When someone’s breathing or heartbeat have stopped due to an emergency, such as a heart attack or a near-drowning, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help save their life. The American Heart Association advises performing quick, forceful chest compressions to begin CPR.
It’s always better to try than to do nothing at all if you’re hesitant to administer CPR or aren’t sure how to do it properly. The choice between taking action and doing nothing could mean the difference between life and death.
Until medical personnel can assist, CPR keeps the victim’s blood pumping.
According to MedicalNewsToday CPR can increase a victim’s probability of survival by doubling or even tripling it if it is performed as soon as their heart stops beating.
This article includes a step-by-step guide for practicing CPR according to the Mayo Clinic.
Step 1 – Call emergency services
Step 2 – Start CPR
Place one of your hands on top of the other and clasp them together. With the heel of the hands and straight elbows, push hard and fast in the center of the chest, slightly below the nipples.
Push at least 5 centimeters deep. Compress their chest at a rate of least 100 times per minute. Let the chest rise fully between compressions.
Step 3 – Perform two rescue breaths
Making sure their mouth is clear, tilt their head back slightly and lift their chin. Pinch their nose shut, place your mouth fully over theirs, and blow to make their chest rise.
If their chest does not rise with the first breath, retilt their head. If their chest still does not rise with a second breath, the person might be choking.
Step 4 – Repeat
Repeat the cycle of 30 chest compressions and two rescue breaths until the person starts breathing or help arrives.
Also see: What causes a panic attack
