What Does Cpr Stand For

What does CPR stand for? Why is understanding this technique so important? CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Knowing how to perform CPR could save someone's life because is used when someone's heart or breathing stops, meaning oxygenated blood flow is not reaching the brain and other vital organs. Understanding what CPR means and how invaluable a technique it is you just might decide to take a first aid class yourself.

Term Break-Down CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, but what exactly does that mean? Cardio refers to the heart rooted in the Greek work kardia, which means heart. Pulmonary refers to the lungs and in the case of CPR, it more specifically stands for the heart pumping blood through the lungs so it is able to oxygenate the entire body. Resuscitation is the act of reviving. CPR therefore is a technique to revive the heart so it can pump blood through the body and all vital organs can receive oxygenated blood.

Purpose Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is meant to save someone's life. It is particularly useful to help someone who has drowned or whose heart has stopped due to a heart attack. Performing CPR is not the end form of treatment, however, but rather a method of keeping someone alive by maintaining the flow of blood through the body until professional medical care can take over.

Chest Compressions The most crucial aspect of CPR is blood circulation, which can be revived by chest compressions. Even someone who is untrained can still use chest compressions. Using the heel of one hand, placed on the center of the chest, second hand placed on top of the first, it is recommended to push straight down two inches at a rate of 100 times per minute.

Training Having a clear idea of what CPR stands for and knowing how to revive blood flow with chest compressions are basic steps everyone should know. It is also recommended by the American Heart Association that everyone, no matter what their occupation, have CPR training. With an accredited first-aid course you will learn how to perform the full resuscitation process which cycles thirty chest compressions with two rescue breaths.

Tips If in a situation where CPR is necessary, make sure someone is calling for emergency help. Check to see if the person is unconscious before beginning chest compressions. Cycle in rescue breathing if you know how. For a child use one hand for compressions and breathe gently. Always do something rather then nothing.