When I learned the new steps to performing CPR I knew immediately that it was going to be a very good thing. The new CPR method is called hands-only cpr and is recommended by the American Heart Association. Gone is the confusing and anxiety ridden method that includes mouth-to-mouth breathing. Not only is the thought of performing cpr daunting as it is, but having to do breaths complicated things. People were concerned, and rightfully so, that they may not do it properly and were concerned about locking lips with a total stranger. It was estimated that it took 16 seconds for a rescuer to give 2 breaths, valuable time lost. The new hands-only method is simple and actually has been found to save more lives.
The steps to performing cpr are now very easy. You can find a lot of information about cpr guidelines online. The American Heart Association offers a video of the hands-only cpr method. You don't necessarily need to take a class to learn it. You may also find cpr classes offered at a local hospital taught by the American Heart Association. Many workplaces offer cpr instruction and certification.
The new cpr guides instruct that after trying to awaken a victim, unsuccessfully, 911 is called and chest compressions begin. The chest compressions are to be given hard and fast and uninterrupted until medical professionals arrive.
Kneeling over the victim the heel of your hand should be placed between the nipples in the center of the chest. You should place your other hand over top of the bottom hand and interlace the fingers. Press down, forcefully to compress the chest 1 1/2 to 2 inches. You should try to administer 100 chest compressions per minute. If there is an automatic external defibrillation or AED available this should be used after one minute of unsuccessful cpr.
Don't worry about hurting the victim. It's estimated that 1/3 of cardiac arrest victims who have cpr administered receive broken or cracked ribs, not a risk at all considering that doing nothing will assure the victim will die.
One estimate puts the number of Americans who die every year of cardiac arrest at 310,000. It is also estimated that three quarters of victims will be in their homes when the cardiac event occurs. This means that the simple steps to performing cpr could help you save the life of a loved one.
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sharon
Posted 57 days ago
You always think it won't happen to you but it did to me on xmas day. A friend stopped breathing and had no pulse. I rang 000 then started chest compressions I had seen on TV preying I was doing it right. I did and she is alive.
trevon
Posted 65 days ago
thiis sum ol bull [beep] [beep] youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu
Trevor
Posted 165 days ago
I just completed the hands on cpr training course last week. I have never taken any other class before, but there were many participants saying this was a better methood.
