Be a Lifesaver: Why Learning CPR is Crucial for Everyone

The first week in June is National CPR and AED Awareness Week and in an emergency, every second counts, and knowing CPR can make all the difference. CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique used to revive someone who has stopped breathing or has no pulse. It’sessential to learn CPR because it can help save lives in emergency situations. In this blog, we’ll explore why it’s important to learn CPR and what to do in an emergency.

Why is it important to learn CPR?

CPR is crucial because it helps to circulate blood to vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs, when someone is not breathing or their heart has stopped. This circulation can keep the person alive until help arrives. When someone has a cardiac arrest, it can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, including children, infants, and adults. Therefore, learning CPR can help you be prepared to help someone in need.

What to do in an emergency?

The first thing to do in an emergency is to call 911. Then, if you’re trained in CPR, start by checking for the person’s breathing and pulse. If the person is not breathing or has no pulse, begin CPR immediately.

The first step of CPR is to perform chest compressions. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, between the nipples. Lock your elbows, and push down on the chest with the weight of your upper body, to compress the chest by 2-2.4 inches. Do this at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, give two breaths by tilting the head back, lifting the chin, and giving two breaths lasting one second each.

Continue performing chest compressions and breaths in a ratio of 30:2 until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.

How often do you need to get recertified?

It’s important to keep your CPR certification current by getting recertified every two years. This is because the guidelines for performing CPR can change, and it’s essential to stay updated on the latest techniques.

Learning CPR is crucial because it can help save lives in emergency situations. It’s important to know what to do in an emergency, such as checking for breathing and pulse, performing chest compressions, and giving breaths. And finally, it’s essential to keep your certification current by getting recertified every two years.

At Rochester Medical Group, we encourage everyone to learn CPR and be prepared to help someone in need. Contact us today for more information.