CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it is a life-saving technique used when someone’s heart or breathing has stopped. CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and other organs. It can be used when someone has stopped breathing due to a heart attack, drowning, electric shock, drug overdose, choking, or other causes.
How Does CPR Work?
When someone’s heart or breathing has stopped, CPR can help to restore circulation and breathing. This is done by compressing the chest to circulate blood and air through the body. The chest compressions help to push oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other organs, while the rescue breathing provides oxygen to the lungs. CPR can also be used to temporarily keep someone alive until medical help arrives.
When Should CPR be Used?
CPR should only be used on someone who is not breathing and has no pulse. If the person is conscious and breathing, CPR should not be used. If the person is unconscious but breathing, it is important to call for medical help and not attempt CPR.
Who Can Perform CPR?
Anyone can be trained to perform CPR, though it is important to note that it should only be used by people with proper training. CPR classes are offered at hospitals, community centers, and online, and they can teach people the basics of CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Conclusion
CPR is an important life-saving technique that everyone should be familiar with. It should only be used on someone who is not breathing and has no pulse, and it should only be used by people with proper training. Knowing how and when to use CPR can help save a life.