Should we learn exactly about CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) to save a life in an emergency?

Have you ever seen someone suddenly lose consciousness and stop breathing? At such a time, we often panic, don't we? We can't think of what to do. Perhaps such an emergency can happen at your home, on the road, or even at your place of work. At such a time, how much more valuable is it to know that something can be done, rather than regretting, "Oh, I couldn't do anything" ? One very important method that can help with that, and can actually save a life, is called `(CPR)`. In this article, we will talk about what `(CPR)` is, how to do it properly, and how it can help save someone's life.

What is CPR? Let's learn it simply!

The meaning of `(CPR)` is cardiopulmonary resuscitation . That sounds a bit scientific, like a book, doesn't it? That's why not only ordinary people like us, but even doctors call it `(CPR)` for short. If we say it in full in English, it is called `(Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)`.

Now let's look at the meaning of these words.

• Cardio means related to the heart .
• Pulmonary means relating to the lungs .
• Resuscitation means to bring back to life , or to restore to health, or to bring back to life.

Simply put, CPR is a method of helping someone to survive when their breathing has stopped, and their heart has stopped beating (like a cardiac arrest). It is a method of helping to keep them alive until medical help arrives. To be precise, it is about artificially maintaining breathing and heart function. It is like a lifesaving procedure .

What really happens during CPR? (CAB steps)

Okay, now let's see what a person who performs `(CPR)`, that is, a rescuer , should do. There are three main steps in this. We call this in English CAB . These three letters refer to the order of things that need to be done.

• C stands for Chest compressions .
• A stands for Airway (checking and opening the airway).
• B stands for Breathing (Rescue breathing).

This sequence, or CAB, is very important. In the past, you may have heard it called `(ABC)`. But now, according to the latest medical guidelines, we use `(CAB)`. Because, when the heart stops, it is very important to start the circulation as soon as possible, that is, to pump blood to the body. If the blood does not reach the brain and other vital organs, it can quickly be damaged. Let's talk about each of these steps in more detail.

C: What are chest compressions?

Imagine that someone's heart stops beating. What happens then? The rest of the body, especially our brain, is not getting blood . It is from the blood that our body cells, especially the brain cells, get the oxygen they need to live. So when they are deprived of oxygen, the brain cells gradually begin to die and be destroyed. This can happen within a few minutes.

Chest Compressions are performed to stop that dangerous situation. The person performing CPR places the unconscious person on a firm surface , such as the floor, and presses on their chest in a specific way and for a specific number of times. To be precise, the compressions should be performed in the center of the chest, above the sternum . The correct position, hand position, rate, and depth of compressions are taught in CPR training.

This way, when you give chest compressions, you can get some blood flowing from the stopped heart. This means that the brain and other vital organs get some oxygen, and you can minimize permanent damage to them until medical help arrives. For an adult, you should usually give them compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute . You should also compress the chest until it is about 2 inches (5 cm) below the surface . This is different for a small child. That's why training is important.

Remember: When performing chest compressions, allow for a full chest recoil after each compression. Also, perform them continuously with minimal interruptions.

A: How to check the airway

After performing about 30 chest compressions (for an adult, the airway is usually checked after 30 compressions), the person performing CPR should next check to see if the unconscious person's airway is blocked or open.

Sometimes when we lose consciousness, the muscles relax, causing the tongue to fall back and block the airway. Or something like vomit, blood, or mucus may be stuck in the mouth. If that happens, no matter how hard we try to breathe, it won't get into the lungs.

So, the rescuer carefully places one hand on the forehead and tilts the head back, and with two fingers of the other hand, lifts the chin slightly to open the airway (head-tilt/chin-lift maneuver) . However, if there is a suspicion of neck injury (for example, a fall from a height), the head is not tilted back in this way, and a different technique called ``jaw thrust'' is used, which is also taught in training.

After opening the airway, look for anything visible inside the mouth . If there is, remove it only if it can be easily removed. Then, look, listen, and feel to see if the person is breathing. This means looking for things like chest rise and fall (look), breathing sounds (listen), and breathing on the cheek (feel). This should not take more than 10 seconds .

B: How do you give rescue breathing?

Now that the airway has been checked, if the person is still not breathing on their own (or is breathing very irregularly or abnormally), they need to be given rescue breathing . Because everyone needs oxygen to live. This is done to get oxygen into the lungs of someone who is not breathing.

Typically, the airway is opened (head-tilt/chin-lift), the person's nose is pinched shut with two fingers , and the rescuer puts their mouth over the other person's mouth (creating a seal) and gives one breath. This is called mouth-to-mouth resuscitation . Two rescue breaths are given. One breath is given for about a second, and the chest rises. If the chest rises, it means the breath has entered the lungs. Then, the mouth is removed, the chest is lowered (the breath is exhaled), and the second breath is given. It is not recommended to give these two breaths for more than a few seconds.

Sometimes, if mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is difficult, or if barrier devices are not available, it is important to at least perform continuous chest compressions (hands-only CPR) , especially for someone who is untrained.

Then give another 30 chest compressions, followed by two breaths. This 30:2 cycle (cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths) should be continued until medical help arrives, or the person regains consciousness, or until you are too tired to do it.

When should CPR be used?

These steps of CPR, which include chest compressions , airway clearance, and artificial respiration , should be performed when someone is not breathing and their heart is not beating (the heart has stopped, meaning they are lifeless).

