Question

the specific steps for performing CPR, each with a brief explanation

Answer 1

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Here are the specific steps for performing CPR, which can typically be broken down into the following key components:

### 1. **Assess the Situation**
- **Check for responsiveness**: Gently shake the person and shout loudly, asking if they are okay. This helps determine if they are conscious.
- **Call for help**: If the person is unresponsive, call emergency services immediately or ask someone else to do so. If available, also obtain an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

### 2. **Position the Person**
- Carefully place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface. This position allows for effective chest compressions.

### 3. **Open the Airway**
- **Tilt the head back**: Use the forehead and chin lift technique — place one hand on their forehead and two fingers under their chin to lift the chin upward. This opens the airway for breathing.

### 4. **Check for Breathing**
- **Look, listen, and feel**: Check for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds. Look for chest rise/fall, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, begin CPR.

### 5. **Perform Chest Compressions**
- **Position hands**: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest (lower half of the sternum), and place the other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
- **Compress the chest**: With straight arms, push down hard and fast (at least 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute). Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

### 6. **Deliver Rescue Breaths (if trained)**
- After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:
- **Pinch the nose**: To prevent air from escaping, pinch the victim’s nose shut.
- **Seal the lips**: Take a normal breath, cover the person’s mouth with yours, and give a breath that lasts about 1 second, watching for chest rise.
- Repeat the same for the second breath. Ensure that the breaths are effective by confirming that the chest rises.

### 7. **Continue CPR**
- Repeat cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency help arrives, an AED becomes available, or the person shows signs of recovery (e.g., starts breathing).

### 8. **Use an AED (if available)**
- As soon as an AED is available, turn it on and follow the verbal and visual prompts. Expose the chest, apply the pads as indicated, and ensure no one is touching the person during defibrillation.

### 9. **Post-CPR Care**
- Continue performing CPR until the person recovers (shows signs of life), emergency responders take over, or you are physically unable to continue.

### Important Notes:
- **Hands-Only CPR**: If you are untrained or too scared to perform rescue breaths, you can perform hands-only CPR, focusing solely on chest compressions.
- **Prioritize Safety**: Always ensure the scene is safe before approaching the victim to reduce the risk to yourself.

Keep in mind that CPR procedures may vary slightly based on the guidelines from different organizations, but these steps provide a clear general foundation. Regular training and refreshers on CPR techniques are recommended to maintain skill proficiency and confidence in emergencies.