Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial emergency procedure performed when a person's heart stops beating or they stop breathing, particularly during cardiac arrest or drowning. CPR helps sustain blood flow to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. The steps for CPR include ensuring the scene is safe, checking for responsiveness by shaking the person and shouting. If unresponsive, call 911 and retrieve an AED if available. Begin chest compressions by placing hands in the center of the chest and pushing down hard and fast at 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions, use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver for 2 rescue breaths. Continue this cycle until emergency services arrive or the person shows signs of life (Mayo Clinic, 2023; Red Cross, 2023).
The Heimlich maneuver, a critical emergency response for choking, is used when a person cannot breathe, cough, or speak due to an airway obstruction. To perform the maneuver, first assess the situation by asking if the person can cough or speak. If they cannot, position yourself behind them and wrap your arms around their waist. Form a fist with one hand, placing it just above the navel, and grasp it with the other hand. Thrust inward and slightly upward repeatedly until the object is expelled or the individual becomes unresponsive. If they become unresponsive, initiate CPR and call 911 if that hasn't been done already (Emergency Care for You, 2023; Patient, 2023).
In this presentation, I will showcase a video demonstration of performing CPR and the Heimlich maneuver using a doll, which illustrates these essential life-saving techniques. To deepen your understanding, please consult resources such as the Mayo Clinic (2023), American Red Cross (2023), and the Health and Safety Institute (2023). Additionally, consider enrolling in a local CPR certification course to receive hands-on training and experience.