Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure used in emergencies such as cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking. The C-A-B method (Compressions – Airway – Breathing) is the modern approach recommended by the American Heart Association (AHA) for performing effective CPR. Below is a detailed breakdown of each step:
1. C – Compressions (Restoring Blood Circulation)
Chest compressions are the most critical part of CPR, as they help maintain blood flow to vital organs like the brain and heart.
How to Perform Chest Compressions:
- Hand Placement: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum). Place the other hand on top and interlock the fingers.
- Compression Depth: Push down 2-2.4 inches (5-6 cm) for adults, about 2 inches for children, and 1.5 inches for infants.
- Compression Rate: Perform 100-120 compressions per minute (similar to the beat of the song "Stayin’ Alive").
- Allow Full Recoil: Let the chest fully rise back between compressions to maintain proper blood flow.
- Minimize Interruptions: Do not pause compressions for more than 10 seconds unless necessary.
Why Compressions Are Important:
- The heart is no longer pumping, so compressions manually circulate oxygenated blood.
- They help prevent brain damage and organ failure due to lack of oxygen.
- Quick and effective compressions increase survival chances before medical help arrives.
2. A – Airway (Opening the Airway)
After 30 compressions, the next step is to open the airway to ensure the person can receive oxygen.
How to Open the Airway:
- Use the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver:Place one hand on the person’s forehead and gently tilt the head back.Use the other hand to lift the chin upward.
- Check for blockages: Look inside the mouth for any obstructions like food or vomit. If present, remove it carefully.
Why Opening the Airway Is Important:
- A blocked airway prevents oxygen from reaching the lungs, reducing the effectiveness of rescue breaths.
- Keeping the airway open ensures that air can enter the lungs when giving breaths.
3. B – Breathing (Providing Rescue Breaths)
If the person is not breathing, provide artificial breaths to supply oxygen.
How to Give Rescue Breaths:
- Pinch the nose shut to prevent air from escaping.
- Take a normal breath and seal your mouth over theirs.
- Breathe gently and steadily into their mouth for one second.
- Ensure the chest rises visibly (if it doesn’t, reposition the head and try again).
- Give two rescue breaths, followed by another 30 chest compressions.
Alternative Breathing Techniques:
- If trained, you can use a bag-valve mask (BVM) for ventilation.
- If you’re uncomfortable providing mouth-to-mouth, focus only on continuous chest compressions (Hands-Only CPR).
Why Rescue Breaths Are Important:
- They help oxygenate the blood, keeping the brain and other organs alive.
- If the person has stopped breathing but still has a pulse, rescue breaths alone may be enough to revive them.
4. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
- Perform cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until:The person starts breathing on their own.Emergency medical help arrives and takes over.An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available for use.The rescuer becomes too exhausted to continue.
