We are all aware that there are multiple public health emergencies that seem to be getting gradually worse over time. Obesity rates and substance abuse are clear examples of society going down the wrong path.

What can we do about it? There are three types of actions to take, ones that help ourselves, ones that help others, and those that help everyone. Firstly, a life focused on wellness, physical fitness, and mental health is the first step to minimizing risks to ourselves. It’s only when we are strong that we can help others.

How can we help everyone? Sadly, most of us are not in a position to help society as a whole other than doing our part. Helping other individuals is something that we can all do. One by one, as well as helping others, we help society together.

We teach CPR classes in the Bay Area, and we hope that every individual person we educate will help others in the future.

What happens in an emergency? Where stress and pressure are high, and even the most knowledgeable of people can be stuck in a state of shock? Even those of us in the first group who are taking care of ourselves can suddenly find ourselves in acute distress.

A high-profile and recent example of this is the sad spectacle of Damar Hamlin, who collapsed on the field and captured the attention of a nation.

High-quality emergency medical assistance was critical in his situation. Namely, Hamlin must be thankful for the first responders, as well as the practice of CPR and access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

“One of the reasons Hamlin had such good neurologic outcomes and a week later was tweeting with friends was that he had early CPR and early defibrillation,” she said. “Unequivocally, these devices save lives, and Hamlin is a perfect example of that.”

• Dr. Mary Ann Peberdy, professor of medicine and emergency medicine at the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.
• As quoted on American Heart Association News

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique used to maintain a patient’s circulation and breathing in an emergency. It can be used on someone who has stopped breathing, has no pulse, or is otherwise unresponsive. Knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between the life and the death of a person in an emergency.

Since COVID-19, we have seen an increase in the instance of CPR being performed by the public worldwide. This is important progress, and we hope to continue the drive for awareness.

CPR is an easy skill to learn, and it doesn’t take long to become certified. Even if you don’t become certified, basic CPR knowledge can help save a person’s life in an emergency. Here’s how you can do CPR step by step:

Step 1: Check the Scene – Before you begin CPR, ensure that the area is safe for you and the patient. Check for any signs of danger, such as fire, hazardous materials, or sharp objects.

Step 2: Check for Responsiveness – Check for signs of responsiveness such as coughing, moving, or speaking. If the patient is conscious and responding, ensure the environment is safe and provide comfort until help arrives.

Step 3: Call for Help – If no one is around who can help, call 911 before beginning CPR. Follow any instructions from the dispatcher if they give them to you.

Step 4: Begin Chest Compressions – Place the palm of your hand firmly on the person’s chest and place your other hand on top of it. Push down firmly at least two inches deep and with enough force to compress the chest at least 100 times per minute.

Step 5: Open Airway & Give Rescue Breaths – With your palm still on the patient’s forehead, gently tilt your head back to lift your chin up to open the airway. Pinch their nose closed and give two rescue breaths, each lasting one second.

Step 6: Continue Chest Compressions & Breaths – Continue with 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths until help arrives or you become too exhausted to continue.

By following these steps, you can potentially save someone’s life in an emergency. Knowing CPR is an important safety skill for anyone to have and can come in handy in unexpected situations. Take some time today to learn about CPR certification classes available in your area so that you can be prepared when an emergency arises.

CPR is the number one life-saving technique used to maintain a patient’s circulation. It’s a fairly simple technique, but in an emergency situation, many people freeze and forget previous training. It is a common mistake to fear that they might do it wrong and make things worse. If there is no pulse and you can’t feel any breath – it could not be any worse! Any applied chest movement will move blood, and a resuscitated person will still thank you, even if you bruised them a little.

To prepare for the day you might save a life, occasionally review the steps. You are welcome to download, copy or print the infographic on this page, as long as you attribute it to CPR Education, and link back to our website.