Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a vital emergency procedure that can save lives in situations like cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating effectively. Whether you're a trained first aider or a concerned bystander, knowing how to perform CPR correctly in South Africa is crucial. This guide will provide you with the necessary steps to administer CPR and potentially save a life.
What is CPR?
CPR is a lifesaving technique that involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to manually maintain circulation and oxygenation in someone who has stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating.
When to Perform CPR
You should perform CPR when a person:
Is unresponsive and not breathing or not breathing normally (e.g., only gasping).
Before you begin, ensure the scene is safe for both you and the person in need.
Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR
1. Check for Responsiveness
Gently shake the person or tap their shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you okay?"
If there’s no response, immediately call for help or instruct someone nearby to call emergency services.
2. Call for Emergency Help
In South Africa, dial 112 from a mobile phone or 10177 for an ambulance from a landline.
If you're alone, call emergency services before starting CPR. If others are present, ask one person to make the call while you begin CPR.
3. Open the Airway
Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
Tilt the head back slightly by placing one hand on the forehead and lifting the chin with your other hand. This helps open the airway.
4. Check for Breathing
Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately.
5. Perform Chest Compressions
Hand Placement: Position the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
Body Position: Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
Compression: Press down hard and fast, at least 5 cm deep (about 2 inches), at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions.
6. Give Rescue Breaths (If You Are Trained)
Head Tilt and Chin Lift: After 30 compressions, tilt the head back again and lift the chin.
Pinch the Nose: Pinch the person's nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give two rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second. Watch for the chest to rise.
If the chest doesn't rise, reposition the head and try again.
7. Continue CPR
Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
Keep going until emergency medical services arrive, the person shows signs of life, or you're too exhausted to continue.
Special Considerations in South Africa
Children and Infants: For children aged 1 year to puberty, use one hand for compressions. For infants under 1 year, use two fingers and compress about 4 cm deep. The ratio of compressions to breaths remains 30:2, but give gentle rescue breaths.
Use of an AED: If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are becoming more common in public spaces in South Africa. Turn it on, follow the voice prompts, and continue CPR until the AED is ready to deliver a shock.
Getting Trained: Consider enrolling in a CPR and first aid course offered by organisations like the South African Red Cross Society or St. John Ambulance South Africa. These courses provide hands-on training and certification.
Conclusion
CPR is a critical skill that can make the difference between life and death in an emergency. By following these steps, you can help sustain life until professional help arrives. Remember, performing CPR—even if imperfectly—is better than doing nothing. Taking the initiative could save a life.
Stay informed, stay safe, and be prepared to make a difference when it matters most.