When you decide to take any life-saving course, it teaches multiple techniques. These courses aim to stabilize the human body to its normal working condition. They also aim at achieving the goal with the least possible risk and pain to the patient. A CPR certification online teaches you two main techniques that try to copy the working of the human body. One is compressions, and the other focuses on breathing. With effective delivery of both these, a bystander can revive a person from cardiac arrest. This blog discusses chest compressions in detail, focusing on the types of CPR. Read on to gain knowledge about the right way to find an online CPR course.
Why is chest compression significant in CPR?
Blood circulation is essential because it carries vital nutrients and oxygen to all organs and tissues. Blood carries oxygen to the lungs, circulating it to different body parts. It also has essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals to help keep our bodies healthy. Without blood circulation, the body would not be able to function correctly.
Chest compression is a technique used in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation). It involves putting two hands in the center of the chest and pushing down firmly and quickly. The goal is to simulate a heartbeat and pump the blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Chest compressions are vital because they help to circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, which is essential for keeping the heart and brain healthy. Chest compressions are mandatory in CPR because:
- When a person’s heart stops beating, their blood stops circulating. It helps circulate oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Without chest compression, oxygen-rich blood cannot reach vital organs, including the heart and brain, leading to serious health complications or even death.
- A cardiac arrest is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating. When the heart stops, the body can no longer get oxygen. The lack of oxygen affects the brain first. Without oxygen, brain cells die within minutes, leading to brain death. Brain death is when all brain activity stops, and the person cannot recover. So it is crucial to act quickly if someone has a cardiac arrest and save their life.
- Chest compressions also help in removing deoxygenated blood, thereby cleaning the system. Blood also removes carbon dioxide from the muscles and organs. With the lack of blood movement, carbon dioxide starts collecting in various body parts and could get toxic to the system.
Does chest compression vary in different types of CPR?
There are different types of chest compressions based on the patient. The basic ones need two hands in the center of the chest, pushing down firmly and quickly. This policy does not hold for every patient, as mentioned below. Doing chest compressions swiftly and correctly is crucial for helping to circulate oxygen-rich blood and giving the person the best chance of survival. The three types of CPR methods below use different types of chest compressions to help the patient.
- Adult CPR: Adults have more muscular bodies, and their bones have more strength. You need to deliver strong compressions to reach the heart inside the chest wall. For an adult, chest compressions use the heel of both hands. Each compression goes 2 inches deep into the chest. You must maintain a rate of at least 100-120 compressions per minute. At this rate, the bystander can mimic the normal heart rhythm of the human body and assist in proper blood circulation.
- Child CPR: Children have developing bodies with softer bones. Delivering a strong compression could result in damage to the rib cage. You could even puncture the lungs if the compression is too strong. A child’s chest compressions need one or two hands, depending on the child’s size. It would help if you delivered at least 1½ inches deep compressions. The required rate of compressions is at least 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Infant CPR: Infants have the most delicate bodies. They cannot control their bodily movements. Most children under the age of 2 cannot express their feelings well. To not fatally injure an infant, chest compressions need only two fingers. Every compression only needs to go 1¼ inches deep into the chest. You need to maintain a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Infants’ hearts run faster than adults’. Hence you may need to adjust the compression rate.
How to take a CPR course from the right place?
Many people need help putting their finger on the right CPR certification online. The number of options online could get confusing and mislead you. Please keep in mind some of the below points.
- Certification Options: First, research the certification options that are available. Make sure to look for an organization recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA).
- Choose the Course Format: Once you have identified the type of certification you need, decide which format works best for you. You can choose from online, in-person, or blended courses. Online courses are the most convenient and cost-effective option. You can complete it from the comfort of your own home.
- Find a Reputable Provider: It is essential to find a reputable provider for your CPR course. Make sure to read reviews and speak to some alumni.
- Register for the Course: Once you check the above points, register. Make sure you get a nationally recognized certification at the end of the course.
Conclusion
Chest compression is an essential part of the CPR process. The human body must maintain a regular blood supply to all its organs. Blood delivers the required nutrients and oxygen to the muscles and organs. During cardiac arrest, chest compression helps with this blood movement, thereby keeping the body alive. It would help if you always used different compressions for children, infants, and adults. If you wish to know more about CPR certification online, look up at the courses provided by the American HealthCare Academy. This group offers comprehensive courses on the various types of CPR. Log onto the AHCA website and work towards becoming a Good Samaritan today.
