Performing CPR can be a lifesaving skill that anyone can learn. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a first aid technique used to keep someone alive until medical help arrives. So what are the 7 Steps of CPR? This involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths that circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs.
To perform CPR effectively, it is essential to understand the 7 steps of CPR. These steps are designed to ensure that the person performing CPR can provide adequate support to the person in need. The seven steps of CPR include assessing the situation, calling for help, opening the airway, checking for breathing, starting chest compressions, delivering rescue breaths, and repeating CPR steps.
By following the 7 steps of CPR, you can give someone the best chance of survival. Whether you are a healthcare professional or a member of the public, learning CPR can make a significant difference in an emergency situation. In the following sections, we will take a closer look at the seven steps of CPR and how they can be performed effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Understanding the 7 steps of CPR is essential for performing CPR effectively.
- CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breaths that circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs.
- Anyone can learn CPR, and it can make a significant difference in an emergency situation.
Understanding CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that is used to help a person who is not breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It involves a combination of chest compressions and artificial ventilation (mouth-to-mouth) to help circulate oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs.
CPR is typically performed in response to cardiac arrest, which is when the heart suddenly stops beating. This can be caused by a heart attack or other medical conditions. Without immediate intervention, cardiac arrest can lead to brain damage or death within minutes.
The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross recommend the following 7 steps of CPR:
- Check for responsiveness: Tap the person’s shoulder and shout “Are you okay?” to see if they respond.
- Call for help: If the person is unresponsive, call for emergency medical services (EMS) or ask someone nearby to call for you.
- Open the airway: Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of normal breathing. If the person is not breathing, start CPR.
- Perform chest compressions: Place the heel of your hand on the center of the person’s chest and interlock your fingers. Press down firmly and quickly at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
- Deliver rescue breaths: Pinch the person’s nose closed and give two rescue breaths.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6: Continue performing chest compressions and rescue breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
In addition to performing CPR, an automated external defibrillator (AED) may be used to help restore the heart’s normal rhythm. AEDs are portable devices that can analyze the heart’s rhythm and deliver an electric shock if necessary.
It’s important to note that CPR should only be performed on an unconscious person who is not breathing or not breathing normally. If the person is conscious, encourage them to breathe normally and seek medical attention if necessary. Additionally, if the person is gasping or has agonal breathing, which is a sign of cardiac arrest, CPR should be started immediately.
By following these steps and getting immediate medical attention, you can help increase the chances of survival and reduce the risk of brain damage or other complications.
Preparation Before Performing CPR
Performing CPR can be a life-saving technique, but it is important to take the right steps before starting. Here are some things you can do to prepare before performing CPR:
Assess the situation
Before performing CPR, it is important to assess the situation. Check to see if the area is safe for you and the person in need of CPR. If there are any potential hazards, such as electrical wires or traffic, make sure to remove them or move to a safer location.
Call for emergency services
If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, it is important to call for emergency services immediately. In the UK, the emergency number is 999. Make sure to provide your location and the details of the situation to the operator.
Protect yourself
When performing CPR, it is important to protect yourself. Wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves and a face mask, if available. This will help reduce the risk of infection or contamination.
Check for signs of life
Before starting CPR, check for signs of life. Look for breathing, movement, or any other signs of consciousness. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately.
Be trained in the 7 steps of CPR
To perform CPR effectively, it is important to be trained in the technique. Take a CPR course to learn the proper technique and how to perform it safely. This will help you feel confident and prepared in case of an emergency.
By following these steps, you can be better prepared to perform CPR in an emergency situation. Remember to always call for emergency services and protect yourself before starting CPR.
7 Steps of CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that can help sustain a person’s life until medical help arrives. In the event of an emergency, it is essential to know the steps of CPR. Here are the seven steps of CPR:
- Assess the situation: Check the scene for safety and make sure it is safe to approach the person. Tap the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” to determine if they are responsive.
- Call for help: If the person is unresponsive, call for emergency medical services (EMS) immediately. If someone is with you, ask them to call while you begin CPR.
- Open the airway: Tilt the person’s head back by lifting their chin. This will help to open their airway.
- Check for breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Place your ear close to the person’s mouth and nose to hear if they are breathing. Look for chest movement and feel for breaths on your cheek.
- Start chest compressions: Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Press down on the chest to a depth of about 5-6 cm. Do this at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Administer rescue breaths: If you are trained in CPR and comfortable with mouth-to-mouth breathing, administer two rescue breaths. Pinch the person’s nose shut and make a seal over their mouth with yours. Blow into their mouth for about one second each time.
- Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Follow the instructions on the device carefully.
Remember, the goal of CPR is to keep the person’s blood and oxygen circulating until professional medical help arrives. Stay focused, avoid interruptions, and follow these steps to give the person the best possible chance of survival.
CPR for Different Age Groups
Performing CPR on different age groups requires different techniques. The following table summarises the key differences between CPR for adults, children, and infants:
| Age Group | CPR Technique |
|---|---|
| Adults | Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, with a depth of 5-6cm. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. |
| Children | Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, with a depth of 5cm. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. |
| Infants | Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, with a depth of 4cm. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. |
It is important to note that the technique for performing CPR on an adult is different from that for children and infants. This is because of the difference in body weight and lung capacity.
CPR for an adult involves pressing down on the chest with more force and giving rescue breaths at a slower rate than for children and infants. This is because adults have a larger body weight and lung capacity.
When performing the steps of CPR on a child, it is important to take into account their smaller body size and adjust the depth of chest compressions accordingly. Similarly, when performing CPR on an infant, the depth of chest compressions should be shallower than for adults and children.
Performing CPR correctly on the right age group can increase the chance of survival and save a life. It is also important to note that CPR should not be performed on someone who is breathing normally, as this can cause life-threatening conditions.
In addition to the 7 steps of CPR, it is also important to know how to stop life-threatening bleeding and place someone in the recovery position. Remember to always survey the scene for any potential risks before approaching the casualty and ensure that their airway is clear by tilting their head back and checking their nostrils for any obstructions.
Looking For First Aid Training In The North East?
Join First Aid and Safety Training for nationally recognised, enjoyable and effective First Aid Courses and Training either onsite at your workplace anywhere in the North East or attend one of the open Emergency First Aid courses at our South Shields First Aid Training Centre. If you have any questions, please send an email to admin@firstaidsafetytraining.com, call 0191 7166601 or send us a message online.
Level 2 & 3 Qualifications | Certificates valid for 3 years | Ofqual regulated | 1, 2 or 3-day courses | Qualsafe Awards | EYFS Compliant | HSE Complaint
