Chandigarh Health Secretary Gives Wrong CPR To Patient. Learn How To Give CPR Correctly
The first 10 minutes after cardiac arrest is significant and is called the golden period.

A viral video has been doing rounds on social media where the health secretary of Chandigarh was seen performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, in the wrong manner. Several doctors have called out the incident as the CPR process that was performed could have been dangerous. Therefore, it becomes necessary to understand the proper technique to follow while performing CPR, as it is the need of the hour. The first 10 minutes after cardiac arrest is significant and is called the golden period. You can save the patient's life if CPR is given during this span of time. We spoke to our expert Dr Naman Patel, MD, Physician, who explained the process of CPR and the correct technique that needs to be followed.

What Is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a technique performed during an emergency when someone's heartbeat or breathing stops during incidents like heart attacks or drowning. CPR involves mimicking the heart pumps by using chest compressions that promote blood flow through your body. The main role of CPR is to deliver oxygen to lungs and brain in your body.

Also Read: What Is CPR And What Happens Inside The Body When It Is Performed

Things To Keep In Mind While Giving CPR

It is essential to give CPR correctly to avoid worsening the condition. Some of the measures that need to be followed while giving CPR are as follows:

What To Do Before Giving CPR

Check the patient

1. You should make the patient lie down on a flat surface. Check if the patient is not fast asleep and try keeping them awake by calling out their name.
2. Check if they are breathing by using two fingers to feel or by looking at their chest to check its movement. Check if the person is awake or try to wake them.
3. One can give CPR to the ailing patient if they have stopped breathing.

Also Read: Warning Signs of a Cardiac Arrest You Must Be Aware Of

How To Give CPR Correctly

1. Sit down on your knees and straighten your back.
2. Next, position your arms correctly. You should ensure that your hands are one upon another and placed at the centre of the patient's chest. Remember to give the compressions by palms and not fingers in adult patients.
3. Your fingers and elbows should be interlocked, and your hands and shoulders should be perpendicular to the patient's chest. However, in the case of infants, you should only use two fingers to give chest compressions.
4. Keep your hands straight and on the middle of the chest while giving compressions. Your shoulders should be placed above the patient's chest; they should be forward so that you can put your entire weight on the patient's chest. Lift your entire body weight off the patient between the two subsequent compressions, allowing the patient's chest to regain its original position.
5. You must go at least five centimetres deep so the heart can pump properly. You have to give 100-120 compressions per minute.
6. You need to give CPR for 10 minutes until the patient is revived or until you get medical help.
7. You can give two rescue breaths after 30 chest compressions to the ailing patient. You should not spend more than 10 seconds while giving rescue breaths.

Takeaway

Following the correct technique while giving CPR is very important to avoid complications. Moreover, CPR should be given at the right time to increase the chance of survival.