First of all, absolutely anyone can do CPR, from children to adults. Even those with physical disabilities can learn CPR and direct those that don’t to perform correct CPR!
What is CPR?
CPR is considered a Basic Life Saving Intervention, meaning doing the simple act of chest compressions could be the difference between someone seeing their family again… or not. When you perform CPR on someone, you’re compressing their chest, pumping their heart, and in turn helping the body to circulate blood.
Why is CPR Important?
Simply put, it helps maintain someone’s life. It is important to note that CPR alone won’t restart a heart, but it can help keep them alive for several minutes while an AED is placed or when the ambulance arrives on scene.
When Should I Perform CPR?
Perform CPR when there are no signs of life, for example:
- Their chest hasn’t risen in 10 seconds.
- There’s no air coming from their mouth.
- They are not responding to stimulus.
This would mean they are now in cardiac arrest and you should:
- Call 999.
- Perform CPR.
- Grab an AED (999 will grant you access to a specific AED cabinet).
If there are multiple people, take turns doing CPR every 2 minutes to ensure chest compression efficiency. It’s quite difficult to maintain quality depth and 120 compressions per minute.
Should I Do CPR When Someone is Having a Heart Attack?
Nope! A heart attack is not the same as a cardiac arrest. A heart attack is when someone has some form of clogging within an artery, causing immense chest pain. Often, people having a heart attack will be both awake and alert. They’ll talk to you and can often call 999.
However, people in cardiac arrest cannot interact, respond, breathe, or call 999. It’s important to note that both conditions are considered Category 1 by the ambulance service but require different responses.
What if They’re a Child?
When performing CPR on a child under 8 years old, use one palm and adjust the pressure accordingly. For infants under 12 months, use two fingers instead. It’s highly recommended to take a CPR course, as the techniques for adults, children, and infants differ significantly. This training will ensure you know the proper techniques and can act confidently in an emergency.
How Can I Learn CPR?
Great question! There are a few ways you can learn CPR:
- Book a course: Certified ones can cost around £85.
- Ask your workplace: If they require first aiders, they’ll often cover the cost of your course, usually referred to as FAAW (First Aid At Work).
- Follow Local CPR-oriented charities: They often teach for free, be it at a fair or in-house learning.
Additional Tips
- Straight Arms Save Lives: Keep your arms straight and use your body to compress.
- CPR for Different Age Groups: Techniques vary slightly for infants, children, and adults.
- Hands-Only CPR: Even without rescue breaths, chest compressions can be lifesaving.
- Early Defibrillation: Use an AED as soon as possible for the best chance of survival.
- CPR Training Resources: Online courses and apps can provide valuable training.
- Legal Protection: Good Samaritan laws protect those who perform CPR in emergencies.
- Metal Should Be Removed: This does include bras and necklaces.