CPR
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is a first aid action used when someone’s heart has stopped beating or they are not breathing properly. CPR helps to keep blood and oxygen moving around the body until emergency help arrives. This is very important because the brain and other organs need oxygen to stay alive.
What is CPR?
CPR is the way you can help a person who is unconscious and not breathing normally. When the heart stops beating, blood does not reach the brain or other parts of the body. Without blood and oxygen, the person can quickly become very sick or die. CPR helps by manually pushing the heart to pump blood, and by helping air get into the lungs.
Why is CPR Important?
The heart and brain need oxygen to work properly. When someone’s heart stops or they stop breathing, oxygen cannot get to these organs. This can cause brain damage or death within minutes. CPR keeps oxygen moving through the body. It gives the person a better chance to survive until doctors or ambulance workers arrive with special equipment.
What Happens to the Body?
Normally, the heart pumps blood through the body. Blood carries oxygen, which the lungs get from the air we breathe. If the heart stops, blood stops moving. The brain and other organs don’t get oxygen, and they start to be damaged. When a person stops breathing, they stop getting oxygen into their blood.
CPR uses chest compressions — pushing hard and fast on the chest — to help the heart push blood around the body. Breaths may also be given to put air into the lungs. This keeps oxygen flowing, even though the heart is not working by itself.
Signs That Someone Needs CPR
You might need to give CPR if you find someone who:
– Is not awake or responsive.
– Is not breathing or is only gasping (making occasional, strange breaths).
– Has no signs of a heartbeat or normal breathing.
What Should You Do First?
If you find someone unconscious and not breathing well:
1. Make sure the area is safe for you and the person.
2. Check if the person is awake by gently shaking their shoulder and asking loudly, “Are you okay?”
3. If no response and no normal breathing, call emergency services by dialing 000. Ask for an ambulance.
4. Start CPR right away to help keep blood flowing.
How CPR Helps First Aid
CPR is a key first aid skill because it keeps life going until emergency medical workers arrive. It is used for many emergencies, like heart attacks, drowning, choking, or severe injuries where the heart or breathing stops.
Giving CPR can be tiring and needs effort. But it is the best way you can help save a life in this situation. The quicker you start CPR, the better chance the person has.
Chest Compressions and Breaths
There are two main parts of CPR:
– Chest Compressions: Pressing down on the person’s chest helps pump blood through the heart and body.
– Breaths: Giving gentle breaths to fill the lungs with air, which helps oxygen get into the blood.
Even if you only feel able to do chest compressions, it is still very useful. Chest compressions alone can save lives.
Safety Tips
– Before you start, make sure it is safe to help.
– Use a face shield or cloth if you are worried about giving breaths.
– Keep your hands clean if you can, but don’t delay giving help.
– Don’t move the person unless they are in danger where they are.
– Try to stay calm and focused while helping.
When to Call Emergency Services
Always call 000 for an ambulance right away if:
– The person is unconscious and not breathing normally.
– You see someone collapse.
– There are serious injuries or a heart attack.
Even if you start CPR, professional help is essential. The ambulance team has special tools and knowledge to fully care for the person.
Remember
CPR is an important first aid action that anyone can learn to save a life. It helps keep blood and oxygen moving when the heart stops or when breathing stops. Acting quickly and safely makes a big difference.
By knowing what CPR is and when to use it, you can be ready to help if a loved one or someone nearby needs urgent care. Always call 000 for help first and start CPR if needed. Your quick action may help someone survive until advanced medical help arrives.