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Author:- Mr. Ritesh Sharma
What are the 7 steps of CPR? Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can make all the difference in an emergency situation. Knowing how to perform CPR correctly is crucial when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. To help you feel confident and prepared, we’ll break down the process into seven simple steps. By understanding these steps, you’ll be ready to act effectively in a critical moment. So, if you ever wondered: What are the 7 steps of CPR? Worry not, we have got you covered.
What Are the 7 Steps of CPR?
CPR involves a series of steps designed to restore blood flow and breathing in an individual who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating due to poor heart health, the pulse rate has gone almost 0 BPM (full form Beats Per Minute). The seven steps of CPR are straightforward but essential to follow meticulously. Here’s a detailed look at each step:
1. Ensure Safety
Before beginning CPR, the first step is to ensure the safety of both yourself and the victim. Make sure the environment is safe and there are no immediate dangers, such as traffic or fire. Check if the scene is safe for you to proceed. If the area is hazardous, move the victim to a safer location if possible. Whilst doing this also ensure that what compelled the person to geta CPR– is it s heart attack? Cardiac Arrest or some respiratory issue.
2. Check Responsiveness
Once the scene is secure, assess the victim’s responsiveness. Gently shake the person’s shoulders and ask, “Are you okay?” If the person does not respond or shows no signs of consciousness, call for emergency medical help immediately. If you’re alone, call ambulance before beginning CPR. In a public setting, ask someone nearby to call for help while you start CPR. Also. it is important to identify if the person actually had a big heart episode or he/she is just suffering from cardiac arrhythmia and fainted due to that.
3. Call for Help
This step involves notifying emergency services. If you’re alone, use a phone to call nearby emergency service and report the emergency. Provide clear information about the victim’s location, condition, and any other pertinent details. If you’re in a crowded place, delegate this task to a bystander while you begin CPR. Calling for help ensures that professional medical assistance is on the way to trerat the particular heart condition that cannot be identified bt just abnormal ECG.
4. Open the Airway
With the victim lying on their back on a firm surface, open their airway to ensure it is clear. Place one hand on their forehead and use your other hand to lift the chin upward. This maneuver helps open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Avoid placing your fingers in the mouth, as this can cause further injury or block the airway while doing CPR. This can further worsen the condition of heart blockage (if it is there).
5. Check for Breathing
Once the airway is open, check for normal breathing. See if the blood is flowing through all chambers of the heart. Place your ear close to the victim’s mouth and nose, and watch their chest for any rise and fall. Listen for any sounds of breathing. This should be done for no more than 10 seconds. If the victim is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately.
6. Perform Chest Compressions
Chest compressions are crucial to maintain blood circulation. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to compress the chest by about 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. These compressions can revive the blood flow through the valves of the heart Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions. Compressions help circulate blood and oxygen to vital organs until professional help arrives.
7. Administer Rescue Breaths
After 30 chest compressions, give the victim 2 rescue breaths. To do this, first ensure the airway remains open. Pinch the victim’s nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give a breath lasting about 1 second, making sure the chest rises visibly. Repeat this for a total of 2 breaths. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency services arrive or the victim shows signs of regaining consciousness, showing that the heartbeat is restored and now you may perform an ECG (full form electrocardiogram) test.
Why Knowing the 7 Steps of CPR is Important?
Understanding what are the 7 steps of CPR can significantly impact the outcome of an emergency. In many cases, immediate CPR can increase the chances of survival and reduce the risk of severe brain damage or death. By following these steps, you can provide crucial assistance until professional help arrives. Remember, the sooner you start CPR, the better the chances of a positive outcome.
In summary, knowing what are the 7 steps of CPR is vital for anyone who wants to be prepared for emergencies. The seven steps—ensuring safety, checking responsiveness, calling for help, opening the airway, checking for breathing, performing chest compressions, and administering rescue breaths—are straightforward but essential to save lives. Mastering these steps and performing them correctly can make a significant difference in a crisis. Consider taking a CPR course to practice these skills and be ready to act confidently when needed. Also, to steer away from conditions that necessiates a CPR, ensure that you take perfect heart healthy diet for heart health as well as regular exercise.