These Adult and Pediatric CPR Facts Will Shock You! - post

In today's fast-paced world, emergencies can occur without warning, making it essential for everyone to be equipped with life-saving skills. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) stands out as one of the most critical techniques that can mean the difference between life and death in situations such as cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking.  

Pediatric CPR

When performing CPR on infants and children, it is essential to keep the following key points in mind:

• Age Classification:

  • Infants: Defined as children under one year of age.
  • Children: Generally refers to individuals aged one year to puberty.

• Compression Technique:

  • For infants, use two fingers placed just below the nipple line in the center of the chest.
  • For children, use one or two hands (depending on the size of the child) to compress the chest at the lower half of the sternum.

• Compression Depth and Rate:

  • Infants: Compress the chest about 1.5 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
  • Children: Compress the chest about 2 inches deep, also at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

• Rescue Breaths:

  • For infants, give gentle puffs of air, ensuring the mouth and nose are covered. Each breath should last about 1 second.
  • For children, provide breaths that make the chest rise visibly, using a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

• Choking Considerations:

  • If a child is choking and becomes unresponsive, initiate CPR immediately. Check the mouth for any visible obstruction before giving rescue breaths.

• Call for Help:

  • Always ensure that #emergency services are contacted as soon as possible. If alone with an infant or child, perform CPR for about 2 minutes before calling for help.

• Use of AED:

  • If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, it can be used on children over the age of 1. For infants, use pediatric pads if available, or adult pads if not.

Adult CPR Guidelines

Key Steps for Adult CPR

• Assess the Situation:

  • Ensure the scene is #safe for both you and the victim.
  • Check for responsiveness by gently shaking the person and shouting, "Are you okay?"

• Call for Help:

  • If the person is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately or ask someone else to do so.
  • If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, retrieve it if possible.

• Check for Breathing:

  • Look for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  • If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR immediately.

• Perform Chest Compressions:

  • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, with the other hand on top.
  • Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands.
  • Compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
  • Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to ensure effective blood flow.

• Provide Rescue Breaths (if trained):

  • After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
  • Ensure the airway is open by tilting the head back slightly and lifting the chin.
  • Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, seal your lips around the person’s mouth, and give a breath lasting about 1 second, watching for the chest to rise.
  • Repeat for a second breath.

• Continue CPR:

  • Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
  • Continue this cycle until emergency personnel arrive, an AED becomes available, or the person shows signs of life.

• Use an AED (if available):

  • Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts.
  • Attach the pads to the bare chest as indicated.
  • Ensure no one is touching the person during the analysis and shock delivery.

Important Considerations

• Compression-Only CPR: If you are untrained or uncomfortable providing rescue breaths, perform hands-only CPR with continuous chest compressions.
• Legal Protection: Good Samaritan laws protect individuals who provide assistance in emergencies, so do not hesitate to help.
• Training: Regularly update your CPR skills through certified courses to stay current with best practices.

CPR Myths and Misconceptions

Here are some prevalent myths about CPR:

• Fear of Causing Harm: A widespread misconception is that performing CPR incorrectly can worsen the situation. In reality, even poorly executed CPR is better than no CPR at all. The risk of causing harm is minimal compared to the potential benefits of attempting to revive someone.

• Only Trained Individuals Can Perform CPR: Many people think that only certified professionals can administer CPR effectively. However, anyone can perform CPR, and even basic knowledge can make a difference. While training enhances confidence and technique, the instinct to help is what truly matters.

• CPR is Always Effective: While CPR can save lives, it is not a guaranteed solution. There are instances where CPR may not revive a person, but it can still provide critical support until emergency services arrive.

• You Can’t Hurt Someone with CPR: Some individuals worry that they might cause injury while performing CPR. While it is possible to break ribs, especially in older adults, the priority is to maintain blood circulation and oxygen flow to vital organs.

• CPR is Only for Cardiac Arrest: Many believe that CPR is only necessary for cardiac arrest situations. However, CPR techniques can also be applied in cases of drowning, choking, or severe trauma, making it a versatile skill.

• You Should Wait for Professional Help: Some bystanders hesitate to act, thinking they should wait for trained professionals. However, every minute counts in a cardiac emergency, and initiating CPR immediately can significantly improve survival rates.

• Good Samaritan Laws Don’t Protect You: There is a misconception that performing CPR could #lead to legal repercussions. In fact, Good Samaritan laws exist in many places to protect individuals who provide assistance in emergencies, encouraging people to help without fear of being sued.

• CPR is Only for Adults: Many people think CPR is only applicable to adults, but children and even infants can require CPR. Learning pediatric CPR is just as important and can save the life of a child in distress.

• You Need to Be Strong to Perform CPR: Some believe that only physically strong individuals can perform effective CPR. However, the technique is more important than strength, and even a small person can provide effective compressions.

• CPR is a One-Time Action: Another myth is that CPR is a one-time action. In reality, CPR should be continued until emergency personnel arrive or the person shows signs of life.

References

• https://nhcps.com/25-things-you-dont-know-about- #cpr-but-should/?srsltid=AfmBOooGhkcVLFPuKeO2wLQ1423O7cLDlBAdVAS5dt0i4F031u-A5SP7
• https://www.quora.com/Can-you-fail-a-CPR-class
• https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-know-whether-or-not-to-do-child-CPR-or-adult-CPR-if-the-patient-is-12
• https://www.quora.com/Can-you-fail-a-CPR-class
• https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-know-whether-or-not-to-do-child-CPR-or-adult-CPR-if-the-patient-is-12
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozzZVQQTvo4