Save a Life: Quick CPR Steps for Cardiac Emergencies

October is Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Month, established by Congress back in 2008 to bring attention to this life threatening condition and to encourage people to learn CPR and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

This year around 356,000 Americans will suffer sudden cardiac arrest and only around 8-10% of these victims will survive. Approximately, 23,000 of these victims will be kids and teens.

You can double or triple the victim's chance of survival if you begin compressing immediately. It can keep blood flowing to the brain until professional help arrives. This article will show you the basic steps to help someone in a cardiac emergency.

Hands-Only CPR for Adults and Teens

For adults and teens, the simplest way to help is "hands-only" CPR. You don't need to worry about breathing for them.

How to do it:

1. Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, right between the nipples.

2. Put your other hand on top of the first hand.

3. Lock your fingers together.

4. Keep your arms straight and push down hard and fast.

You are pushing blood to the brain, keeping it alive until help comes. Push at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of a fast song like "Stayin' Alive" or even the new K-Pop hit song "Golden".

Real-world application: If you see someone suddenly collapse and they are not breathing or gasping, start immediate CPR.

CPR and Safety Lady tip: Don't be afraid to jump in and help. Even if you don't do it perfectly, you can double or triple the victim's chance of survival.

CPR for Infants and Young Children

For babies and young children (under age 10 or 11), the steps are a little different. The main cause of unintentional death of infants under the age of one often choking.

How to do CPR for an infant (under 1 year old):

1. Gently tap or shake the baby and shout to see if they respond.

2. Check if they are breathing.

3. If they are not breathing or gasping, give 30 chest compressions. Use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line.

4. After compressions, tilt their head back slightly.

5. Cover the baby's nose and mouth with your mouth and give two gentle breaths.

6. Repeat this cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

Real-world application: If a baby stops breathing, you need to give breaths as well as compressions. This is because their breathing problems are often the first issue.

CPR and Safety Lady tip: For infants, use just two fingers for compressions. For children, you might use one or two hands depending on their size.

When to Call for Help

It's crucial to get professional help as quickly as possible.

What to do:

1. Check for responsiveness: Tap and shout to see if the person answers.

2. Call 911 (or your local emergency number): If the person is unresponsive, immediately call 911. Check for breathing and if they are not breathing or gasping, gurgling, immediately start chest compressions and breaths. If you are all alone with an infant or child, give 2 minutes of care before calling 911.

3. Find a defibrillator (AED): If an AED is available nearby, send someone to get it. These machines can restart a heart that is fibrillating.

Real-world application: If you are all alone with an infant or child, give 2 minutes of care before calling 911. They are less likely to have an abnormal arrhythmia and more likely to respond to your care.

CPR and Safety Lady tip: Don't hesitate to ask for help from bystanders.

Practical Steps to Take Now

Learning CPR is important, and practicing can build confidence.

Actionable Advice:

• Learn the basics: Familiarize yourself with the hands-only CPR technique for teens/adults and the steps for children/infants.

• Practice: If possible, attend a CPR class. This gives you hands-on experience.

• Be prepared: Know your local emergency number.

• Don't be afraid: Remember that taking action is better than doing nothing.

Even if you can only remember the hands-only compressions, you can still help someone in a critical situation.

Did you know?: Women are 1.5 times less likely to receive CPR when they need it. If you are helping a woman, do not let concerns about inappropriate touch stop you from saving her life.

Sudden cardiac arrest is a serious event, but immediate action can save lives. Hands-only CPR for adults and children, and CPR with breaths for infants, are effective techniques.

Remember to call for emergency help right away. Your quick thinking and willingness to act can make all the difference in an emergency. Keep these steps in mind, and be ready to help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How fast should I push during CPR compressions?

A: Push hard and fast, at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of a fast song.

Q: Do I really need to breathe for someone during CPR?

A: For adults and teens, hands-only CPR is recommended and effective. For infants and young children, rescue breaths are important.

Q: What if I'm not sure if someone is having a cardiac emergency?

A: If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, it's best to assume it's an emergency and start