What is CPR and its Effective Technique in India?
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique that combines chest compressions with rescue breaths to help maintain blood circulation and oxygenation of the brain and other vital organs in a person who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
Effective CPR Technique:
The Indian Red Cross Society and other reputable medical organizations in India recommend the following steps for CPR:
- Call 102 or your local emergency number: If you are alone with the person, call 102 or your local emergency number before starting CPR. If you are with someone else, have one person call while the other starts CPR.
- Check the person’s airway, breathing, and circulation (ABCs): Position the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. Tilt their head back and lift their chin to open their airway. Listen for breath sounds and feel for air on your cheek. If they are not breathing, start CPR.
- Start chest compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, just above the nipple line. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, with your fingers interlaced. Push down on the chest with the heel of your hand to a depth of 2-3 inches. Release the pressure and repeat. Continue chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
- Give rescue breaths: After every 30 chest compressions, give two breaths. Pinch the person’s nose shut and give one breath through their mouth. The breath should last about one second and make the person’s chest rise. Give a second breath.
- Continue CPR: Continue chest compressions and rescue breaths in a cycle of 30:2 until emergency medical personnel arrive, the person starts showing signs of regaining consciousness, or you are physically unable to continue.
Important Tips:
- Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
- If you are not trained in CPR, call 102 or your local emergency number and follow any instructions provided.
- If you are trained in CPR but not confident in your abilities, call 102 or your local emergency number and follow any instructions provided.
- CPR should only be performed by someone who is trained in the proper technique.
Hands-Only CPR:
If you are not trained in CPR or are not comfortable giving rescue breaths, you can perform hands-only CPR. This involves only doing chest compressions, without giving rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR is still effective in saving lives and can be performed by anyone.
Remember, CPR should only be performed by someone who is trained in the proper technique. If you are not trained in CPR, call 102 or your local emergency number and follow any instructions provided.