CPR

CPR can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other organs until emergency medical treatment can restore the heart's rhythm. When the heart stops, the body stops receiving oxygenated blood. Lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage in just a few minutes.

Remember the three fundamental steps (C-A-B) The American Heart Association uses the letters C-A-B to help people remember the order in which the steps of CPR should be done. C: compressions A: airway B: breathing Compressions: restores blood flow Compressions consist of using your hands to press hard and quickly, in a specific way, on the person's chest.

Compressions are the most important step in CPR. Follow these steps to perform CPR compressions: Lie the person face up on a firm surface. Place the bottom of your palm on the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the hand on your chest.

Keep your elbows extended. Place your shoulders directly over your hands. Press down on your chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters), but no more than 2.4 inches (6 centimeters). When you do compressions, use your entire body weight, not just your arms. Press hard and fast in the center of the chest. You should perform between 100 and 120 compressions per minute.

The American Heart Association recommends doing compressions to the song "Stayin' Alive" or another song that has 100 to 120 beats per minute. Allows the chest to regain its shape after each compression.

If you are not trained in CPR, continue chest compressions until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical help takes over.

If you received CPR training, continue with rescue breathing. Airways: opens the airways.

If you are trained in CPR and have performed all 30 chest compressions, follow these steps to open the person's airway. In this maneuver, the head is tilted and the chin is raised. Place the palm of your hand on the person's forehead. Tilt your head back carefully.

With your other hand, gently lift his chin forward to open his airway. Breathing: Breathe for the person Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose if the mouth is severely injured or cannot be opened. To perform rescue breathing, current recommendations suggest using a bag-mask device that includes a high-efficiency particulate air filter.

Follow these instructions after opening the airway with the head tilt and chin lift maneuver. Pinch the person's nostrils for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours to make a seal. Prepare to take two rescue breaths.

Give the first rescue breath of one second duration and observe if the chest rises. If the chest rises, take the second breath. If the chest does not rise, repeat the maneuver of tilting the head and lifting the chin. Then, take the second breath. Thirty chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths are considered one cycle. Be careful, don't take too many breaths or breathe too hard.

Continue chest compressions to restore blood flow. As soon as you get an automated external defibrillator, follow the instructions on the device. Deliver one electric shock, then continue chest compressions for two more minutes before delivering a second shock.

If you are not trained in using an automated external defibrillator, a 911 operator or other emergency medical operator can give you instructions on how to use the device. If you do not have an automated external defibrillator on hand, go to step 7 below. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel arrive.