February is American Heart Month, a time when everyone, particularly women, is encouraged to prioritize cardiovascular health. It’s also a moment to enroll in life-saving courses like CPR training and familiarize yourself with Automated External Defibrillator (AED) operations.
In this blog, we’ll explore 7 steps to administering CPR and how to use an AED effectively.
**How to Administer CPR**
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can be a life-saver during cardiac arrest. Being prepared is essential. Here are the 7 steps:
1. Ensure the area is safe.
2. Assess the victim’s responsiveness and vital signs, using the shout-tap-shout method if needed.
3. If unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, call 911 or ask someone else to do so.
4. Position the victim on their back on a firm surface, if not already done.
5. Administer 30 chest compressions:
– Place two hands in the center of the chest.
– Keep shoulders directly over hands with elbows locked.
– Push into the chest to a depth of 2 inches.
– Aim for a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
– Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.
6. Give 2 rescue breaths:
– Open the airway using the head tilt or chin lift technique.
– Pinch the victim’s nose shut, take a normal breath, and create a complete seal over their mouth.
– Ensure each breath lasts at least 1 second and causes the victim’s chest to rise.
– Allow air to exit before giving another breath.
7. Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. If unsuccessful, use an AED if available. Otherwise, continue CPR until help arrives. Minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.
**How to Use an AED**
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) provides voice instructions but prior knowledge is beneficial. Here are the 6 steps:
1. Ensure the surrounding area is safe and call 911 or have a bystander do so.
2. Activate the AED, then follow the voice prompts.
3. Remove the victim’s clothing and correctly attach the pads:
– Clear the chest of any covering clothing.
– Place one pad on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left chest, a few inches below the left armpit.
– Plug the pad connector cable into the AED if necessary.
4. Prepare for the AED to analyze the victim’s heart rhythm:
– Ensure nobody is touching the victim.
– Loudly announce “Clear!” to warn nearby individuals of the impending shock.
5. Administer a shock if advised by the AED:
– Ensure nobody is touching the victim.
– Repeat the “Clear!” announcement.
– Press the “shock” button to deliver the shock.
6. Following the AED’s instructions, immediately resume CPR whether a shock is given or not.
Being proficient in CPR and AED usage can significantly increase the likelihood of saving a life. Stay informed, trained, and prepared—this knowledge might prove invaluable in an emergency.