CPR Techniques and Procedures Quiz

Study Notes

CPR Overview

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure commonly used when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This technique helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen supply until medical professionals arrive. There are different types of CPR, each tailored for specific age groups, such as adults, children, and infants. In this article, we will discuss CPR techniques for infants, rescue breathing, chest compressions, AED usage, and CPR certification.

Infant CPR Techniques

The steps to perform infant CPR vary slightly from adult and child CPR. To perform infant CPR:

Lay the baby flat on their back on a firm surface.
Kneel beside the baby, keeping your arms straight and hands together.
Perform cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths.
Continue with this pattern until advanced life support arrives or the scene becomes unsafe.

Remember that chest compressions should be performed with enough force to make the chest rise and fall, while still allowing you to see the chest movement.

Rescue Breathing

Rescue breathing involves opening the airway of an unresponsive person and providing two slow breaths into their mouth. For adults, the rate is one breath every five seconds; however, for children under nine years old, it's one breath every three seconds. To give rescue breaths to an infant:

Tilt their head back gently.
Pinch their nose shut.
Provide two rescue breaths into their mouth.
Look for chest rise and feel for breaths coming out of their mouth during the second breath.

If you don't see any chest rise or feel breaths, you may need to give more rescue breaths or start CPR immediately.

Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are crucial in maintaining circulation during CPR. They push blood through the body and keep vital organs supplied with oxygen. Adult and child chest compression rates are 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Infant chest compressions depend on the responder's preference between standard and modified hand placement:

Standard: Place the heel of one hand on the breastbone, using the other hand to support the chest. Press down with both hands at the same time.
Modified: Place the heel of one hand on the middle of the sternum, directly over the heart, using the other hand to support the chest. Press down with one hand at a time.

Both methods aim to allow the chest to recoil completely after each compression.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Usage

An automated external defibrillator (AED) can detect if a shockable rhythm is present in a patient who is experiencing cardiac arrest. If so, the device will prompt the user to charge and deliver a shock to restore normal heart rhythm. When using an AED:

Follow the directions given by the voice prompts.
Remove all clothing except for a loose shirt.
Attach the electrode pads following the sequence indicated on the patient's chest.
Turn on the AED and follow its instructions carefully.

Using an AED does not replace CPR. If possible, continue CPR as directed by the AED while waiting for emergency services.

CPR Certification

CPR certification indicates that individuals have been trained in various aspects of life support procedures, including CPR, first aid, and the use of AED equipment. Many organizations offer these courses, such as American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and St. John Ambulance. Online courses are also available for those who prefer flexible learning options. It's essential to remember that certifications may expire and require regular updates to stay current and proficient in the latest techniques.

Description

Test your knowledge on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, including infant CPR, rescue breathing, chest compressions, and the usage of Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Learn about CPR certification and stay up-to-date with life-saving procedures.