CPR: A Vital Skill Everyone Should Know

The Importance of CPR
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that can help keep a person alive who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. It's a vital skill that everyone should know, because you never know when you might be the one who needs to save a life.
How to Perform CPR
Performing CPR is relatively simple, but it's important to get the steps right. Here's how to do it:
1. Check for responsiveness. Tap the person's shoulder and shout, "Are you okay?" If they don't respond, call for help immediately.
2. Check for breathing. Tilt the person's head back slightly and lift their chin. Look, listen, and feel for breathing for up to 10 seconds. If they're not breathing, begin CPR.
3. Start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first and interlace your fingers. Push down hard and fast, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.
4. Give rescue breaths. After 30 compressions, pinch the person's nose shut and seal your mouth over theirs. Give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath.
5. Continue CPR. Continue alternating between 30 compressions and two rescue breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.
When to Use CPR
CPR should be performed whenever someone is unresponsive and not breathing. This could be due to a heart attack, drowning, choking, or other medical emergency.
Benefits of Knowing CPR
Knowing CPR has many benefits, including:
* Saving lives. CPR can help keep a person alive who would otherwise die.
* Increasing your confidence. Knowing CPR can give you the confidence to act in an emergency.
* Making a difference. Performing CPR can make a real difference in someone's life.
Call to Action
If you don't already know CPR, I urge you to learn. It's a valuable skill that could save a life. There are many free and low-cost CPR classes available, so there's no excuse not to learn.
Take a CPR class today, and be prepared to save a life.