In an emergency, knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can mean the difference between life and death. Whether you’re a beginner or looking for a refresher, learning basic CPR techniques is essential to help someone who may be experiencing a heart attack, drowning, or any situation where their breathing or heart has stopped.
In this blog, we’ll break down how to perform CPR in easy-to-follow steps for adults, children, and infants. Whether you’re a parent, a concerned friend, or simply someone wanting to be prepared, these CPR steps can help you act quickly and confidently in an emergency.
When to Perform CPR
Before diving into the CPR procedure, it’s crucial to understand when to perform CPR. You should perform CPR if a person is:
- Unresponsive
- Not breathing, or only gasping
- Has no pulse
Always call for emergency help before beginning CPR. If you’re unsure whether to perform CPR, it’s better to start than to wait, as it could save a life.
Hands-Only CPR Guide for Adults
Hands-only CPR is a simple and effective method to help adults who suddenly collapse or stop breathing. If you come across someone in such a situation, here’s what to do:
Step 1: Check Responsiveness and Call for Help
Tap the person gently on their shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?” If they do not respond, immediately call for emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so.
Step 2: Start Compressions – Push hard and fast
Kneel beside the person and place the heel of your hand on the centre of their chest, right between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first, keeping your fingers interlocked. Make sure your arms are straight.
Push hard and fast, aiming for a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (at the beat of Bee Gees – Stayin’ Alive). Press down at least 5 cm (2 inches) into the chest and allow the chest to rise fully between compressions. Continue until emergency help arrives or the person begins to move.
Hands-only CPR focuses on CPR chest compressions, which keeps blood circulating until professional help arrives. It’s perfect for bystanders who may not be confident performing rescue breaths.
How to Perform CPR with Rescue Breaths
If you’re trained and able, combining chest compressions with rescue breaths can further improve the chances of survival. Here’s how to perform CPR with both:
Step 1: Check Airway
After checking for responsiveness, breathing and a pulse. Call the emergency services.
Step 2: Begin Chest Compressions
As outlined in the previous section, start chest compressions for about 5 cm (2 inches). The proper hand placement remains the same.
Step 3: Give Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths. Tilt the head back to open the airway. Pinch the person’s nose, cover their mouth with yours, and blow in for about one second, ensuring the chest rises. If the chest doesn’t rise, recheck the airway before giving another breath.
If you have a CPR mouth guard, make sure to use it.
Step 4: Continue the Cycle
Perform 30 compressions followed by two breaths. Keep going until help arrives or the person starts to recover.
CPR for Children: A Gentle Approach
CPR for children is similar to the adult procedure, but with some important differences due to their smaller size and more delicate bodies.
Step 1: Check Responsiveness
Shake the child gently and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, call for help.
Step 2: Begin Chest Compressions
Use one hand instead of two. Place the heel of your hand in the centre of their chest. Push down about 5 cm (2 inches) but not more.
Step 3: Rescue Breaths
If trained, give two rescue breaths after 30 compressions. The breaths should be gentler than those given to adults. Pinch their nose and blow into their mouth, watching the chest rise.
Repeat cycles of 30 compressions and two breaths until help arrives or the child starts breathing again.
CPR for Infants: Extra Care
Infants under 12 months require an even more delicate approach. Here’s how to perform CPR on an infant:
Step 1: Check Responsiveness
Tap the bottom of their foot and call out to check if they respond. Listen and look for breathing. If not, call for emergency help.
Step 2: Chest Compressions
Place two fingers in the centre of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line. Press down about 4 cm (1.5 inches). Be sure to press straight down and let the chest rise fully after each compression.
Step 3: Give Gentle Breaths
Cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth and gently blow until you see their chest rise. Give two small breaths, each lasting about one second.
Step 4: Continue the Cycle
Perform 30 compressions followed by two gentle breaths. Continue until help arrives or the infant begins breathing.
Importance of CPR: Why Every Second Counts
Knowing how to perform CPR correctly is crucial because every second counts in an emergency. The sooner you start chest compressions and, if possible, rescue breaths, the better the person’s chance of survival. Immediate action can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs, preventing permanent damage.
CPR for Beginners: Tips for Staying Calm
If you’ve never performed CPR before, the thought of doing it in an emergency might feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you stay calm and focused:
- Remember the basics: Check responsiveness, call for help, start chest compressions.
- Don’t worry about perfection: The most important thing is to start chest compressions as soon as possible.
- Stay focused: Count out loud to maintain the correct rhythm, and try to keep your movements steady.
Knowing how to give CPR in an emergency is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn. Whether it’s a child, an adult, or an infant, performing CPR can help keep blood flowing to the brain and heart until professional help arrives. Reading a blog won’t replace the experience of doing an actual training. Book a course today!