Imagine someone suddenly collapses, is unconscious, does not respond to your calls, does not move, and does not seem to be breathing. That is when you need to think about `(CPR)`. But remember, `(CPR)` is not a medical treatment, it is only a life-saving action (first aid / basic life support) performed in an emergency until medical help (especially a `(Defibrillator)`) arrives. That is, `(CPR)` alone cannot completely cure a person, but it can buy valuable time.

What should you do first in an emergency?

When an emergency occurs, or someone in your area suddenly falls ill or falls, the most important thing is to stay as calm as possible . I know it's easier said than done, but if you're stressed, you won't be able to think clearly or make decisions.

So, the first thing to do is to ensure your own safety and the safety of those around you (Scene safety) . For example, if someone has fallen in the middle of the road, you should check for approaching vehicles. If there is a fire, you should leave the area.

Then, check to see if the sick person responds. Gently shake them by the shoulder and ask them something out loud, such as, "Are you okay?" "Can you hear me?" "My name is X, can I help you?"

Important: If someone is unconscious and has collapsed, and you think they may have suffered a neck or back injury (for example, if they fell from a height, if they were in a car accident), you should keep their head and neck as still as possible, without moving them as much as possible. You should also be very careful when performing CPR in such a situation.

If the person does not respond, meaning they do not speak, open their eyes, or move, immediately:

1. Shout for help . If there is anyone around, get their attention.

2. Call emergency medical services. In Sri Lanka, call the 1990 (Suvasariya) ambulance service immediately. If you are unable to speak, ask someone nearby to take the call. Calling emergency services should be the first thing you do. Professional medical help is needed immediately. If possible, put the phone on speaker and start CPR while you listen to their instructions.

3. Then, check for breathing. If there is no breathing or abnormal breathing (gasping), and you are trained in CPR, immediately begin chest compressions.

If there is someone there who is certified/trained in CPR, they can start CPR.

Who should learn CPR? Would this be important for you too?

It's really important for everyone to learn CPR. Because we never know who, where, or when an emergency will happen. But for some people, knowing CPR is a must as part of their job.

For example:

• Like many doctors, nurses, dentists, and everyone in the healthcare field.
• Paramedics and Emergency Medicine Technicians (EMTs) .
• Lifeguards , especially those who work at swimming pools and beaches.
• Kindergarten teachers (Childcare workers) , teachers in schools, especially sports coaches.
• Trainers in gyms , officials in sports associations.
• Firefighters, police officers.

These people should definitely know `(CPR)`. Also, many parents learn `(CPR)` thinking about the safety of their children. Imagine if a small child puts a toy in their mouth and chokes on it, or if they fall into a bucket of water, a pond... God forbid, such things should happen to anyone. But we can't imagine what if it doesn't happen. At a time like that, how valuable would it be if parents knew `(CPR)`? Also, it is very important for those who take care of elderly parents to know `(CPR)`.

But, aside from these professional reasons, learning CPR is a great thing for anyone like you . We never know when, where, or who a medical emergency will occur. Knowing that you can help in such a situation is a great thing. Knowing CPR could save the life of a loved one, a friend, a neighbor, or even a stranger on the street. It's a great honor and a great feeling.

So how do you learn CPR?

Learning `(CPR)` is not that difficult. It doesn't take much time either. There are several places in Sri Lanka that offer `(CPR)` training courses. These are usually conducted as a one-day workshop.

• Internationally recognized organizations like St. John Ambulance Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Red Cross Society regularly conduct such courses.
• Some major government and private hospitals may also have similar first aid and CPR training programs.
• Some universities are also conducting these as community awareness programs through their medical faculties .
• You can also find these types of courses through some religious places, community centers (like the YMCA) , or even your school or workplace .
• There are now places online where you can get basic knowledge, but getting hands-on practice is a must. Because you need to practice how to properly perform chest compressions and breathing on a mannequin.

Usually, if you are middle school/secondary school age (13-14 years old) or older, you are ready to take a CPR course and become certified. If you are interested in learning CPR, talk to your mom or dad or one of your teachers. They may be able to help you find a place that is right for you.

Knowing CPR can really save a life. It's a real lifesaver!

So, what is the take-home message from all of this?

Okay, we've talked a lot about CPR now, haven't we? I think you've got a good understanding and interest in it. After reading this, you'll also think how valuable it is to learn CPR.

Simply remember: CPR is a very valuable technique that helps someone who has stopped breathing and has stopped beating their heart in an emergency situation, keeping them alive until medical help arrives, and minimizes damage to the brain and other organs.

• Don't panic: In an emergency, first calm yourself down. Then check the surrounding area for safety.
• Ask for help: If alone, immediately call 1990 or shout for help. Ask someone to call an ambulance.
• Remember CAB: C - Chest Compressions, A - Airway Opening, B - Breathing. This is the order in which they should be performed.
• Training is essential: To perform CPR correctly, it is essential to take a training course from a reputable institution. This will give you the correct methodology, technique, and confidence to do it.
• Anyone can learn: No matter your age or profession, learning CPR can be useful to you anytime, anywhere. If it saves a life, there's nothing more valuable than that.
• Doing something is better than doing nothing: Some people are afraid, 'What if I make a mistake?' Remember, it is much better to give CPR to someone who needs it, as you know how (even if you are not trained, at least according to the instructions of the emergency call center). However, it is most appropriate and effective if you have received training.

So, think about learning CPR. It's a great service not only to you, but also to your family, friends, and society. It can really make a difference, and it can save a life!

` CPR, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, First Aid, Lifeguard, Chest Compressions, Artificial Respiration