CPR training products
If you happen to teach a CPR class then you know the importance of using CPR training products. These products include CPR mannikins, CPR masks, and CPR face sheilds.
If you need to know how to perform CPR and don’t have the time to take classes here is a basic run down of the process. First, before you start any rescue efforts, you have to check the victim for responsiveness. If you think that the victim has sustained spinal or neck injury, DO NOT MOVE OR SHAKE the victim. Otherwise, shake the victim gently and ask, "Are you all right?" to see if there is any response. If the victim is someone you know, call out their name as you shake them. If there is no response, immediately dial 9-1-1 and check the airway.
If the victim is unconscious and is unresponsive, you need to make sure that his airway is clear of any obstructions. The breaths may be faint and shallow. Look, listen and feel for any signs of breathing. If you find that the victim is not breathing, then something may be blocking his or her air passage. The tongue is the most common obstruction for an unconscious person.
With the victim lying flat on his or her back, place your hand on his or her forehead and your other hand under the tip of the chin. Gently tilt the victim's head backward. In this position the weight of the tongue will force it to shift away from the back of the throat, opening the airway. If the victim is still not breathing on his or her own after the airway has been cleared, you will have to assist him or her in breathing.
With the victim's airway clear of any obstructions, gently support his or her chin to keep it lifted up and the head tilted back. Pinch his or her nose with your fingertips to prevent air from escaping once you begin to ventilate and place your mouth over the victim's, creating a tight seal.
As you assist the victim with breathing, keep an eye on his or her chest. Try not to over-inflate the victim's lungs because this could force air into the stomach, causing the victim to vomit. If this happens, turn the person's head to the side and sweep any obstructions out of the mouth before proceeding.
Give two full breaths. Between each breath allow the victim's lungs to relax. Place your ear near his mouth and listen for air to escape and watch the chest fall as the victim exhales. If the victim remains unresponsive, check his circulation In order to determine if the victim's heart is beating. Place two fingertips on his carotid artery, located in the depression between the windpipe and the neck muscles and apply very light pressure for several seconds.
If there is no pulse then the victim's heart is not beating and you will have to perform chest compressions. When performing chest compressions, proper hand placement is essential. To locate the correct hand position place two fingers at the sternum. This is the spot where the lower ribs meet, and then put the heel of your other hand next to your fingers.
Place one hand on top of the other and interlace the fingers. Lock your elbows and using your body's weight, compress the victim’s chest. The depth of compressions should be approximately 1½ to 2 inches. Remember, 2 hands, 2 inches. If you feel or hear slight cracking sound, you are probably pressing too hard. Do not freak out and do not stop your rescue efforts! Damaged cartilage or cracked ribs are far less serious than a lost life. Just apply less pressure as you continue compressions.
Count aloud as you compress 30 times at the rate of about 3 compressions for every 2 seconds. Finish the cycle by giving the victim 2 breaths. This process should be performed four times. 30 compressions and 2 breaths…and after each time you need to remember to check the victim's carotid artery for pulse and any signs of consciousness.
If there is no pulse, continue performing the 30 compressions and 2 breaths, checking for a pulse after every 4 cycles until help arrives.
If you feel a pulse but the victim is still not breathing, rescue breaths should be administered, one rescue breath every five seconds. After the first rescue breath, count five seconds and if the victim does not take a breath on his own, give another rescue breath.
CPR supplies can be purchase at most medical supply stores.
