It’s the kind of thing none of us want to think about. But emergencies do happen, and the best we can do is to be prepared for them. If you work or live with people who have certain conditions, it’s essential to know the basics of CPR. It’s also vital to know for any parent! It could save someone’s life!
Who might need CPR?
Anyone, in the wrong circumstance! Common physical dangers can create the need for CPR, such as: Heart attack, electrical shock, allergic reactions, drowning or suffocation, and drug overdose. Also, statistics show that 4 of 5 cardiac arrests take place in the home. So the person’s life you save may very well be someone you know.
Performing CPR
If you work in a position where you might need CPR, or indeed if you want to be prepared in an emergency, review the infographic below.
source: cprcertified.com
Important extra tips
The infographic above states this, but it’s important to remember: gasping or gurgling is NOT breathing. These can happen when the victim is unconscious. You need to make sure that the victim is breathing on his or her own.
Media often skews the “look” of CPR. Characters will cross their hands or place them however seems to work best. Their elbows will also bend. This is not proper CPR. When performing CPR, you need to place the palm of one hand over the back of the other and lock your fingers together. Remember not to bend your elbows as you perform compressions!
You can receive CPR certification via the Red Cross or, if you’re in Utah, Utah CPR Training.