Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most vital emergency procedures in the world of medicine. Whether you're a doctor, paramedic, or even a bystander, knowing how to perform CPR correctly can mean the difference between life and death. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from the basics to advanced techniques, ensuring that no step is left unexplored.
Understanding the Importance of CPR
CPR is an emergency life-saving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival after cardiac arrest. The technique combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation to maintain circulatory flow and oxygenation.
When is CPR Needed?
🚨 Sudden cardiac arrest
🌊 Drowning
💊 Drug overdose
⚡ Electrocution
😮 Severe asthma attack
🍽️ Choking leading to unconsciousness
CPR Basics: The Standard Technique
CPR follows the C-A-B method, endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA):
❤️ C - Compressions
💨 A - Airway
🫁 B - Breathing
Step 1: Assess the Situation
👀 Check for responsiveness by tapping the person and shouting. If there is no response, check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. If absent or abnormal (agonal breathing), call emergency services and begin CPR immediately.
Step 2: Chest Compressions
🤲 Place the heel of your dominant hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), and place your other hand on top.
⚡ Interlock fingers, keep elbows straight, and position shoulders directly over hands.
📏 Push hard and fast at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, compressing at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep in adults.
🔄 Allow full chest recoil after each compression.
Step 3: Airway and Breathing
👆 Tilt the head back and lift the chin to open the airway.
😮 Provide rescue breaths: Pinch the nose, make a tight seal over the mouth, and deliver one breath over one second, watching for chest rise.
🔄 Give two breaths, then return to chest compressions.
⏳ Repeat cycles until professional help arrives.
CPR in Different Age Groups
Infants (Below 1 year old)
🖐️ Use two fingers instead of two hands for chest compressions.
📏 Compressions should be about 1.5 inches (4 cm) deep.
🔄 Perform 30 compressions to 2 breaths in single rescuer CPR, and 15 compressions to 2 breaths in two-rescuer CPR.
💨 Use gentle breaths while providing ventilation.
Children (1-8 years old)
✋ Use one or two hands, depending on the child's size.
📏 Compress at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
⏩ Maintain the same compression rate as adults (100-120 per minute).
Pregnant Women
🤰 If the patient is visibly pregnant, manual left uterine displacement (pushing the uterus to the left) is recommended to improve blood flow.
⏳ If resuscitation efforts fail, an emergency C-section may be considered within 4-5 minutes of arrest to improve maternal and fetal outcomes.
Perfecting CPR: Advanced Techniques for Medical Professionals
While standard CPR is effective, healthcare providers can take resuscitation efforts to the next level using specialized techniques:
High-Quality Compressions
⏳ Minimize interruptions: Compressions should only be paused for defibrillation or pulse checks.
🎵 Use a metronome to maintain an optimal compression rate.
🔄 Rotate rescuers every 2 minutes to prevent fatigue and maintain compression depth.
Mechanical CPR Devices
🦾 Devices like the LUCAS device and AutoPulse provide consistent compressions, reducing rescuer fatigue and increasing efficiency during prolonged resuscitations.
Capnography in CPR
📊 End-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) monitoring helps assess CPR quality and the likelihood of Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC). A rising ETCO2 level is often an early indicator of successful resuscitation.
Double Sequential Defibrillation (DSD)
⚡ For patients with refractory ventricular fibrillation, using two defibrillators simultaneously may improve the chances of shock success.
Extracorporeal CPR (ECPR)
🫀 ECPR involves using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support circulation in select patients. This is typically reserved for cases of cardiac arrest in hospital settings.
Common Mistakes in CPR and How to Avoid Them
Even trained professionals can make mistakes. Here are some common errors and ways to correct them:
🚫 Shallow compressions: Always aim for the correct depth to ensure adequate perfusion.
🔄 Leaning on the chest: Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
💨 Inadequate ventilation: Ensure proper head tilt-chin lift and deliver only enough air for chest rise.
⏳ Pausing too long: Interruptions in compressions should be minimized to maintain circulation.
Mednotes: Your Learning Companion for MBBS | PG | USMLE | PLAB
📚 Mednotes is a dedicated learning platform designed to help medical students and professionals refine their knowledge and skills in essential medical procedures like CPR.
By integrating Mednotes into your learning routine, you can stay ahead in emergency care, ensuring that you’re always prepared to save lives with confidence and precision.
Conclusion: Mastering CPR to Save Lives
❤️ CPR is a skill that requires continuous learning, practice, and refinement. Whether you're a medical professional or a trained bystander, perfecting your CPR technique increases the likelihood of survival for those experiencing cardiac arrest. Stay updated with the latest guidelines, avoid common mistakes, and use learning platforms like Mednotes to optimize your CPR knowledge. Every second counts—be the difference between life and death. 🚑
