CPR Basics

CPR is a technique that is used to continue the blood flow to all vital organs when a victim has gone into cardiac arrest. Through the use of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) by a certified person there is a greater potential of survival for the victim. CPR has three basic but important steps that can be used on any age group. The first is to check the victim and loudly ask them “Are you okay, I repeat are you okay?” If there is no answer you should tilt the head upward by lifting the chin. You will want to find out if the victim is breathing by placing your cheek close to their mouth, while keeping your eyes on their chest, so not to miss if it is rising and falling. If the victim is not breathing the last step is performed by a trained CPR provider who will administer two breaths into the victim’s mouth, then followed by 30 chest compressions. Chest compressions are preformed by kneeling next to the victim and placing your hang in the center of their chest and pressing firmly down about two inches on an adult (less on a child). In emergency it is our tendency to act out of shock and fear but it is important to keep clam because the CPR techniques need to be administered in a specific order and time frame. It is in these vital moments that lives can be saved and that is where being a trained CPR provider will teach you how to act in emergency situations and potentially save the lives of those around you. The CPR classes on the website www.CPRCare.com offer online CPR/AED courses for health care providers as well as for employment.