What is CPR and when should it be performed according to the American Heart Association?

CPR is an emergency procedure that manually maintains heart function and breathing when someone's heartbeat or breathing stops. It should be performed if a person is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and has no pulse.

What are the different types of CPR methods?

There are two main types: Hands-Only CPR, involving continuous chest compressions, and CPR with breaths, which includes cycles of compressions and rescue breaths.

Are there risks associated with performing CPR?

Yes, CPR involves hard chest compressions that can lead to risks like broken ribs or internal injuries, but these are considered acceptable to save a life.

Home / Health / CPR: Life-Saving Technique Explained

CPR: Life-Saving Technique Explained

7 Dec

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Summary

CPR manually maintains heart function and breathing during emergencies.
Two types of CPR: Hands-Only and CPR with rescue breaths.
CPR risks include rib fractures but are outweighed by saving lives.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential emergency technique designed to sustain a person's heartbeat and breathing until professional medical help arrives. Performing CPR promptly can dramatically improve survival rates, offering a crucial intervention during life-threatening events.

The procedure involves manual chest compressions to circulate blood and, in some cases, rescue breaths to oxygenate the body. Organizations like the American Heart Association have guided its development, emphasizing a sequence of compressions, airway, and breathing. Two main types exist: Hands-Only CPR and CPR with breaths, with hands-only being as effective in initial minutes for adults.

CPR should be initiated when an individual is unresponsive, not breathing normally, and lacks a pulse, such as during a heart attack or drowning. While the technique can lead to injuries like broken ribs, these risks are considered secondary to the primary goal of saving a life, making CPR knowledge vital for public safety.

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