It takes less than eight minutes without sufficient oxygen to the brain for permanent damage to occur. With immediate and proper intervention (like the initiation of CPR), adequate blood circulation and thus oxygen can be restored to the brain and other critical organs of the body. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR training offers a set of guidelines that combine rescue breathing and chest compressions to assist a downed victim until professionally trained individuals can assume care. Because the chances that one will encounter an individual in need of this type of assistance increasingly grows it is recommended that all individuals attend training classes for CPR.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is designed to accommodate three separate age categories including CPR for children, adults as well as infants. Due to the anatomical differences found between these three individual age types, different approaches are necessary when performing CPR. Adults are considered those older than eight years of age. Children range in age from one year old to eight years of age while infants are considered those under one year of age. Classes for each category in CPR training is offered online to make it easier for individuals with busy schedules to fit these classes into their lives. However, for those that need or desire a more hands on approach, there are traditional classroom programs available also.
When one finds him or herself in a situation that requires the implementation of CPR, regardless of the age of the victim, they will find it to be a very stressful event. This is the reason that one must be able to instinctively perform CPR. A clear understanding of the guidelines as well as having a history of performing sufficient practice tests using manikins makes this more likely. These repetitive and educational exercises are paramount and help insure a greater success rate during emergency situations. It is also important to attend refresher courses at least every two years to maintain current certification. Re-certification helps one stay up to date with changes and or new procedures incorporated like the use of the AED. It also provides a chance for one to refresh their knowledge and practice their CPR training skills.
In an adult, the main reason for them to stop breathing is a cardiac event. O course, children and infants are different and their conditions are normally related to a respiratory cause. However, the basics of CPR can be simply remembered through the ABC's of CPR. "A" stands for airway and or arousal. One must assess whether the victim is responsive and if they have a patent airway. At this point, the rescuer should yell for help. "B" stands for breathing. By placing ones ear next to the victim's mouth and nose, he or she can assess whether or not the victim is breathing. If not one must give rescue breaths. If the chest clearly rises and falls with the breaths, then the rescuer continues on to "C". This step assesses for a heartbeat. If there is no evidence of a heart rate, then the rescuer will begin compressions.
This is just a quick over view of the steps involved in CPR. When one attends CPR training classes, much more detail will be covered. It is necessary to attend a class to effectively offer a victim basic medical assistance until help arrives. The classes cover how to approach each step, assess the victim's needs and then combine the appropriate life supporting actions.
