In this article, you will learn the essential steps of performing CPR on adults. Knowing how to administer CPR can greatly increase the chances of saving someone’s life in an emergency situation. Whether you’re a healthcare professional or a concerned bystander, understanding the proper techniques is crucial in providing immediate assistance until medical help arrives. By following these simple yet critical steps, you can be prepared to respond confidently and effectively in a CPR emergency.
Checking for Danger
First and foremost, before you even begin to assess the safety of the scene or the condition of the patient, it is crucial to ensure your own safety. Always be aware of any potential dangers in the surrounding environment, such as traffic, electrical hazards, or unstable structures. If the scene is hazardous, do not put yourself at risk. Your safety should be the top priority.
Assessing the Safety of the Scene
Once you have confirmed that the scene is safe, approach the patient cautiously and assess the overall safety of the area. Look for any additional hazards that may pose a risk to you or the patient, such as fire, chemicals, or sharp objects. Ensure that there is adequate space for you to perform CPR without obstructions. If there are any potential dangers, take appropriate actions to mitigate them or seek professional help if needed.
Identifying Potential Hazards
As you continue to evaluate the scene, keep an eye out for any potential hazards that could worsen the patient’s condition or impede the effectiveness of CPR. This can include things like water, which may require modifications to your approach, or loose objects that could interfere with chest compressions. By identifying and addressing these potential hazards, you can ensure a safer and more effective CPR procedure.
Checking for Responsiveness
Once you have determined that the scene is safe, the next step is to assess the patient’s responsiveness. Gently tap the patient on the shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” Observe their reaction and listen for any verbal or physical response. If there is no response, you can assume that the patient is unresponsive and requires immediate medical attention.
Activating the Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
If the patient is unresponsive, it is crucial to activate the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as soon as possible. Dial the emergency number in your country, such as 911, and provide them with accurate information about the situation. Stay on the line and follow their instructions. Prompt activation of EMS ensures that professional help is on its way while you initiate life-saving measures.
Positioning the Patient
Before checking the patient’s airway, it is important to ensure that they are in the proper position for optimal CPR. Gently roll the patient onto their back, making sure to support their head, neck, and back as you do so. This position allows for easier access to the airway and ensures that the patient is in a stable and comfortable position for the procedure.
Opening the Airway
To open the patient’s airway, use the head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver. Place one hand on the patient’s forehead and gently tilt their head back, while simultaneously lifting their chin with your other hand. This maneuver helps to align the airway and ensure proper airflow. Once the airway is open, you can proceed to check for breathing.
Looking, Listening, and Feeling for Breathing
Get close to the patient’s face and observe for any signs of normal breathing, such as chest rise and fall or the movement of air. Listen carefully for any sounds of breathing and feel for any air movement on your cheek. Take a maximum of 10 seconds to carefully assess the patient’s breathing. If there are no signs of breathing, you will need to begin CPR immediately.
Recognizing Agonal Breathing
While assessing the patient’s breathing, it is important to know that agonal breathing, also known as gasping, is not normal breathing. Agonal breathing is often slow and irregular, and it is a sign of cardiac arrest. Do not mistake agonal breathing for signs of recovery or normal breathing. If you observe agonal breathing, it is crucial to start CPR right away.
Proper Hand Placement
To perform effective chest compressions, proper hand placement is critical. Kneel beside the patient and locate the lower half of their breastbone. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone, just above the spot where it joins the ribs. Stack your other hand on top, interlacing the fingers. Ensure that your hands are positioned correctly to exert pressure on the chest during compressions.
Rate and Depth of Compressions
When performing chest compressions, remember to maintain an appropriate rate and depth. Aim for a compression rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute. To achieve adequate depth, compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) for adults. This depth allows for effective blood circulation and helps improve the chances of restoring natural circulation during CPR.
Allowing Full Chest Recoil
In the process of performing chest compressions, it is crucial to allow for full chest recoil after each compression. When releasing pressure, let the chest fully rise back up before initiating the next compression. Allowing for complete chest recoil ensures proper blood flow and allows the heart to refill with blood, increasing the effectiveness of CPR.
Ensuring Proper Head Tilt and Chin Lift
When providing rescue breaths, it is vital to ensure that the patient’s airway remains open. To achieve this, continue to maintain the head-tilt/chin-lift position while delivering rescue breaths. This maneuver helps to prevent the patient’s tongue from blocking the airway and ensures that the air you deliver goes directly into the lungs, providing oxygen to the body.
