Full Form of CPR

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation or CPR is seen as a lifesaving method. In CPR, Cardio stands for heart, Pulmonary refers to the lungs, and Resuscitation means to revive. If there is an emergency situation such as a heart arrest or a heart attack, CPR could be seen as a lifesaving method. The cardiac arrest could be caused by suffocation, drowning, a heart condition, electrical shock, etc. A combination of respiration from mouth to mouth and compression of the chest is required in the CPR process.

• Oxygen is offered to the individual’s lungs by rescue respiration.
• Till the heartbeat and respiration can be restored, compressions in the chest keep oxygen-rich blood flowing.

CPR: Importance

• If blood circulation ceases, permanent death or brain injury will progress rapidly. Therefore, it is crucial that the blood circulation and respiration are maintained until medically trained assistance arrives and one can maintain blood flow by CPR method.
• Any skilled individual can perform CPR by involving external chest compressions and respiratory rescue.
• CPR can hold a person alive before medical care begins if it is done within the first six minutes of heart-beat stops.
• Until the heartbeat returns to the normal rhythm or the patient is declared dead, the CPR must be continued.

Before beginning CPR, verify:

• Is the environment secure for the individual?
• Is the individual aware or unconscious?
• If the individual appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask, "Are you all right?"
• If the person is unresponsive and you are with someone who can assist, have one person call 911 or the local emergency number and retrieve an AED, if one is available. Have the bystander begin CPR.
• Before beginning CPR if you are alone and have immediate access to a phone, dial 911 or your local emergency number. Obtain the AED if available.
• As soon as an AED is available, administer one shock per the device's instructions, and then begin CPR.

CPR: Safety Measures

These are some important points to consider before performing CPR on the patient:

• Make a judgement of the location and whether it is secure to carry out the CPR procedure.
• Find out whether the patient is conscious or unaware.
• Request instant emergency medical care.