by Carrie-Ann Campbell

Created on: December 12, 2006   Last Updated: April 29, 2007

CPR stands for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. It the course of action to take when someone is not breathing, and their heart has stopped. I learned this many years ago while training in first aid in the Combined Cadet Force.
CPR is not risk free- if performed incorrectly it can be extremely dangerous. I hate sounding like a T.V advert trying to tell you what to do, but I am trying to mention both pros and cons, so you are aware to be careful if you are unfortunate enough to be in such a situation where there are no medical experts available.

This advice is absolutely unofficial and must be tried only as a last resort if there is no expert available who could perform it will more confidence.

First of all- is the situation safe? Try to judge for yourself what has happened. DO NOT put yourself at risk under any circumstances. It is harsh, but I am afraid in that kind of situation the safety of the rescuer is more important than the safety of the victim. Are there any severed or loose electrical cables near by?
And always call for help, 999, never attempt to handle this situation entirely by yourself.
It is better to check on yourself first where everything is. The upside down V shape where your ribs meet above your stomach? Move about three inches above, onto the sternum (breast bone), maybe 2cm to the left.
Tilt the person's head back gently, pinch their nose with your fingers to ensure no air escapes through the nasal passages. Open their mouth, press your lips firmly to theirs.
Give TWO breaths of air, let go of the nose, left hand above right and press down firmly but not too hard on the area of the chest 15 times (on an adult).
Repeat until the doctors or ambulance arrive.
Be as firm as you can without getting too hard. Sometimes, especially on old or rather young people their ribs are easily cracked.
If you think you have broken a rib STOP. Sometimes ribs crack, but if one is broken, there is a chance it may puncture the lung and it will deflate.
On a baby, use two fingers to press on the chest, give ONE puff of air and press down gently 10 times.

One thing I definitely remember is that performing CPR HURTS. It really does, since the muscles along your arms and the back of your shoulders may start to ache- a firm chest massage really can put strain on your muscles, and chances are that yes, it will be sore the next day.
If I have made an error in this article, please feel free to correct me in any way.
Remember, although I passed first aid, I did it a long time ago, so I may have made an error. Be safe.

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