Did you know that there are an average of 23 deaths every hour in the United States?
Many skills are needed to assist someone in an emergency. But knowing what to do is only part of the answer. What’s the best form of assistance to provide?
Here is a guide to learning how to take action when trying to save a life.
Perform CPR
When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating, and they stop breathing. If this happens, it is a medical emergency, and you will need CPR. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it is a life-saving technique that is used when someone’s heart has stopped.
Anyone can perform CPR, even if you are not a medical professional. It is a combination of chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing. The most important thing is to stay calm and call 911.
You will need to do chest compressions. You will need to push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest. You will need to do this at 100-120 compressions per minute.
If you want to learn CPR, be sure to check and visit sources that offer CPR certification and CPR training, such as MyCPR NOW.
Use a Defibrillator
In an emergency, every second counts to save a life. That’s why it’s essential to know how to use a defibrillator. A defibrillator is a device that gives the heart a shock and is used to treat sudden cardiac arrest.
When someone has a sudden cardiac arrest, their heart stops beating. This can happen for many reasons, including heart attacks and electrical problems with the heart. If you are trained to use a defibrillator, follow the instructions on the device.
Perform Heimlich Maneuver
If someone is choking and you are the only person around, you must perform the Heimlich maneuver. The Heimlich maneuver is a first aid procedure to save someone, used to treat upper airway obstructions (choking) by forcefully expelling air from the lungs to clear the block. It is recommended for adults and children over the age of one.
When performing the Heimlich maneuver on an adult, stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around their waist. Do a fist with your dominant hand and place it particularly just above the individual’s navel. Grasp your fist with your other hand and then press into their abdomen with a quick, upward thrust.
Control Bleeding
Uncontrolled bleeding is the number one cause of preventable death. Knowing how to control bleeding can mean the difference between life and death.
Direct pressure is the most effective way to control bleeding. Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or your bare hand. Elevation helps prevent bleeding by keeping the blood from flowing to the wound, so be sure to elevate the wound above the heart level.
Compression controls bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a bandage. Wrap the bandage tightly around the wound and tie it in place.
Knowing How to Save a Life
In an emergency, knowing how to save a life is essential. If the person is not breathing, then you should start CPR. Knowing how to save a life in an emergency can make a big difference, and staying calm and focusing on the task at hand is essential.
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