Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped. It is an important skill for most people in the community to have.
The general guidelines for performing CPR are:
Assess the Situation:
Ensure the safety of the environment. Make sure there are no immediate dangers to yourself, the victim, or bystanders.
Check if the person is responsive by tapping them and shouting, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, the person may need CPR.
Call for Help:
If you are alone, call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the United States) or ask someone nearby to do so.
Check for Breathing:
Tilt the person's head backward slightly to open the airway.
Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Watch for chest rise, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.
If the Person is Not Breathing:
Begin chest compressions.
Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, just below the nipple line.
Place the other hand on top of the first and interlock the fingers.
Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
Use your body weight to compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Allow the chest to recoil completely between compressions.
Give Rescue Breaths:
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
Ensure an open airway and give a breath that lasts about one second and makes the chest rise visibly.
Continue the cycle of 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
Continue CPR Until Help Arrives:
Continue CPR until emergency medical personnel arrive, the person starts breathing on their own, or you are too exhausted to continue.
CPR is an important skill to have that is best learned through formal training. If possible, take a CPR course from a certified provider. Guidelines for CPR may vary by country, so it's essential to be familiar with the specific recommendations in your region.