Basics Of CPR And Safety Response

There are a lot of training programs available that cover health and safety. From systems and procedural training to human factors and behavioral training to wellness, many professionals have taken several courses.

Many of us started with first aid or CPR training in school, sports, or clubs. Even if you have already attended a CPR course, how long ago was it? Can you remember exactly what to do? Revising essential knowledge is always helpful, so I hope this article will serve as a reminder.

In the last few years, CPR and first aid are getting a lot of additional press due to the increased interest in health and safety. The recent shock of the collapse of Damar Hamlin demonstrates both the importance of ready assistance and the fact that this can happen to anyone, even the young and fit.

At CPR Education, we are a team of ex-firefighters who have been conducting first aid and CPR classes for the past ten years. We have seen countless people enjoy the training in itself and the sense of purpose that can come as a result of being prepared. There must be no better feeling than the saving of another life.

We do not often have to use lifesaving techniques, but it is essential to be reminded of what to do once in a while.

Safety has been an integral part of the business in industrial and high-risk industries for a long time. Many workforce members are involved in Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality. Systems and procedures are an important part of the attention paid to them. By following best practices, a drastic reduction in the number of incidents of harm can occur.

A person’s health, safety, and well-being are all interconnected, as an emergency can simultaneously impact every one of them. Everything is fine until all isn’t. A person becomes highly stressed at this point, and a tendency for surprise and panic persists.

There is excellent training and a reasonable familiarity with first aid and safety training in industrial settings, but a life-threatening incident can happen anywhere. Whether you work at an office, a factory, or even at home, we never know when someone might need our help, so we should stay familiar with these topics.

It makes sense to remind ourselves of what we need to do now and then, even if we don’t usually do it. It is easy to forget or make mistakes when pressed under pressure. You don’t need to experience Helicopter Underwater Escape Training to learn how to act under pressure. Preparation aids performance in all things.

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique that keeps blood and oxygen moving when someone’s heart has stopped (cardiac arrest). Use it on someone who is unresponsive and not breathing, or only gasping. Do not do CPR on someone who is responsive and breathing normally.

Knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between the life and death of a person in an emergency. CPR is an easy skill to learn, and it doesn’t take long to become certified. Even if you don’t become certified, basic CPR knowledge can help save a person’s life in an emergency.

Here’s how you can do CPR step by step:

Step 1: Check the Scene

Before you begin CPR, ensure that the area is safe for you and the patient. Check for any signs of danger, such as fire, hazardous materials, or sharp objects.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness

Tap the person’s shoulder and shout, “Are you OK?” Then check whether they are breathing normally, taking no more than about 10 seconds. If the patient is conscious and responding, ensure the environment is safe and provide comfort until help arrives.

Step 3: Call for Help

If no one is around who can help, call 911 before beginning CPR. If someone else is there, ask them to call 911 and bring an AED (automated external defibrillator) if one is nearby. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher.

Step 4: Begin Chest Compressions

Lay the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the patient’s chest and place your other hand on top of it. Push hard and fast, about 2 inches (5 cm) deep, at 100 to 120 compressions per minute, letting the chest fully rise between compressions. Give 30 compressions.

Step 5: Open Airway & Give Rescue Breaths

Place one hand on the patient’s forehead, gently tilt their head back, and lift the chin with two fingers to open the airway. Pinch their nose closed and give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise.

Step 6: Continue Chest Compressions & Breaths

Continue with 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths, keeping pauses under 10 seconds, until help arrives, the person recovers, or you become too exhausted to continue.

Step 7: Use an AED as Soon as One Arrives

Turn on the AED and follow its voice prompts exactly. It checks the heart rhythm and delivers a shock only if one is needed. Resume compressions right after.

These steps are a refresher, not a substitute for hands-on training. See MedlinePlus for the full adult CPR steps.

By following these steps, you can potentially save someone’s life in an emergency. Knowing CPR is an important safety skill for anyone and can come in handy in unexpected situations. Take some time today to learn about CPR certification classes available in your area to prepare you for an emergency.

Josh Sauberman

Josh is an ex-firefighter and is now CEO of CPREdu. CPRedu was created to equip the San Francisco Bay Area with the best training and tools to save lives. We are certified through the American Heart Association (AHA), the primary authority in the science of saving lives through CPR and Emergency Cardiac Care (ECC).

Sources

• CPR - adult and child after onset of puberty, MedlinePlus