situation where someone is involved in a heart attack or near drowning you can help. If you are untrained and have immediate access to a phone, you should first call 911. The dispatcher can instruct you in the proper procedures until help arrives.<\/p>\n
However, that does not mean there is nothing else you can do. The American Heart Association suggests the following:<\/p>\n
Untrained<\/strong>
\nIf you’re not trained in CPR, then you should provide Hands-Only CPR. That means uninterrupted chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute until paramedics arrive. You don’t need to try rescue breathing. A good way to keep track of these compressions is to maintain compressions to the tempo of \u201cStayin\u2019 Alive\u201d by the Bee Gees.<\/p>\n