How To Perform CPR

Learning how to perform CPR isn't as difficult as it might seem. Nothing is likely to take away from the nerves that accompany matters of life and death, but calm or shaky, after reading this, you'll be more prepared if you find yourself in the vicinity of someone who needs your help to start breathing again.

Materials:

• Pocket Ventilator

1. Ask if the person in distress is okay several times to see if you can generate a response before starting CPR. If there's no response, go on to check for their breath.
2. If the person in distress isn't breathing, gently ease the head up enough to give you a solid view of their airway. This helps to be sure there are no obstructions blocking the air supply before you do CPR. You should also swipe the mouth to clear away anything blocking the throat.
3. Pinch the nostrils closed and breath twice (or use the ventilator to deliver two bursts of air) into the person's airway. If air is correctly making it in, the chest of the person will rise.
4. Place your index and middle finger on the carotid artery of the person's neck (the major artery on the side of the neck) to check for their pulse. If there is no heartbeat, follow the two breaths by placing your palm's heel over the spot between the breastbone and ribs. During CPR, keep the arms straight and give the area 30 chest compressions. Count aloud to be sure you're keeping accurate count. If neither breath or heartbeat return, go on to step six then seven.
5. Pinch the nostrils again and deliver two more bursts of air by mouth or ventilator (as in step four).
6. Give 30 chest compressions again to try and jump start the heart (as in step five).
7. Repeat giving breath and chest compressions as needed until medics arrive or the person starts to breath again. If the heartbeat returns, you can still give another round or two of 30 chest compressions each to help the heart which may be straining to function.

Tips and Warnings:

Infant compressions are completed by using two-fingers rather than the heel of the palm. Press down only on the sternum. Avoid pressing on the pointy xyphoid (by lower ribs-it is sharp enough to perforate internal organs if pressed too hard). Compress one-third the depth of the chest, and do 30-count compressions. Cover the baby's nostrils and deliver two bursts of air, then repeat compressions as before. Continue the cycle for at least two minutes to ensure oxygen has returned to the child's vital organs.

Typically, heart compressions are unnecessary when performing CPR; you only need them if there is no pulse.

If you can, pick up a pocket ventilator and keep it in your car. It's not necessary, but it can help you to perform CPR efficiently without exhausting yourself.