Maintaining Effective Seal
To deliver rescue breaths effectively, it is crucial to maintain an airtight seal between your mouth and the patient’s. Place your mouth fully over the patient’s mouth, covering both their mouth and nose firmly. Ensure that no air leaks out during the breath delivery. A tight seal maximizes the amount of air entering the patient’s lungs and optimizes oxygenation.
Delivering Appropriate Volume of Air
When delivering rescue breaths, it is essential to provide an appropriate volume of air. Each breath should be delivered over approximately one second, and it should be sufficient to make the patient’s chest visibly rise. Avoid exhaling too forcefully or too softly. Aim for consistent and adequate breaths to ensure optimal oxygenation during the CPR procedure.
Recognizing the Need for an AED
In some cases, using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) may be necessary to restore the patient’s heart rhythm. If an AED is available, carefully follow the instructions provided with the device. Recognize the signs that indicate the need for an AED, such as the patient exhibiting no signs of circulation or breathing, or if they have suddenly collapsed. Time is of the essence when utilizing an AED, so act quickly and precisely.
Proper AED Placement
When using an AED, proper placement of the electrodes or pads is crucial. Remove any clothing or moisture from the patient’s chest to ensure good contact. Apply the pads to the designated locations as indicated by the AED. One pad should be placed on the upper right side of the chest, just below the collarbone, and the other on the left side of the chest, slightly below the nipple line. Ensure that the pads are firmly attached to achieve accurate readings.
Following AED Voice Prompts
AED devices are designed to provide step-by-step voice prompts and guidance throughout the resuscitation process. Listen carefully to the instructions provided by the AED and follow them accordingly. The device will analyze the patient’s heart rhythm and determine if a shock is required. Only administer a shock if instructed to do so by the AED. These devices are user-friendly and will guide you through the process, even if you have limited experience with them.
Implementing Two-Rescuer CPR
In a situation where there are multiple trained individuals available, implementing two-rescuer CPR can be highly beneficial. Two-rescuer CPR allows for more effective chest compressions and regular rotation of rescuers, preventing fatigue. One rescuer can focus on performing high-quality compressions while the other provides rescue breaths. By working together, two rescuers can optimize the chances of successful CPR.
Switching Roles Regularly
When performing two-rescuer CPR, it is crucial to switch roles regularly to avoid fatigue and maintain the quality of compressions and rescue breaths. Rotate the roles of the chest compressor and the individual delivering the breaths every two minutes, or earlier if necessary. This rotation ensures that both rescuers remain fresh and can continue to provide high-quality CPR until professional medical assistance arrives.
Identifying Signs of Severe Airway Obstruction
In situations where a patient is choking, prompt action is required to clear their airway. Identify signs of severe airway obstruction by observing the patient’s inability to speak, cough, or breathe altogether. They may exhibit panic or distress and may clutch their throat. These signs indicate that immediate intervention is necessary to dislodge the obstruction and restore normal breathing.
Performing Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)
For a conscious choking adult, perform abdominal thrusts, also known as the Heimlich maneuver. Stand behind the patient and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a fist with one hand, placing the thumb side just above the navel and below the ribcage. Grasp the fist with your other hand and forcefully push inward and upward, repeating until the obstruction is cleared or the patient becomes unconscious.
Maintaining an Adequate Rate and Depth of Compressions
Throughout the CPR procedure, it is crucial to maintain an adequate rate and depth of chest compressions. Aim for a compression rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute, ensuring that you allow the chest to fully recoil between each compression. By maintaining a steady rhythm and depth, you can optimize blood circulation and increase the chances of a successful outcome.
Minimizing Interruptions in CPR
When performing CPR, it is essential to minimize interruptions to ensure continuous and effective chest compressions and rescue breaths. The more consistent and uninterrupted the CPR, the better the chances of successful resuscitation. Avoid unnecessary pauses, communicate effectively with other rescuers, and ensure a smooth transition during role switches. By minimizing interruptions, you can maximize the patient’s chance of survival.
Performing CPR on adults is a critical life-saving skill that anyone can learn. By following these essential steps, you can confidently provide immediate care to a person in need until professional medical help arrives. Remember, every second counts in a cardiac arrest situation, and your actions can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Stay calm, follow the procedures diligently, and be the hero that saves a life.