Resuscitating a patient, typically through Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), involves restoring breathing and circulation. This is often done when someone's heart has stopped (cardiac arrest) or they've stopped breathing. Here's a guide:
Steps for CPR on Adults and Older Children:
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Assess the Situation: Check for responsiveness and breathing.
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Call for Help: Immediately call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the US). If possible, have someone else make the call while you start CPR.
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Airway (A):
- Open the person's airway by tilting their head back and lifting their chin.
- Check if the airway is clear of any obstructions (vomit, foreign objects). If there's something blocking the airway, attempt to remove it.
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Chest Compressions:
- Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers.
- Compression Technique: Position yourself directly over the person's chest. Keep your arms straight and use your upper body weight to push down at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
- Compression Rate: Compress the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
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Breaths:
- After 30 chest compressions, give two rescue breaths.
- Mouth-to-Mouth: Pinch the person's nose closed, make a complete seal over their mouth with your mouth, and give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.
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Cycle: Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
- Aim for 5 sets of 30 compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes.
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Continuous Compressions (Compression-Only CPR):
- If you are unable or unwilling to perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, perform continuous chest compressions at a rate of approximately 100-120 per minute until professional help arrives.
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Continue CPR: Keep performing CPR until one of the following occurs:
- The person shows signs of life, such as breathing.
- Emergency medical services arrive and take over.
- You are physically unable to continue.
Important Considerations:
- AED (Automated External Defibrillator): If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible. Follow the AED's voice prompts.
- Training: CPR training is highly recommended. Hands-on training provides the best preparation.
- Staying Calm: It's crucial to stay calm and focused during the resuscitation process.
- Don't Stop: Unless it becomes physically impossible, continue administering CPR until professional medical help takes over.
