Knowing CPR is essential for first-aid emergencies, but you don’t have to be a medical professional to administer it. It is essential to understand how to perform it before you attempt it. There are several ways to deliver CPR; the most important is to be prepared to use it immediately. The old model, the CPR acronym ABCDEF, is no longer recommended. A new model, called CAB, is recommended by the American Heart Association. It recommends performing chest compressions before opening the airway.
Basic life support
CPR and First Aid are vital skills in the event of an emergency. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and refers to the techniques used in the event of a cardiac arrest. These techniques are also helpful in respiratory distress or an obstructed airway. CPR can be performed on patients of any age, including infants. An introductory life support course will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to provide life-saving care to anyone in distress.
A BLS course is ideal for professionals who want to certify in emergency medical care or for people who want to refresh their first aid knowledge. These courses are recommended by healthcare providers and can make a difference in saving lives. By acquiring a certification in this important field, you will be better equipped to respond to a cardiac emergency.
Essential life support (BLS) certification is different from standard CPR certification. It is designed for healthcare providers and emphasizes teamwork and high-performance CPR. Additionally, BLS courses also emphasize the use of medical equipment to provide ventilation, which is very important for the survival of an unconscious person. The certification is valid for two years and provides infant and adult CPR certification.
Cardiac arrest
If you witness a cardiac arrest, the first thing to do is to call for emergency medical care immediately. Early CPR, mouth-to-mouth breathing and defibrillation can save a life. If this is not possible, you should call 118. This number will help you find the nearest hospital.
The person who has suffered cardiac arrest will not be breathing; you should first listen to the person for ten seconds to determine if they are breathing. If they are not breathing, you should open their airway and place them in recovery. You should also ask if a public access defibrillator is available.
Many factors can cause cardiac arrest. Some common factors include heart disease, congenital heart defects and blood loss. A healthy lifestyle can also lower your risk of cardiac arrest. However, in some cases, cardiac arrest occurs without any apparent symptoms.
Choking
Choking is a typical medical emergency that requires immediate action to clear the airway. It is often caused by small objects or food lodged in the throat. Most choking incidents involve children but can also occur in older people. The first thing to do when you notice that someone may be choking is to grasp the person’s neck. If possible, use both hands. You should then wrap your arms around the person’s waist under the ribcage and press the abdomen.
Choking in CPR First Aid can be a complicated emergency and requires the proper steps. You must call 911 immediately. You may be able to tell if someone is choking by their voice. If they can speak, you can try to free their airway by yelling for help. Then, use abdominal thrusts and back blows to help them breathe. Make sure you do not force the person to swallow if they are not ready.
In a choking incident, a foreign object has blocked the airway. This object can be anything from a small piece of food to a large object. Young children are especially prone to swallowing small items. When an object gets stuck in a person’s airway, the victim cannot breathe and may even die. In addition, during a choking emergency, the patient may not be able to speak, so it is essential to act quickly.