A Step-by-step Guide To Perform CPR Right Way

A Step-by-step Guide To Perform CPR Right Way
Before we get into how to correctly perform CPR, it is important to know what CPR is?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, it is a crucial life-saving technique, which is used when someone stops breathing or their heart stops beating. This required acting quickly as it can double or even triple the person’s chances of survival.

This step-by-step guide lays down guidelines to perform CPR on people across ages including children, adults and the elderly.

The question is when would you know that it is the right time to perform CPR? For adults, if they are not responsive or are not breathing, it might be the right time to perform CPR. Same is the case for everyone else. However, you must avoid performing CPR if the person is just unconscious but is breathing. One must never perform CPR on a person who is conscious and breathing. It is important to also allow them the space once they gain back their conscious so they can breathe and gasp as much air as needed.

How to prepare for a CPR?

Step 1: it is always about ensuring safety

Check your surroundings for dangers, is there traffic? Is there a chance of fire or objects falling? If yes, try to reach and take the person to a safe place.

Step 2: Position the Person and Open the Airway

Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Now, tilt the person's head back slightly and lift the chin up to open the airway. It is important to do so to allow the air in. Look inside their mouth for any obstruction before performing CPR. If you see any object, carefully remove it.

Step 3: Check for Breathing

Listen for breathing sounds for no more than 10 seconds, if there are no beats, then perform CPR.

Performing CPR on Adults

Step 1: Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, slightly below the nipple line. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

Keep your elbows straight and push hard and fast—around 2 inches deep—at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.

Allow the chest to rise fully between compressions.

Step 2: Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, tilt their head back, lift the chin, pinch their nose, and seal your mouth over theirs.

Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second, watching for chest rise.

If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.

Step 3: Repeat the Cycle

Continue alternating 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until the person starts breathing or professional help arrives.

Performing CPR on Children and Infants

Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Provide Immediate Care

For children, tap the shoulder; for infants, gently flick the sole of the foot to check for a response.

If unresponsive and alone, provide 2 minutes of CPR before seeking emergency help.

Step 2: Adjust Technique for Size

For children: Use one hand for chest compressions, pressing down 2 inches (or one-third of the chest’s depth).

For infants: Use two fingers in the center of the chest, pressing down 1.5 inches.

Step 3: Rescue Breaths

For children, pinch the nose and cover their mouth with yours to give two breaths.

For infants, cover both the nose and mouth with your mouth and deliver gentle breaths.

Step 4: Continue CPR

Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the child or infant begins breathing or professional help arrives.

Key Considerations for CPR

Use CPR for emergencies like cardiac arrest, drowning, choking, or trauma.

Always ensure the person is unresponsive and not breathing before starting CPR.

Be prepared to adjust techniques for infants, children, and adults based on their size.

Note: this is only for emergency circumstance. If there is a healthcare or a medical professional next to you, it is always advisable to seek for their help.