How To Perform CPR on Adults

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Did you know that nearly 90% of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) that occur in the United States each year are deadly?

Knowing how to perform CPR can make the difference between life and death for someone you love. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. In layperson’s terms, that means using chest compressions and rescue breathing to resuscitate a person who has had a cardiac arrest.

It’s one of the most effective ways to keep someone with a heartbeat until paramedics arrive. Keep reading to learn how to perform CPR on adults.

Check for Signs of Life

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is a life-saving technique used when someone’s heart has stopped.

To perform CPR on an adult, you must first check for signs of life. This includes checking for breathing and a pulse. If the person is not breathing, you will need to perform CPR.

Performing Chest Compressions

If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing, you will need to start CPR with chest compressions. To do this, place the heel of your hand on the breastbone in the center of the chest, and then place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.

Using your body weight, press straight down on the chest, compressing the chest by 2-2.4 inches.

Open the Person’s Airway

It is essential to follow the correct steps when performing CPR on adults. It would help if you opened the person’s airway. This can be done by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Once the airway is open, you will need to check for breathing. If the person is not breathing, you will need to perform CPR.

Pinch Their Nose Shut

This is important because it ensures that they cannot breathe in any air, which could cause them to vomit and aspirate. You will need to use your thumb and pointer finger to pinch their nose shut to create a seal over their nostrils. Make sure you do not let go of their nose while performing CPR, as this could allow them to take a breath and aspirate.

Give Them Two Rescue Breathes

For the rescue breaths, pinch the person’s nose shut and make a seal over their mouth with yours. Breathe in for two seconds and then provide one breath to the person. Watch their chest rise and then repeat.

Continue performing CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths until the person starts to breathe on their own or emergency medical help arrives.

Repeat the Procedures

Repeat the procedures. After completing the chest compressions, open the airway and provide two rescue breaths. Check for signs of life, such as coughing or movement.

If the person shows no signs of life, continue CPR for two minutes before calling for help. When performing CPR on adults, make sure that you have CPR and First Aid Certifications.

Understanding How to Perform CPR on Adults

If someone is not breathing or their heartbeat stops, it is critical to perform CPR. CPR can restart a person’s heart and save their life. Follow these steps on how to perform CPR on adults.

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