What is CPR & Basic Steps to Perform CPR

What is CPR ?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial technique of saving lives especially for those whose heart has stopped beating. The main goal of CPR is to restore blood flow to the brain and other vital organs until advanced medical care can be administered. CPR certification is a valuable asset for individuals who want to be prepared for an emergency situation. It is also important to take a CPR class to learn the proper technique and be prepared to use it in an emergency situation.

Although CPR is a critical intervention in emergency situations, it is not without risks. In this blog, you will get an overview on the following:

• Basic Steps to Perform CPR
• Who can do CPR Certification
• Advantages of CPR Certification
• Risk Factors associated with CPR
• Authorized Centres that offer CPR Certification courses
• Cost of CPR Certification
• Online CPR Certification
• Recertification

Basic Steps to Perform CPR

CPR involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following steps for performing CPR on an adult:

1. Dial for emergency medical services (911) or the emergency number of the present city you are in. Ask for an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available.
2. Check the person’s ABC i.e. airway, breathing, and pulse. If you cannot hear his/ her breathing or pulse, begin CPR.
3. Kneel down besides the person and place the heel of one hand at the centre of his/her chest, with the other hand on the top of first hand.
4. Interlock your fingers and straighten your arms to apply pressure. Use your body weight and press straight down about 2 inches. Release the pressure and allow the chest to rise.
5. Repeat the compressions at a rate of about 100 to 120 times per minute.
6. After each 30 compressions, two rescue breaths must be given to the person. Tilt the person’s head back and lift their chin to open their airway. Pinch their nose shut and give two breaths.
7. Continue performing CPR until the person shows signs of life, such as breathing or a pulse, or until advanced medical care arrives.

Who can do CPR Certification

Anyone can do CPR certification who wants to learn the technique. It is especially beneficial for healthcare professionals, fitness trainers, and individuals who work in high-risk environments. However, anyone can take a CPR certification course and learn the technique, including students, parents, teachers, and community members.

Advantages of CPR Certification

1. Save lives: Knowing how to perform CPR correctly can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
2. Employment opportunities: Many employers CPR certification for their employees. Having a CPR certification can increase your chances of getting placement.
3. Increased confidence: Being able to help others in a time of need can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
4. Continual updates: CPR certification requires you to renew your certification every few years, this ensures that you are up to date with the latest information.
5. Cost-effective: CPR certification classes are relatively inexpensive, and they can be completed in a short duration such as in complete one day!

Risk Factors associated with CPR

1. Infection: The rescuer’s hands or equipment may contain bacteria and other pathogens. This can increase the risk of infection, particularly in people with weakened immune systems.
2. Trauma: CPR can cause injuries to the person’s chest and ribs such as rib fracture or lung injury.
3. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC): Even if a person’s heart starts to beat again after CPR, there’s a risk that the person may not recover fully. Some people may experience neurological damage or other complications as a result of their cardiac arrest.
4. Fatigue: Performing CPR is physically demanding and can cause fatigue to the rescuer. It’s important to note that the benefits of CPR often outweigh the risks and CPR is the only chance of survival for a person experiencing cardiac arrest. However, it’s important to consider the risks and make informed decisions when providing care.

Authorized Centres that offer CPR Certification courses

In Delhi, there are several authorized centres that offer CPR certification courses.

1. Indian Red Cross Society:
2. Apollo Hospitals
3. St. John Ambulance
4. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
5. Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute

Cost of CPR Certification

The cost of CPR certification is an important consideration for those who want to obtain the certification. It can vary depending on the organization or institution that is offering the certification course. Generally, the cost of a CPR certification course ranges from a few hundred rupees to a few thousand rupees. The cost can also depend on the type of course, for example, a Basic Life Support (BLS) course may be less expensive than an Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course.

In Delhi, there are several authorized centres that offer 1-day CPR certification courses. The cost of these courses can vary depending on the centre and the type of course.

1. Indian Red Cross Society: The Indian Red Cross Society offers 1-day CPR certification courses recognized by the National Resuscitation Council. The cost range is from around 1500 to 2000 rupees.
2. Apollo Hospitals: Apollo Hospitals offers 1-day CPR certification courses again recognized by the National Resuscitation Council. The cost of the course ranges from around 2000 to 2500 rupees.
3. St. John Ambulance: St. John Ambulance offers 1-day Basic Life Support (BLS) course at a cost of around 1500 to 2000 rupees.
4. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF): NDRF offers 1-day CPR certification courses recognized by the National Resuscitation Council and the cost ranges from around 1500 to 2000 rupees.
5. Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute: Delhi Paramedical and Management Institute offers 1-day Basic Life Support (BLS) course at a cost of around 1500 to 2000 rupees.

Online CPR Certification

With the advanced technology, there are now online CPR certification courses available. These online courses offer the convenience of learning at your own pace and from the comfort of your own home only in one day. However, it is important to note that some organizations and institutions may not accept online certifications, it is best to check with the specific organization or institution before enrolling in an online course.

Recertification

Read our Blog on How to Become a Certified Fitness Trainer

CPR certification needs to be renewed every 2 years to ensure that the individuals are updated with the latest guidelines and techniques. The cost of recertification is usually less expensive than the initial certification course and some centres offer discounted prices for renewal.