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Performing CPR: What You Need to Know

  Every second counts during a medical emergency, especially in the case of a cardiac arrest. Understanding how to administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be a crucial factor in saving someone’s life during a medical emergency. Whether you're at home, at work, or in a public space, this life-saving skill empowers you to take immediate action until professional help arrives. This article aims to equip you with the essential information on the CPR procedure, signs of cardiac arrest, and when to act—brought to you by the best cardiologist in Hyderabad . What Is Cardiac Arrest? Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, usually caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart. While a heart attack involves a blockage that reduces blood flow to part of the heart, cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop beating altogether.This leads to a sudden loss of breathing and consciousness. Immediate action is crucial—survival rates drop significantly with every passing minute w...
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Performing CPR: What You Need to Know

 Every second counts during a medical emergency, especially in the case of a cardiac arrest. Understanding how to administer CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can be a crucial factor in saving someone’s life during a medical emergency. Whether you're at home, at work, or in a public space, this life-saving skill empowers you to take immediate action until professional help arrives. This article aims to equip you with the essential information on the CPR procedure, signs of cardiac arrest, and when to act—brought to you by the best cardiologist in Hyderabad.

What Is Cardiac Arrest?

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function, usually caused by an electrical disturbance in the heart. While a heart attack involves a blockage that reduces blood flow to part of the heart, cardiac arrest causes the heart to stop beating altogether.This leads to a sudden loss of breathing and consciousness. Immediate action is crucial—survival rates drop significantly with every passing minute without CPR.


Common causes of cardiac arrest include:

  • Heart conditions like arrhythmias or coronary artery disease
  • Severe trauma or blood loss
  • Drowning or choking
  • Drug overdose
  • Electrical shock

Early Warning Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Before we dive into how to perform CPR, it’s important to recognize the warning signs. These include:

  • Sudden collapse or fainting
  • No pulse or breathing
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Chest discomfort or pain (in some cases)
  • Sudden dizziness or nausea

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, start CPR immediately and call emergency services.


How to Perform CPR: Step-by-Step Guide


The CPR procedure varies slightly depending on whether you're dealing with an adult, child, or infant, but the core steps remain the same. Here's a guide for adults:


1. Check the Scene and the Person

  • Ensure the environment is safe. Tap the person and call out loudly to check if they respond.

2. Call Emergency Services

  • If the person is unresponsive, call emergency medical services or ask someone nearby to do so.

3. Open the Airway

  • Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to help maintain an open airway.

4. Check for Breathing

  • Listen for breathing for up to 10 seconds. If there’s no breathing or only gasping, begin CPR right away.

5. Start Chest Compressions

  • Place your hands (one over the other) in the center of the chest.
  • Apply firm and rapid chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.
  • Push down on the chest to a depth of approximately 2 inches, allowing it to fully recoil between each compression.

6. Provide Rescue Breaths (If Trained)

  • After 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.
  • Occlude the nares, establish a tight mouth-to-mouth seal, and deliver a ventilatory breath sufficient to produce visible chest rise.
  • Continue the cycle: 30 compressions, 2 breaths.

Note: If you're untrained or unsure, focus only on hands-only CPR—just chest compressions.


7. Use an AED if Available


A portable Automated External Defibrillator (AED) delivers an electric shock to terminate life-threatening arrhythmias and help restore an effective cardiac rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest.Turn it on and follow the voice instructions.


CPR for Children and Infants

CPR procedure


The CPR procedure differs slightly for younger individuals:

  • For children, perform chest compressions with one hand; for infants, use two fingers placed just below the nipple line.
  • Compression depth should be about 1.5 inches for infants and 2 inches for children.
  • Be gentle but firm, and follow the same compression-to-breath ratio (30:2).

Common Mistakes to Avoid


While attempting to save a life, some errors can reduce the effectiveness of CPR:

  • Inadequate depth or pace of compressions
  • Pausing too long between compressions
  • Not allowing the chest to rise fully
  • Failing to call emergency services
  • Giving up too early
  • Knowing how to perform CPR the right way ensures your efforts are truly life-saving.

Importance of Learning CPR


Learning CPR is essential not just for healthcare providers but for every individual. Immediate initiation of CPR following cardiac arrest can increase survival rates by two- to threefold. Given the rise in lifestyle-related heart issues in India, especially in metropolitan cities, awareness and training in CPR are more crucial than ever.


When to Seek Professional Help


Even if the person regains consciousness after CPR, it’s critical to seek medical evaluation immediately. A cardiac arrest often signals underlying heart problems that need thorough investigation and treatment.


For expert cardiac care, it’s advisable to consult the best cardiologist in India. At Dr. Raghu.com, our team of best cardiologists in Hyderabad specializes in diagnosing, treating, and preventing heart conditions with cutting-edge techniques and compassionate care.


Final Thoughts


CPR is a powerful, life-saving skill that every individual should learn. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or office worker, knowing how to perform CPR can help you act decisively during emergencies. Equip yourself with this vital knowledge and be a lifesaver when it matters most.


Don’t wait for a crisis—schedule a heart check-up with the best cardiologist in Hyderabad. Book an appointment today with Dr. C. Raghu and take control of your heart health.
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