Save a Life: Learn CPR

Why should you learn CPR and first aid? Basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are two different, yet extremely important skills that should be learned by everyone. The term "first aid" is used to describe treatment given in any situation, even those that do not require attention from a medical professional. CPR training can be invaluable, and teaches the skills you'll need to extend the life of an individual who is suffering from cardiac failure, a drowning victim or any type of situation in which breathing has stopped. When combined, first aid CPR can provide the life-saving expertise that everyone should know.

Before you begin CPR on an individual, you must determine if they are conscious or not. If there is no response and there is no one else available to call emergency services, call 911 first and then begin the steps for CPR. To perform CPR properly, you must be trained and certified before you take the following steps if an adult is experiencing a circulatory or respiratory emergency. Always remember to follow the ABCs: airway, breathing and circulation.

First clear the airway by placing the person on his or her back (on a firm surface if possible). Kneel next to the person's shoulders and tilt his or her head back. Lift open the chin, and if you determine that there are no breathing obstructions, you can begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

In this position, with the airway open, pinch the person's nostrils closed and completely seal their mouth with your own or a barrier device, if one is immediately available. Blow one breath in until you see the chest rise, and then give two breaths lasting one second each. If you don't see the chest rise, the airway is blocked, so attempt to clear the airway again and then repeat the breathing technique.

During compressions, place the heel of one of your hands on the middle of the person's chest, and place your other hand on top of that. Now push down hard, around two inches, very quickly. Attempt two compressions per second. You will count compressions and stop to give rescue breaths after every thirty compressions.

When you learn CPR, you will be instructed to direct the most attention to the most critical problems that are present, such as opening an airway, bleeding and of course, a heart condition. You will try to keep the patient as comfortable as possible. Do not move the person if a serious injury has occurred, as movement may exacerbate the condition. You are simply trying to stabilize the person until help arrives, or in the case of non-critical injury or illness, treat the person's immediate concerns.

Both CPR and emergency first aid training are widely available. You can learn CPR in an easily accessible online format through the American Heart Association at www.americanheart.org. First aid training courses are very thorough and inexpensive to complete. There are also courses available at universities and colleges, as well as hospitals and clinics. Becoming certified in first aid and CPR can greatly increase your ability to treat and save a life in an unforeseen, emergency situation.

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First aid licensing takes only a short time to get and it can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. It may be a bit overwhelming to consider all the information you will need to respond effectively during an emergency, yet with the tips and tricks discussed in this article, you should have no problem meeting the challenge. Don't you want to be prepared in the event a family member, friend, colleague or stranger on the street is a victim of a medical crisis? Knowledge is power, and with the right training you too can gain that power.

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There are some basic skills that every person should learn. They are vital and can actually save a life. First aid may seem basic to you but it is the fundamental core to many different jobs.

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When the heart stops functioning, a healthy human brain can survive without oxygen for up to four minutes without suffering any permanent and debilitating damage. It is during those few critical minutes that cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can provide oxygenated blood to the brain and the heart of a victim, thus dramatically increasing his or her chances of survival.