Hands-only CPR can still save a life
The American Red Cross trains and certifies people in cardio pulmonary resuscitation, or CPR. The best method involves rescue breathing and chest compressions.
Posted — UpdatedEven if you aren’t sure about rescue breathing, compression-only CPR can still save a life, experts say.
American Red Cross CPR Instructor Kathy Ellen said the first thing people should do is make sure it is safe to help the person in need.
“Make sure you're not going to get hurt by trying to help somebody,” Ellen said.
Next, ask the person if he or she is OK. If you get no response, call 911 immediately or have someone else make the call.
Start CPR by placing both hands in the middle of the person’s chest and pushing down about 2 inches, Ellen said.
“We’re just going to continue doing our compression CPR until another trained person comes in and takes over for us or EMS arrives on the scene,” she said.
Compressions should be done at a rate of about 100 compressions per minute.
“We want to do that to keep the oxygen=rich blood circulating so maybe that heart will start back beating and will go back into action,” Ellen said.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
