Learn CPR

Learn the basics of CPR in case you ever find yourself in an emergency situation.

Step 1 FAQ

What is CPR?

CPR is an abbreviation for Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation. It is manually pumping a persons heart and breathing for them.

Is it dangerous?

It is recommended that unless the situation is dire you should not make mouth to mouth contact without a barrier. If you carry a wallet or purse you could easily fit a disposable mask in case of emergency.

Is it tiring?

CPR is an extreme workout. It takes tons of energy and physical strength.

When should I stop giving CPR?

There is only two reasons you should stop giving CPR. If the persons regains a heartbeat and can breath or if you feel so tired that if you continue you'll pass out as well. Other than that you should give CPR until further help arrives.

Comments

[Robil]

Shouldn't there be a step about checking the air passageway for foreign objects? If there is something in the victim's mouth/throat, you should do your best to clear the passageway before performing CPR, no? At least that's what I learned.

[bohemianharmony]

your hand positioning is off - you need to keep your fingers on the bottom hand "out." this will increase the effectiveness of CPR because it won't distribute your weight on irrelevant places in the heart. Also - infants you DONT tilt the head back, because of the anatomical differences. This will actually close the infants' airway. ...-an american heart assiociation basic life support instructor

[candeelady]

You really must take a course to understand "how" it's actually done. ( I taught CPR for 8 years) Even a video is just a introductory tool. This instructible is great for just bringing awareness to the subject and encouraging people to take a class. Quit harping on each other. ( typical macho males)

[Jake-off]

well I just got a head start in my medical science class, thanks

[Jesusjuice917]

your supposed to tell the person to call 911 and come back a member at my firehouse is a certified teacher

[gazhay]

The accepted method of CPR currently in use here in the UK is a 15:2 ratio, of chest compressions to breaths.

[sam noyoun]

incorrect... the currently accepted method in the UK is a ratio of 30:2 ... This was changed a couple of years ago according to the guidelines of the European Council for resuscitation.

[gazhay]

Well, in a straw poll of on duty doctors in the A&E at the Royal Belfast hospital, we say 15:2, so the euro legislation obv. hasn't made it this far yet!

[sam noyoun]

Surprising... St John's Ambulance teaches to the new guidelines... Lifesaving organisations have all modified their procedures to adhere to these guidelines, as well as Ambulance Service First Responder schemes. I cannot believe doctors in the A&E wouldn't...

[gazhay]

St. John's - as in the OAP's with hard hats that used to throw blankets over injured footballers!! Anyway, didn't come on here to be called a liar, I was only stating (local) fact.

[sam noyoun]

I didn't mean this to sound insulting, nor to call you a liar... just expressing my surprise...

[gazhay]

Sorry, just having a bad day! my apologies.

[sam noyoun]

Also see this instructable for a video demonstration:
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-perform-CPR-Cardio-Pulmonary-Resuscitation/

[nerdzilla]

I don`t know whether this is right or not, but it probably would be good idea to take a course. That way an instructor can tell you if you`re doing it right or not.

[sardines454]

are recommending i take a course or are you recommending i recommend you take a course? because i am cpr certified.

[nerdzilla]

Oh yeah? Prove it.

[sardines454]

how?

[nerdzilla]

I'm just kidding. I meant that someone reading the instructable could misunderstand something and do it wrong, so it's good to have someone to tell you if you are doing it correctly, and to answer questions.

[chooseausername]

It is recommended that unless the situation is dire you should not make mouth to mouth contact without a barrier.

Maybe this question will sound naive, but what are the dangers of not using a "face shield"/"barrier" ?
That's the first time I heard about this device. I never saw anyone using or talking about it in my country ...

[sardines454]

you could contract any contagious diseases the person may have or the person could vomit while you're giving them cpr

[chooseausername]

Ok, thank you for this enlightenment =o]

[PurplePeople]

Good thing you have your disclaimer. You're missing steps so important that it's likely you have never actually taken a course in CPR. Check for a pulse. A beating heart is an indication that the victim does not need chest compressions. It is possible Step 1-1/2: Check for pulse. No pulse. Begin CPR. If there is a pulse, check for breathing. If breathing, watch over victim until help arrives. If no breathing, begin AR, Artificial Resuscitation (breathing for victim as described in Step 2). Step 2-1/2: Continually check for pulse and breathing. If no pulse, continue CPR. If heart begins beating, check breathing. If no breathing, continue AR. If breathing is shallow, support with AR by timing your breaths. Step 3-1/2: Keep checking pulse and breathing. If either return... see Step 2-1/2. Step 5: In the USA, you can be sued if the victim dies so just wait for the emergency responders. In Canada, you are protected by a good Samaritan law that prevents you from being sued if you've genuinely tried your best to help a victim that died, even if their demise was hastened by your actions somehow. One more thing... for those that have taken the course, but didn't know about the update... the change from 15/2 to 30/2 happened about 2 years ago. There are specific details that apply to CPR for children and even more for infants. Also, chest compressions can break ribs if performed without due care. Just take the course.

[sardines454]

oh and one more thing: i know you're just trying to help but this instructable isn't meant to be a full course, just a briefer in the event of an emergency.

[sardines454]

i am cpr certified. in case you weren't informed cpr has been changed. you no longer check for a pulse. and you don't stop. YOU SHOULD TAKE A COURSE!

[thecheatscalc]

don't check for a pulse? it takes a second and could mean the difference of crunching someone's ribs or not! Also a good way to prevent being sued...

[sardines454]

i know not checking for a pulse is not always a good idea but some people who don't know how to check for a pulse very well can sometimes think they feel one even if there isn't and then the victim could die. a broken rib is better than a broken body

[Scupper]

Very good instructable. However, it is important to note for our readers that proper training in a classroom by a certified instructor will make sure a person is performing CPR properly. I am certified in First Aid, CPR and AED as a first responder at the company I work for and have to take a refresher course every so often. I hope more people will look at this instructable and think about becoming certified. Maybe they can save a life

[GorillazMiko]

very helpful. i used to think it was very easy, but its not really that easy.