What is CPr?
This episode of #askCarePoint, we discuss the question “What is CPR?” CPR stands for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, and it’s a set of skills that can artificially restore oxygenated blood flow to someone whose heart has stopped beating properly. Once the need for CPR has been verified, the main components of the procedure are chest compressions, oxygenation and defibrillation. These components can be combined several ways depending on the condition of the victim, the ability of the rescuer, and the availability of equipment.
When a person’s heart stops beating properly, CPR provides artificial circulation of blood by way of chest compressions. By pushing hard and fast on the sternum, we compress the heart and pump blood to the brain, heart and other vital organs. To make sure the circulating blood carries oxygen to the organs, we provide breaths by mouth, mask or ventilation device.
Who needs CPR?
If you are not a healthcare provider, you’ll perform CPR on anyone who is unresponsive and not breathing. Healthcare providers will need to check for a pulse in addition to responsiveness and breathing before beginning CPR.
Who can give CPR?
In short, YOU! You can save someone’s life by performing CPR until help arrives, your actions can make a great difference in someone’s life. And studies show that 9 out of 10 times, that someone may be a friend or loved-one.
Isn’t CPR more effective if performed by a healthcare provider or EMS?
If EMS personnel are the first to begin CPR, that is, if bystander CPR is not in place, the survival rate is somewhere around 11%. However, if bystanders begin CPR and use an AED prior to EMS arrival, 38% of victims survive cardiac arrest. So don’t wait for the professionals, 3 times more people will survive if you begin CPR prior to EMS arrival.
You can learn the steps to perform bystander CPR by clicking the link in the description. Also, taking a CPR class can greatly increase your ability and confidence in providing emergency care. One great resource to find a local class is the American Heart Association’s website, also linked in the description.
Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe to our channel, and add your questions and comments below. Here’s a question for you: Have you ever had to perform CPR before, or do you know someone who has. Leave your comments below, and we’ll see you next time.
About
At CarePoint Resources, we're making a difference! Our CPR and safety training turns families, co-workers and average citizens into life-savers. The experienced educators at CarePoint are focused on equipping you, and those around you, with the know-how and skills needed to respond during an emergency.
We are a proud provider of American Heart Association and ASHI training in First Aid, CPR, AED, Bloodborne Pathogens, Babysitting Safety in addition to Basic and Advanced Life Support classes for healthcare providers. Our service area includes locations in and around the cities of Pensacola, FL; Montgomery, AL; Auburn, AL; Birmingham, AL.
We are sure you will find our services provide peace-of-mind, a safer work environment and a better equipped community.
Contact
Disclaimer: The American Heart Association strongly promotes knowledge and proficiency in BLS, ACLS, and PALS and has developed instructional materials for this purpose. Use of these materials in an educational course does not represent course sponsorship by the American Heart Association. Any fees charged for such a course, except for a portion of fees needed for AHA course materials, do not represent income to the Association.