After the cardiac arrest of Damar Hamlin, it is a reminder that CPR is a life-saving measure that is done daily, yet many people don’t know how to do it or haven’t practiced it in a really long time.
CPR was done on Hamlin for more than 10 minutes before being taken away in an ambulance and it has been stated that it is one of the factors that kept him alive.
Photo: Getty Images
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help save a life during a cardiac or breathing emergency. However, even after training, remembering the CPR steps and administering them correctly can be a challenge. In order to help you help someone in need, we've created this simple step-by-step guide that you can print up and place on your refrigerator, in your car, in your bag, or at your desk.
The 7 Steps of CPR:
- CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression and use personal protective equipment (PPE)
- If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout
- If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so
- Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface
- Give 30 chest compressions
- Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
- Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
- Depth: At least 2 inches
- Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
- Allow the chest to return to normal position after each compression
- Give 2 breaths
- Open the airway to a past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique
- Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath
Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the 2nd breath If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway
7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is available!