Step-by-Step Guide to Performing CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in emergencies such as a heart attack or near-drowning where someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. This guide aims to provide easy-to-follow instructions on CPR on adults, children, and infants.

Note: While this guide is an educational resource, it is crucial to undergo certified CPR training for hands-on practice and skills assessment.

1. Check for Danger and Body Response

For All Ages

• Firstly, ensure the environment is safe for both you and the victim.
• Approach the victim and try to get a response by tapping on their shoulder and asking loudly, “Are you okay?”

2. If No Response – Call 112 (or 911 in the U.S.)

For All Ages

• If the victim does not respond, shout for help or instruct someone nearby to call emergency services.
• Provide the dispatcher with your location and a description of the emergency.

3. Check Airways and Breathing

For All Ages

• Position the victim on their back on a firm, flat surface.
• Open their airway by tilting their head backward with one hand while lifting their chin with the other.
• Check for breathing by putting your ear near the victim’s mouth and nose, listening for breath sounds, and watching for chest movement.

4. Make 30 Compressions at a rate of 100-120 a Minute

For Adults

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest and the other hand on top, interlocking the fingers.
• Press down hard and fast, about 5 cm deep, using both hands.
• Ensure you allow the chest to recoil between compressions fully.

For Children

• Use the heel of one hand for compressions.
• Press about 5 cm deep at 100-120 compressions per minute.

For Infants

• Use two fingers (index and middle) to deliver compressions.
• Press 3-4 cm deep at 100-120 compressions per minute.

5. Immediately Follow With 2 Rescue Breaths

For All Ages

• After 30 compressions, tilt the victim’s head backward again and lift the chin up.
• Pinch the nose shut for adults and children. For infants, cover their mouth and nose with your mouth.
• Give 2 rescue breaths, making sure the chest rises with each breath.

6. Continue CPR Until Help Becomes Available

For All Ages

• Keep alternating 30 compressions and 2 breaths.
• Continue CPR until medical help arrives, the victim starts breathing, or another trained responder can take over.

Additional Tips

• If you are untrained or unsure about giving rescue breaths, compressions-only CPR is better than no CPR.
• Always use a CPR mask or barrier device if available.
• Recheck the victim’s pulse and breathing occasionally if you are trained.

Remember, your actions can save a life. Regularly refresh your CPR knowledge and skills through certified training programs.

You may also need to know:

• Emergency phone numbers in Bulgaria
• How to dial a Bulgarian phone number
• What to do in a case of fainting
• Cardiac arrest first aid