What are the main CPR techniques?
Understanding how to perform CPR can save lives. This technique is used to manually pump the heart should it stop beating, keeping blood and oxygen flowing around the body to the brain and other vital organs. When done correctly, CPR improves the survival rate threefold for those suffering from cardiac arrest.
According to the AACE website, only 51 percent of people in the UK feel confident that they could perform CPR if needed. Given that this treatment can save lives, it is important that more people understand the basics. Here are the three main ways that CPR is performed.
Chest Compressions
Chest compression is the typical way that most CPR is performed. This is where hands are positioned in the middle of the patient’s chest, which is pushed firmly down at a regular rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Emergency First Aid Training Courses are a great place to learn this basic technique.
Open Chest
This form of CPR involves making an incision in the chest, known as a thoracotomy, and pumping the heart using direct contact. This is typically performed under hospital conditions.
Abdominal Compressions
This type of CPR uses three people who have specific roles in the process. One compresses the abdomen, alternating with the second person who compresses the chest, while the third performs ventilation. This technique may help to improve blood flow around the body when compared to chest compressions alone.
When learning CPR, attending a training course will give you the confidence to use your skills in an emergency. Examples of such courses can be found at https://www.tidaltraining.co.uk/emergency-first-aid-training-courses.
Learning CPR is a skill that can save lives. Many cardiac arrests happen in the home, so knowing how to perform CPR could make all the difference to keeping loved ones safe and well.
