Whether you are entertained with a pool, sports or any other outside activity, there are always risks. A common error many parents commit is not learning the hazards and how to stop them if they occur. One of the greatest aids to a guardian is to know the basics of CPR.
CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is used with a process of consistent chest pressure and transferring oxygenated blood to a patient who is having no signs of breathing.
If you are looking to learn more about how to perform CPR properly – visit the American Heart Association’s website to find a CPR course near you.
CPR is also done to preserve brain functions of an individual who is having cardiac arrest. However, how does CPR truly work, and what are the most effective ways to guarantee saving a life?
Breathing is important because air enters our body, which contains oxygen. That oxygen travels through our lungs and into our hearts – turning deoxygenated blood into the oxygenated counterpart. When someone is having a heart attack, their heart stops pumping, and when that happens there is no more transfer of oxygenated blood going throughout the body.
Seeing CPR done on television, we notice that the heroic actor would breathe desperately into the lifeless human. However, that’s not the case for CPR is reality. The biggest focus one should have in the event of CPR needing to be done is chest compression. The bare-bones of chest compression are pushing down quickly with pressure multiple times and going down nearly two inches. The way that it works is that the heart will start pumping manually, and will be sufficient usually until a defibrillator can be used to reinstate the heart movements. However, there can be a major difference when trying to draw a pulse from an infant and adult.
CPR for adults is most likely due to cardiac arrest because of heart problems, whereas infants who need CPR are usually forced into it from a respiratory restriction which then leads into a cardiac arrest.
When an infant is having a heart attack, the technique goes as follows:
Check to see if the child is responsive via a tap, to then proceed with checking the pulse. When you can’t feel the pulse, continue with chest compression. The rate of compression is around the zone of one-hundred every minute. The American Heart Association recommends 1.5-2 inches of compression as well as 5-6 breathes of air each minute. Before calling for help, continue CPR for two minutes so your child has the best chances of survival.
The summer is fun, and meant to enjoy since many are on holidays and basking in the warmth and sunshine. However, in worst-case scenarios CPR can occur and it’s best to get First AID classes and a certificate in CPR to have a chance of success in the case of being alone. CPR from adults to infants differs, but the method has only several changes while the overall concept is the same. Chest compression won’t reboot the heart, but will manually keep it pumping until an electrical current can shock the individual back to life.
The summer is long and winded, filled with amazing opportunities, but also risks. CPR can dilute those risks out of your mind, and it is recommended to be learned.