What are the Seven Steps of CPR?

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CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a critical life-save procedure that anyone can learn. Through a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing, you can help blood circulate throughout their body and ensure oxygen reaches the brain. But if you break this process down precisely, there are in fact seven CPR steps that are required to effectively perform this procedure.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Americans lose their lives to cardiac arrest, which is one of the leading causes of death throughout the world. What makes this medical condition even more life-threatening is that roughly 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital. Following a cardiac arrest episode, every minute is critical for the victim’s survival. If a bystander is trained in performing CPR, or using an AED, they could become the difference between life and death.

In this article, we look into why it’s so important to become CPR trained and the different it can make. We then walk carefully through the seven steps of CPR. Knowledge, as we all know is power—this knowledge, however, can even save a life.

WHY YOU SHOULD BECOME TRAINED IN CPR

CPR is an effective and easy to learn procedure that anyone can master. Since so many cardiac arrest episodes occur outside of hospitals, and far from trained medical staff, it’s an opportunity for bystanders to make a difference. In fact, reports show that almost half of cardiac arrest victims survive if they receive CPR in a timely manner.

Online CPR AED certification can be completed quickly and more conveniently than ever before. Some programs even offer 100 percent online CPR certification so that you can learn at your own pace and in the comfort of your home.

STEPS BEFORE CPR

Before you begin performing CPR, there are a few important things to check for. First, check the scene of the emergency. Is anyone else unconscious, injured, or in danger? Additionally, be sure the scene is safe for you, as well.

Next, you’ll want to verify whether or not the victim is conscious. This can be done by lightly shaking or tapping the victim or trying to communicate with them. If you don’t receive a response, check for a pulse at their wrist or below their jaw. If you cannot feel one, an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help reset their pulse. Many public buildings are now outfitted with AEDs, however, reports show that over 30 million AEDs are still needed to meet safety standards and guidelines. If you can locate an AED, use it.

Following the use of an AED, check the victim’s breathing. If there is no detectable breath, you’ll want to begin performing CPR immediately. When someone undergoes a cardiac arrest episode, their heart is unable to pump blood throughout their body and the brain is quickly starved of oxygen. For every minute that passes without CPR, the victim’s survival rate drops dramatically.

STEP 1: PLACE YOUR HAND AT THE CENTER OF THEIR CHEST

First, make sure the victim is lying back on a flat surface. To begin performing CPR, you must first lead with your dominant hand. Place the heel of your dominant hand at the center of their chest. Don’t hesitate to apply sufficient pressure.

STEP 2: INTERLOCK FINGERS

Place your other hand on top of your dominant hand and interlock your fingers. If you’re performing CPR on an infant or child, it may be sufficient to use only one hand. You don’t want to further injure the victim, of course, but you do need to apply enough pressure to make an impact.

STEP 3: CHEST COMPRESSIONS

With your hands in place at the center of the victim’s chest, begin chest compressions. This technique can be a bit challenging to master, which is why CPR training courses are so important. Straighten your arms and press down firmly into their chest. You may want to be kneeling for this to gain enough leverage and strength.

For an effective chest compression, press down about two inches into their body. Perform 30 chest compressions at the rate of 100 compressions per minute. Many people use the rhythms of popular songs to help them maintain a steady beat. Below are a few songs that can help you maintain your chest compression rhythm:

• “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees
• “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cindy Lauper
• “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson
• “Rock Your Body” by Justin Timberlake
• “Dancing Queen” by ABBA
• “Hips Don’t Lie” by Shakira
• “Just Dance” by Lady Gaga 

STEP 4: OPEN THE VICTIM’S AIRWAY

After you’ve completed 30 chest compressions, you’ll need to open the victim’s airway for rescue breaths. Gently tilt their head back and open their mouth from the chin. Ensure that there is nothing blocking their airway.

STEP 5: PERFORM A RESCUE BREATH

Now is the time to begin delivering rescue breaths. Pinch the victim’s nose closed and breathe directly into the victim’s mouth. Provide enough air so that their chest rises. Some people are hesitant to deliver rescue breaths due to fears of catching a disease from the victim; however, studies report that this is not the case and performing CPR does not contract infectious diseases.

STEP 6: CONTINUE RESCUE BREATHS

Watch the victim’s chest closely. Once their chest has settled, perform another rescue breath. If you don’t think you’re reaching their airway, try readjusting their head, carefully, and perform another rescue breath at a slightly different angle. Keep an eye on their chest as you do so.

STEP 7: CHEST COMPRESSIONS AND RESCUE BREATHS

Until medical help arrives, continue the cycle of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Perform thirty chest compressions and two rescue breaths per cycle. If someone else is nearby and also trained in CPR, you can take rotations to ensure proper form is consistent throughout.

CONCLUSION – WHAT ARE THE SEVEN STEPS OF CPR?

By following the seven steps of CPR, you can help restore oxygen to the brain and keep blood pumping through the victim’s body—drastically improving their chances of survival. It’s easier than ever to complete CPR or AED training and becoming certified can be accomplished within a matter of days. Even better, with 100 percent online CPR training courses, you can become certified without ever leaving the comfort of your home. Complete your CPR or AED training and enable yourself to make a difference in the world.

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