How to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Imagine this – In a day on a bright Sunday morning, you stroll down the street, when birds are chirping around you and dogs barking on each other. Many passer-bys say hello to you, even though you are unknown to them.

All of a sudden, a passer-by collapse and drop in front of you. What would you do? Well, you could yell for help, but yelling without proper medical help is often ineffective in saving someone’s life.

No worries – Here is a knol written by Imron, an Emergency Physician, about the 7-step approach to do Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) the right way.

CPR is accessible to everybody. You don’t need to be a health care professional to do CPR. In fact, CPR method is aimed for someone who has no medical background.

Don’t worry – There are only two needed to do CPR – You and a telephone/cell phone. Even better, three person is better than one (this could be achieved through yelling!) The second person helps you and the third person gets more help. A face shield/barrier could help you maintain hygiene during mouth-to-mouth breathing.

7 Steps to do CPR

1. Check for responsiveness
   Check for responsiveness by shouting and shaking the unconscious victim.
2. Call for help
   Call for help by dialling the local medical emergency response number in your city or call for help by telling someone next to you, to get medical help immediately.
3. Open airway
   Open the airway by performing head tilt-chin lift.
4. Look, listen and feel
   Look for movement of breathing, listen for breathing sounds and feel for airflow of breaths.
5. Give two rescue breaths
   Give two rescue breaths by mouth-to-mouth breathing.
6. Check for pulse
   Feel for presence of a carotid pulse in the neck.
7. Start chest compressions
   Begin chest compressions and breaths at 30:2 ratio.

For more detailed explanation on each step, please consult to the CPR knol.