CPR is the commonly used acronym for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. CPR is the technique to be used when a person suffers from cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest simply means that the person’s heart has ceased pumping, or in some instances when he has stopped breathing. CPR training is necessary so that and in an emergency situation, CPR can be performed instantly by a trained person to save the life of the victim.
Evolution of CPR
Dr. H.R. Silvester was the first known person in history to use a method similar to CPR during the 19th century. Silvester asked the victim to lie on his back with his arms raised above his head. He then pressed against the chest of the victim to enable him exhale. He repeated the process rapidly (16 times per minute).
Holger Neilson explained the process of artificial respiration in the Boy Scout Handbook of 1911. The victim was made to lie on his side and upward pressure was applied to force air into the lungs. During the latter half of the 20th century the artificial respiration procedure became more commonplace to save patients suffering from cardiac arrests.
The history of the CPR techniques used today emanate from ‘mouth-to-mouth’ resuscitation from the 1950s. CPR as it is recognized and practiced today was initiated at John Hopkins University and was demonstrated to the Maryland Medical Society in 1960.
CPR Technique
The objective of CPR is to keep the blood flowing to the brain and heart of the patient. This prevents any immediate collapse till medical resuscitation takes place with aids such as life support or defibrillation. In fact, the process of CPR is extended until more medical intervention takes place and the heart begins to function normally or until the victim is pronounced dead.
CPR rescues breathing and relieves chest compressions and can be truly effective if it begins within six minutes of the occurrence of cardiac arrest. The technique entails use of both hands–one on top of the other–in the center of the chest. The compressions must be delivered in a pressurized and rapid manner for adults and children older than 8 years.
The recommendation is to provide 30 chest hard compressions followed by two rescue breaths. For infants, use two fingers for chest compressions instead of the hands and the compressions must be relatively minor than those applicable to adults.
Additional information
CPR is not a treatment in itself to re-start the heart beatings but only an interim measure till the patient can be resuscitated through proper medical aid. As per the reports of the American Heart Association, if CPR process commences within a couple of minutes of cardiac arrest and defibrillation is provided within three to five minutes of arrest, the rate of success is more than 50 percent.
Conclusion
CPR is the manual application of breathing techniques and chest compressions to maintain breathing and circulation till medical help is reached. The CPR method is an emergency life-saving procedure and it must therefore be performed using safety precautions.
While providing first aid for the victim with CPR administration, you have to summon the emergency medical service immediately. You will gain adequate confidence to handle an emergency situation once you receive CPR training.
There are many organizations that offer CPR training and certification. The American Heart Association will furnish information about classes in your area. You can enter your ZIP code on the websites of the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association to obtain information about local CPR training. Both organizations offer CPR training and certification courses in workplaces, churches, schools, clubs and other similar bodies.
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