CPR
The purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is to restore vital body functions. We recommend that everyone learn CPR. Knowing the basic ABC's is a good start.
The Basics of CPR
Always call for help before beginning CPR, then follow these ABC's.
"A" IS FOR AIRWAY" If a person is choking and conscious, use the Heimlich Maneuver to clear the airway. To do this, make a fist with the thumb side of your fist against the victim's abdomen, just above the navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and press quickly into the abdomen with an upward thrust. Continue thrusting until the object is dislodged.
Figure 1. While the victim is conscious, attempt to dislodge the obstruction with the Heimlich Maneuver.
If the person passes out or is already unconscious, roll the victim onto his or her back and look in the mouth. If you can see the obstruction, pull it out. If this isn't possible, reposition the victim's head sometimes tipping the chin back helps dislodge whatever is caught in the throat. If you must continue, straddle the person, place the heel of your hand just about the navel, and thrust upward.
Figure 2. If the choking victim passes out, continue rescue efforts with upward, abdominal thrusts.
For infants less than 18 months old, the Heimlich Maneuver can do more harm than good. Instead, turn the child over and use five back thrusts between the shoulder blades to dislodge items. Then turn the child over and use just two fingers to deliver five chest thrusts. Repeat these steps until the object comes loose or help arrives.
"B" IS FOR BREATHING or getting oxygen into the lungs. If the airway is open but the person is not breathing, first lift the chin and pull the jaw forward and check for breathing; if the victim is still not responding, then breathe for him or her. Tip the victim's head back to open the throat, then pinch the nose shut and cover his or her mouth with your own. (For infants, cover both the mouth and nose.) Breathe into the person's mouth until his or her chest rises, then let the air flow out. Deliver another rescue breath and check the person's pulse. Continue until the person begins to breathe on his or her own or help arrives.
"C" IS FOR CIRCULATING oxygen to vital organs. If a person has a pulse, the heart is performing this job; if not, chest compressions can help. To do this, kneel beside the victim and find the notch where the lower part of the breastbone meets the ribs. Position the heel of one hand with the other hand over it just below this "marker." With your shoulders over your hands and your elbows straight, press down. (For a child under eight, use one hand only; for an infant, compress with two fingers between the nipples.) Give 15 compressions, then tilt the head back and deliver two rescue breaths. Check for a pulse and continue if needed.
CPR Courses
CPR courses are offered regularly by the American Red Cross. At these classes, instructors demonstrate correct techniques and allow you to practice them on mannequins. Never practice on another person, since thrusts and compressions can break ribs. For this same reason, never perform CPR on a person unless you are certain his or her life is in danger. However, if you are faced with a true emergency, don't let fear of inflicting a minor injury prevent you from saving a life. Be responsible when it comes to CPR, but also be aggressive.
Even if you have had training, review this information every so often. Regular reviews will help keep these ABC's fresh in your mind in the event of an emergency.
Each class, whether it's for certification or re-training, provides practical guidelines on how and when to administer CPR and the Heimlich Maneuver. Techniques for infants, children, and adults are taught according to the latest medical standards for emergency care.
For more information, please call the American Red Cross.
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