Why do I need to learn CPR?
 
 
The Importance Of CPR
 
Statistics indicate that 80%-70% of heart attacks occur either in the home or in public places. In such cases, the person nearest at hand to the victim is often a bystander with no medical expertise such as a relative, an office colleague, or a passer-by. If those present at the scene are able to provide CPR to the victim promptly, the latter’s chances of survival are significantly increased. This is because time is of essence when treating heart attack victims. Once the heart stops beating and blood flow stops, a person will lose consciousness within 15 seconds. Within another 30 to 60 seconds, he will stop breathing, and irreversible damage to his brain cells will follow after several minutes of oxygen deprivation.
 
Basics Of CPR
 
CPR is a technique which everyone, ranging from school children to senior citizens, can learn. The following is an outline of the rudiments of CPR. It must, however, be emphasised that the complete set of CPR skills can only be acquired by attending a CPR course.

  • Before starting CPR, the rescuer must first check that the victim is truly unconscious and not merely sleeping or resting (for instance, by tapping the victim lightly on the shoulder or shaking him gently). This step is essential because performing CPR on a person whose heart is functioning normally can itself cause his heart to stop.
  • Once the rescuer has ascertained that the victim is indeed unconscious, he should call 995 immediately for emergency ambulance service and then begin CPR.
  • CPR is founded on three key principles, which are sometimes referred to as the “ABCs”, namely:
 
  1. Airway – clear the victim’s airway. Remove any vomit or other materials that might block the airway;
  2. Breathing – check for breathing. For instance, watch for signs of the victim’s chest rising and falling, or place an ear close to his mouth to detect if there is any exhalation. If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation;
  3. Circulation – check for signs of circulation such as coughing or movement by the victim in response to rescue breathing. If there are no signs of circulation, the rescuer should begin external chest compressions at a rate of approximately 100 compressions per minute. Chest compressions should be alternated with rescue breathing at a ratio of 15:2 (i.e. 15 compressions with two breaths).
 
  • CPR can be performed by either one person alone or two people. The latter method, in which one rescuer administers mouth-to-mouth breathing while the other performs chest compressions, is generally more effective.
  • For infants less than a year old and children between the ages of one to eight, the ABCs of CPR have to be modified due to their slighter physique.
 
Learn CPR with SHF and help make Singapore a heart safe place!
 
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