If you’ve been thinking about learning some valuable lifesaving skills, you’ve come to the right place. Below are some common questions and answers about CPR to get you started on your goal.
What does CPR stand for?
CPR stands for CardioPulmonary Resuscitation. The “Cardio” refers to your heart, specifically your heart beating. “Pulmonary” refers to breathing through your lungs.
When either or both stop functioning, the lifesaving emergency procedure of CPR can mean the difference between life and death. CPR is administered on people in cardiac arrest to help keep vital organs functioning.
Who can learn CPR?
Anyone taking a CPR class can learn the basics of CPR and help save a life. You don’t have to be working in the medical field to take a class. It is a valuable set of skills to have as such emergency situations could arise anytime in your work or home environment.
What are two key steps to learn to save a life?
Classes can offer training in a range of techniques to help someone in need of CPR. However, there are two key steps to help someone who’s heart has stopped beating:
- Step 1 - Learning to identify cardiac arrest. This means they have no heartbeat, no pulse, and their heart has stopped.
- Step 2 - Calling for help. In the US, this is calling emergency medical services by dialing 9-1-1 yourself, or quickly asking someone nearby to do that for you.
What does Hands-Only CPR mean?
Hands-Only CPR is performing chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breaths. This occurs in as setting where you do not have a CPR mask or airway device available. This technique requires pushing hard and fast in the center of the chest. This action mimics the function of the heart.
How do I perform Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-Only CPR starts with placing the heel of your hand on the center of the person's chest, then place the palm of your other hand on top and press down 2 to 2.5 inches (about 5 cm) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
To learn more about taking a CPR course for you or your organization, please contact us at:
Content by:
Doc Ramsey