CPR Saves Life: How & When to Do It

Almost everyone has heard of CPR - it's been taught in schools, shown in television shows, used as seminar topics in company events, and has basically been in every media platform in the form of videos and educational posts.

All for a very important reason, too: it literally saves lives.

Except when you're actually in a spontaneous, life-and-death situation, and all you have is a recent video you've watched a man repeatedly pushing an unconscious person's chest, with little to no professional knowledge on CPR - chances are you'd probably just call 911.

But life waits for nobody. Whether it's just a random person passing by or one of your loved ones, you should be the person to take the wheel and save a life.

Taking classes and getting a CPR certification Chicago, for example, can get you prepared and amp up your confidence. And if you're in Chicago, then that wouldn't be a problem. CPR Associates, Inc. will guide you through everything you need to know about first aid and "saving a heart".

When and How to Do CPR

When you happen to pass by a stranger inconveniently lying down, probably unconscious and in need of help, then act. Don't be one of those people who stand by and wait for somebody else to get on the scene. BE that somebody because every second counts. Especially if you have a CPR certification - put it to good use.

Also, CPR isn't immediately doing chest compression on an unconscious person. There are a series of steps you need to take to perform it in a proper manner:

1. Observe your surroundings. 

If you're in the middle of a busy street, then it's best to move to another area. Try to find out why the person ended up like that, too (did they get injured? or are they simply drunk?).

2. Gently shake the person or get them to respond. 

If they are conscious, then there's no need to do compression (at least ask them what happened and call an ambulance). If not, call 911 and start the first aid.

3. Gently push the person’s chin up and examine if their breathing is normal.
​Occasional gasping or grunting noises do not count as normal breathing, and you need to quickly perform CPR.

4. Position yourself beside the person and place your hand (specifically the heel) on the center of the chest, just below the breastbone. 

Your other hand should be interlocked on top of the former hand, all while maintaining sturdy arms and your shoulders directly above the chest.

5. Press down at a depth of more or less than 2 inches (depending on the person's chest depth) and repeat 30 times at 100 compression per minute, or until paramedics arrive.

During cardiac arrests though, studies have shown that it's better to perform hands-only CPR for a higher chance of survival to increase blood pressure and flow towards the brain.

Where To Get CPR Certification in Chicago?

What you've read is just the tip of the iceberg in performing CPR, as there are still tons to know in terms of techniques in other situations. This is where we come in.

CPR Associates Inc. is dedicated to providing this knowledge and proper training as a certified training center of the American Heart Association in Chicago communities. We offer CPR training, certification, and even online classes to ensure that our trainees are well-equipped to handle emergency situations not just in Chicago, but everywhere they travel.

Dedicated to having quality and advanced education and skills, we aim to be not only a renowned and trusted center for health education, but to also spread awareness on how important knowing CPR is and to, essentially, save more people's lives.

So, if you're in Chicago, register for a class, get a CPR Certification Chicago, and save "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees in your playlist. Both you and the lives you'll be saving are gonna need it. Fill the form or call us now at (773) 773-6933 to get the schedule of CPR classes and training in Chicago.