How to Perform CPR: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It's a critical skill that everyone should learn. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step approach to performing CPR on adults, children, and infants.
Why Learn CPR?
CPR can significantly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, anytime, and knowing how to respond can make all the difference. Learn more about Firstaiders and our commitment to providing life-saving training.
1. Recognising the Need for CPR
Before initiating CPR, it's crucial to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest. These include:
Unresponsiveness: The person does not respond to shaking or shouting.
No Normal Breathing: The person is not breathing or is only gasping (agonal breathing). Agonal breathing is not normal breathing and should be treated as if the person is not breathing at all.
Important: If you are unsure whether someone needs CPR, it's always best to err on the side of caution and begin CPR. Calling for help is paramount; if possible, get someone else to call emergency services while you begin CPR. If you are alone, call emergency services yourself before starting CPR, putting the phone on speaker if possible so the dispatcher can provide guidance.
2. Preparing the Patient
Proper preparation is essential for effective CPR.
Ensure Safety: Make sure the scene is safe for you and the victim. Remove any hazards, such as traffic or electrical wires.
Check for Responsiveness: Gently tap the person's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?" to check for a response.
Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, immediately call triple zero (000) in Australia (or your local emergency number). Provide the dispatcher with your location and the nature of the emergency. If possible, ask someone else to make the call while you begin CPR. If you are alone, use your mobile phone to call for help and put it on speakerphone so you can continue CPR while following the dispatcher's instructions.
Position the Patient: Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. This is crucial for effective chest compressions. If the person is lying face down, carefully roll them onto their back, supporting their head and neck to avoid further injury.
Expose the Chest: Remove or cut away any clothing covering the person's chest. This will allow you to properly position your hands for chest compressions.
3. Chest Compressions: Technique and Rate
Chest compressions are the cornerstone of CPR. They help circulate blood to the vital organs.
Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the person's chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand. Interlock your fingers to keep them off the person's ribs.
Body Position: Position yourself directly over the person's chest, keeping your arms straight. Use your body weight to compress the chest.
Compression Depth: Compress the chest to a depth of approximately 5-6 centimetres (2-2.4 inches) for adults. Avoid excessive force that could cause injury.
Compression Rate: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. To help maintain the correct rate, you can use a metronome app or hum the beat of a song with a similar tempo, such as "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.
Allow Recoil: After each compression, allow the chest to fully recoil (return to its original position). This allows blood to flow back into the heart.
Minimise Interruptions: Try to minimise interruptions to chest compressions. Aim for continuous compressions, pausing only briefly for rescue breaths.
4. Rescue Breaths: Technique and Volume
Rescue breaths provide oxygen to the person's lungs. However, if you are unwilling or unable to perform rescue breaths, you can perform compression-only CPR, which is still beneficial.
Open the Airway: Use the head-tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre to open the person's airway. Place one hand on the person's forehead and gently tilt their head back. Place the fingers of your other hand under the person's chin and lift the chin forward. Avoid pressing on the soft tissue under the chin, as this can obstruct the airway.
Pinch the Nose: Pinch the person's nose closed with your thumb and forefinger.
Seal Your Mouth: Take a normal breath and seal your mouth tightly over the person's mouth, creating an airtight seal.
Give Breaths: Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath. If the chest does not rise, recheck the airway and ensure a proper seal before giving another breath.
Compression-to-Breath Ratio: Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2 ratio).
5. CPR for Infants and Children
CPR techniques for infants and children differ slightly from those for adults.
Infants (Under 1 Year)
Check for Responsiveness: Tap the infant's foot and shout to check for a response.
Call for Help: Call emergency services if the infant is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Hand Placement: Place two fingers (index and middle fingers) in the centre of the infant's chest, just below the nipple line.
Compression Depth: Compress the chest to a depth of approximately 4 centimetres (1.5 inches), or about one-third the depth of the chest.
Compression Rate: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Rescue Breaths: Cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth and give two gentle breaths. Each breath should last about one second, and you should see the chest rise slightly.
Compression-to-Breath Ratio: Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths if you are alone. If there are two rescuers, use a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
Children (1 Year to Puberty)
Check for Responsiveness: Tap the child's shoulder and shout to check for a response.
Call for Help: Call emergency services if the child is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Hand Placement: For smaller children, use one hand to perform chest compressions. For larger children, you may need to use two hands, as with adults. Place the heel of your hand in the centre of the child's chest, on the lower half of the breastbone.
Compression Depth: Compress the chest to a depth of approximately 5 centimetres (2 inches), or about one-third the depth of the chest.
Compression Rate: Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Rescue Breaths: Use the head-tilt/chin-lift manoeuvre to open the child's airway. Pinch the child's nose closed and seal your mouth over the child's mouth. Give two breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise.
Compression-to-Breath Ratio: Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths if you are alone. If there are two rescuers, use a ratio of 15 compressions to 2 breaths.
6. When to Stop CPR
Continue CPR until one of the following occurs:
Emergency Services Arrive: Paramedics or other trained medical professionals arrive and take over care of the person.
The Person Shows Signs of Life: The person starts breathing normally, moving, or showing other signs of consciousness.
You Become Exhausted: If you are physically unable to continue CPR, stop and wait for emergency services to arrive. If possible, have someone else take over.
A Doctor Tells You To: If a medical professional is present and advises you to stop, then stop CPR.
The Scene Becomes Unsafe: If the environment becomes dangerous, such as a fire or hazardous materials spill, stop CPR and move to a safe location.
Important Considerations:
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Follow the AED's voice prompts. An AED can deliver an electrical shock to the heart, which can restore a normal heart rhythm. Our services include training on how to use an AED.
- CPR Training: This guide provides a basic overview of CPR. It is highly recommended that you take a certified CPR course to learn the proper techniques and gain hands-on experience. Check frequently asked questions for more information about CPR training.
Knowing how to perform CPR can save a life. By understanding the steps involved and practicing regularly, you can be prepared to respond effectively in an emergency situation. Remember to stay calm, call for help, and follow the guidelines outlined in this guide.