Adult Basic CPR - [2 Hrs.] Certification not required

Adult Basic CPR - [2 Hrs.] Certification not required

Adult Basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's heart has stopped beating or they are not breathing. It's designed to maintain circulation and oxygenation to vital organs until professional help arrives or the person regains normal function. Below are the steps for performing basic CPR on an adult:

# 1. **Assess the Situation**
- **Check for responsiveness**: Gently tap the person and shout, "Are you okay?" 
- **Call for help**: If the person does not respond, call emergency services immediately (911 or your local emergency number). If you're not alone, have someone else call for help while you start CPR.
- **Check for breathing**: Look at the chest to see if it rises and falls. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR.

# 2. **Chest Compressions**
- **Position the person**: Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface, such as the ground or a hard floor.
- **Hand placement**: Kneel beside the person. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top of the first hand, interlocking your fingers.
- **Compression technique**: Position your shoulders directly over your hands and keep your elbows straight. Using your upper body weight, press down hard and fast, compressing the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
- **Compression rate**: Aim for a rate of **100-120 compressions per minute**. 

# 3. **Rescue Breaths (Optional if trained) **
- **Open the airway**: After 30 chest compressions, open the person's airway by tilting their head back and lifting the chin. 
- **Give breaths**: Pinch the person’s nose shut, cover their mouth with yours, and give a breath that lasts about 1 second, making sure the chest rises. Give a total of 2 rescue breaths.
  - If you are not trained in giving breaths or you are unsure, **continue with hands-only CPR** (chest compressions only).
  - If you are able to give breaths, give 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Repeat this cycle until help arrives or the person starts breathing on their own.

#4. **Continue CPR**
- **If the person does not recover** and emergency medical services have not yet arrived, continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:
  - The person starts breathing again.
  - Emergency responders arrive.
  - You are too exhausted to continue.

# 5. **Use an AED (if available) **
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is nearby, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are designed to detect abnormal heart rhythms and deliver an electric shock if needed.
- **Turn on the AED** and follow the voice prompts.
- **Place the pads** on the person’s chest as instructed by the AED.
- **Allow the AED to analyze** the heart rhythm.
- **Follow the prompts**: If the AED advises a shock, clear the area and deliver the shock. Continue CPR as instructed by the AED.

 Key Points to Remember:
- **Don't hesitate**: Immediate action can save a life.
- **Compressions**: Prioritize chest compressions if you’re untrained or unsure about giving rescue breaths.
- **Call for help**: Always alert emergency services before starting CPR if you are alone.
- **AED**: If available, use it as it can significantly improve survival chances.