Learn CPR to save lives.

CPR is an abbreviation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. CPR training is a lifesaving procedure used when someone has no breathing or experiences breathing difficulties.

It combines both chest compressions and rescue breathing. Chest compressions helps to circulate oxygen-rich blood and Rescue breathing provides oxygen.

If blood flow stops, it can cause permanent brain damage as well as death, so it is important to keep blood circulating until trained medics arrive.

If you are not able to administer rescue breathes one can give continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute.

Most of the time you may feel like your skills are not 100% but always remember that doing CPR or not doing can be the difference between the victims’ life and death.

Process

Danger assessment

• First, make sure that it is safe to help the casualty. If not, move the casualty to a safer place.

Response

• Then check if the casualty is responsive, if not call out for extra help

Airway

Carefully open the airway. This can be done by carefully placing your hand on the forehead and two fingers at the chin and gently tilting the head to the back. This will help to maintain an open airway.

Breathing

Check for normal breathing. This means checking to find out if the casualty is breathing normally this should not take more than 10 seconds so that the vital organs do not lack oxygen.

Look at the chest and abdominal movements, if no movements, then the casualty is not breathing. You can also listen to the sounds of breathing, and feel for the warmth of the breath

Action 

If the casualty is not breathing normally, send someone to call an ambulance, and start chest compressions. Do 30 chest compressions at the rate of 100-120 per minute.

Now combine chest compressions with rescue breaths.

• Open the airways using the head tilt, chin lift method
• Nip the soft part of the casualties’ nose dosed and allow the mouth to open at the same time make sure the chin is still lifted.
• Take a normal breath and seal your lips with the casualties’ mouth then steadily blow in the air into the mouth.
• Keep the airway open, remove your mouth and watch chest fall as air comes out
• Reseal your mouth and give the casualty another rescue breath.

Then return your hand back to the right position for chest compression and give 30 chest compressions use the heel of both hands when performing chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.

If the paramedics have not arrived yet continue with this pattern of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. Read more on The 4 Steps of Incident Response.

 

Points to note.

1. Do not interrupt the resuscitation unless when checking if the casualty is breathing right.\
2. Make sure you check the casualty mouth to remove any obstructions
3. Ensure the airway is open every time you attempt to give a rescue breath
4. Do not attempt more than two rescuer breaths each time before returning to chest compressions
5. Continue with the resuscitation until help arrives or the casualty restore breaths.

CPR for Children and Infants

Most rescuers fear to give CPR to children and Infant because they feel that it could potentially harm them. However, giving adult CPR to a child is better than not giving at all.

It is important to note that CPR for children is similar to that of an adult, however, there are some minor modifications such as

Initially, start with 5 rescue breaths then continue to the 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breath patterns.

When performing chest compressions for a child you should use the heel of one hand and for an infant use two fingers

CPR training

It is important to attend CPR training so that you can practice and know much more on CPR and First Aid. CPR training benefits both the individual and the organization.

The greatest benefit of being CPR certified is the ability to save lives during emergency situations. Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death for most adults. Globally around 325,000 cases are reported annually.

Cardiac arrest victims who receive CPR have more chances of survival as compared to those that do not. Note that every minute that passes without giving the victim treatment or CPR their chances of survival is decreased by 10%

Get CPR training in Kenya and start saving lives today