CPR CAN MEAN - LIFE Taking this Online CPR Certification Course today can save someone's life

tomorrow. Do you know that over million-and-a-half heart attacks happens every year, and more than 20% of people die before even reaching a hospital. Latest data shows that cardiac arrest is becoming the number one cause of death. When the heart stops, the absence of oxygenated blood can cause permanent brain damage in only a few minutes. Death will occur within approximately 8-10 minutes. Statistics show that the earlier CPR is initiated, the greater the chances of survival. In fact, chances of survival are doubled if help is provided within four minutes. This few minutes can be the difference between life and death. CPR Basics During cardiac arrest, there is no blood flow. Chest compressions create a small amount of blood flow to the vital organs such as the brain and heart - the more effective the chest compressions, the more blood flow is produced. Chest compressions that are too shallow or too slow or chest compressions that are interrupted frequently do not deliver as much blood flow to the brain and heart as effective chest compressions. Every time chest compressions are restarted following an interruption, the first few compressions are not as effective as later compressions. Frequent or prolonged interruptions in chest compressions decrease blood flow and the victim's chance of survival. CPR may not save the victim even when performed properly, but if started within 4 minutes of cardiac arrest and defibrillation is provided within 10 minutes, a person has a 40% chance of survival. CPR provides a trickle of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart and keeps these organs alive. In other words, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) serves as an artificial heartbeat and an artificial respirator until defibrillation can shock the heart into a normal rhythm or emergency equipment arrives. Remember the ABCs of CPR: Airway, Breathing and Circulation

Airway: Clear the airway

Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders. Open the person's airway using the head tilt-chin lift. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently push down. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. Check for normal breathing, taking no more than 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Do not consider gasping to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally or you aren't sure, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing.

Breathing: Breathe for the person

Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened. With the airway open (using the head tilt-chin lift), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath lasting one second and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head tilt-chin lift and then give the second breath. Begin chest compressions go to Circulation next.

CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation

Check if the victim's heart is beating. In order to do that, find carotid artery. It is located in the depression between the windpipe and the neck muscles. Place two fingertips on it and apply slight pressure for several seconds. If no circulation is detected, begin chest compressions.

Compressions
After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesnt rise, repeat the head tiltchin lift and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push with 2 hands straight down on the chest 2 inches deep. Push hard and push fast give two compressions per second, or about 100 compressions per minute.

Child Cpr
By the American Heart Association's guidelines Child CPR is administered to victim under the age of 8. Children have a much better chance of survival if CPR is performed immediately. The most common reasons that children stop breathing and their heart stops beating are the following: y y y y y y Choking, suffocation, and strangulation. Drowning. Injuries. Poisoning. Infection. Heart disease, brain disease or medical conditions that affect breathing.

Check for responsiveness. Shake or tap the child gently. See if the child moves or makes a noise. Shout, "Are you OK?" If there is no response, shout for help. Send someone to call 911. Do not leave the child alone to call 911 until you have given about 1-2 minutes of CPR.

AIRWAY
Open the airway. Lift up the chin with one hand. At the same time, push down on the forehead with the other hand. Look, listen, and feel for breathing. Place your ear close to the child's mouth and nose. Watch for chest movement. Feel for breath on your cheek. If there is none, check for tongue. It can obstruct the airways and prevent the child from breathing on his own.

BREATHING
Keep in mind that childrens lungs are much smaller and be sure to use shallower breaths. Watch victims chest to prevent stomach distention.

If the child is not breathing:

y y y y Cover the child's mouth tightly with your mouth Pinch the nose closed Keep the chin lifted and head tilted Give two slow breaths. Do NOT give large, full, forceful breaths.

If the chest does NOT rise, try the chin lift-head tilt again, and give two more breaths. If the chest still doesn't rise, check to see if something is blocking the airway and try to remove it.

CIRCULATION: Restore blood circulation Check if the child's heart is beating. In

order to do that, find carotid artery. Place two fingertips on it and apply slight pressure for several seconds. If no circulation is detected, begin chest compressions.

COMPRESSIONS
Count aloud as you compress 30 times, followed by 2 breaths. Perform this cycle 20 times 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths - after which remember to check the victim's carotid artery for pulse as well as any signs of consciousness. DO NOT FORGET TO DIAL 911. Check the child's carotid artery for pulse by placing two fingertips and applying slight pressure on his carotid artery for 5 to 10 seconds. A child's smaller and more fragile body requires less pressure when performing compressions. The rule to remember is 1 hand, 1 inch. If you feel or hear slight cracking sound, you may be pressing too hard. Apply less pressure as you continue. When performing chest compressions on a child proper hand placement is even more crucial than with adults. Place two fingers at the sternum (the bottom of the rib cage where the lower ribs meet) and then put the heel of your other hand directly on top of your fingers.

Infant CPR
According to the AHA. guidelines, Infant CPR is administered to any child under the age of 12 months. Send someone to call 911. Do not leave the child alone to call 911 until you have given about 1-2 minute of CPR. Infants have a much better chance of survival if CPR is performed immediately.

AIRWAY: Clear the airway

Place the baby on his or her back on firm, flat surface, such as a table. The floor or ground also will do. Gently tip the head back by lifting the chin with one hand and pushing down on the forehead with the other hand. In no more than 10 seconds, put your ear near the baby's mouth and check for breathing: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek and ear. If the infant isn't breathing, begin mouth-tomouth breathing immediately

BREATHING:

Breathe for the infant

Cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Use the strength of your cheeks to deliver gentle puffs of air (instead of deep breaths from your lungs) to slowly breathe into the baby's mouth one time, taking one second for the breath. Watch to see if the baby's chest rises. If it does, give a second rescue breath. If the chest does not rise, repeat the head tilt-chin lift and then give the second breath. If the chest still doesn't rise, examine the mouth to make sure no foreign material is inside. If the object is seen, sweep it out with your finger. If the airway seems blocked, perform first aid for a choking infant.

CIRCULATION:

Restore blood circulation

Check if the infant's heart is beating. In order to do that, find brachial artery. It is located inside of the upper arm, between the elbow and the shoulder. Place two fingertips on it and apply slight pressure for several seconds. If you do not feel a pulse, then the infant's heart is not beating. Begin chest compressions.

COMPRESSIONS
It is important to use caution when rescuing an infant, as baby's ribcage is especially susceptible to damage. Imagine a horizontal line drawn between the baby's nipples. Place 2 fingers of one hand just below this line, in the center of the chest. Gently compress the chest to about one-third to one-half the depth of the chest. Count aloud as you pump in a fairly rapid rhythm. You should pump at a rate of about 100 times a minute. DIAL 911. It is critical.

Give 2 breaths after every 30 chest compressions. Compressions should be about 1/2 inch deep. Perform CPR for about two minutes before calling for help unless someone else can make the call while you attend to the baby. Continue CPR until you see signs of life or until a professional relieves you.