Scenarios where CPR is Used

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is an essential first aid technique usually utilized to help someone who is unconscious, not breathing, or their heart has stopped beating. It involves the use of well-timed chest compressions, and sometimes rescue breaths, to help sustain the oxygen and blood flow circulation in the body.

It is essential to learn when is CPR utilized because tragedy can strike anywhere at any time, and CPR is usually a very crucial first-aid technique to learn because it is often used in emergencies. Some of the situations that require the knowledge of CPR are:

1. Cardiac Arrests / Heart Attacks

It is reported that this is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating and the victim suddenly collapses. It requires CPR to better the chance of recovery of the victim and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to administer a shock if needed. The survival rate of victims that are not given CPR is lower compared to their survival rate when they are given CPR.


2. Choking

When oxygen flow to the heart is interrupted, the heart can no longer get oxygen to replenish the blood of its impurities and if not attended to quickly, portions of the heart will begin to die. It is important that the item obstructing the airflow should be removed as fast as possible. Sometimes, the victim can fall unconscious, so prepare to perform CPR on them. It is also advised to do abdominal thrusts and backblows.


 3. Drowning

According to statistics from the CDC, about ten people die each day from accidental drowning in the United States. CPR is very critical in drowning accidents wherein the victim is not breathing and every moment counts. The person should be immediately relocated to dry land and given CPR to increase chances of survival.


4. Drug Overdoses

These situations can cause people to have respiratory failure and cardiac arrest when unattended. Their survival rate depends on how soon CPR is administered and how soon the victim is brought to medical professionals. It is vital to learn CPR as being equipped with the knowledge can potentially save many lives.

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