The procedure for the CPR Operational Exam is as follows:
1. Check Safety
Confirm that the scene is safe to ensure that you and the patient will not be further harmed. Immediately call the local emergency number and inform them of your address and condition.
2. Assessing Consciousness and Breathing
Assess the patient by gently shaking them and calling their name aloud, asking if they are OK. Check that they are breathing normally. If the patient is unresponsive and not breathing or is only breathing intermittently and superficially, consider that they may be in cardiac arrest.
3. Perform chest compressions
Position the patient on a hard, stable surface. Standing beside the patient, stack the palms of your hands in a central position just below the patient's sternum. Crossing the fingers, apply firm downward pressure to the chest, compressing at least 5 cm deep with each compression and performing at a rate of 100-120 compressions/minute.
4. Perform artificial respiration
Stop compressing the chest after each compression, tilt the head back, open the patient's mouth, and probe for foreign bodies. Then pinch the patient's nostrils, cover the patient's mouth with your own mouth, and perform artificial respiration with 2 effective intubation gas exchanges.
5. Continue the CPR cycle
Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 artificial respirations until first aiders arrive at the scene or the patient regains consciousness and normal breathing.
Importance of CPR:
1. Rapid Response
Call for emergency personnel and begin CPR as soon as possible when cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest is detected.
2. Compression of the chest
Use the correct technique and perform chest compressions at the appropriate rate and depth. The depth should be at least 5 centimeters and the frequency should be 100-120 compressions per minute.
3. Maintain patency
Make sure that the patient's airway is clear while performing compressions. Tilt the patient's head and neck to remove any foreign objects from the mouth.
4. Breathing assistance
If you have training and are familiar with the procedure, consider artificial respiration for the patient. After every 30 compressions, perform 2 artificial respirations.
5. Use of automated external defibrillator (AED)
Use an AED for electrical defibrillation at the earliest opportunity, if equipment is available. Follow the operating instructions for the AED.
6. Continuous CPR
Continue CPR to maintain circulation of blood and oxygen while waiting for emergency personnel to arrive.
7. Avoid interruptions
Try to avoid unnecessary interruptions and maintain continuous and effective cardiac compression and respiratory assistance.
8. Transportation to medical care
Once first responders arrive, transfer the patient to a team of medical professionals for further treatment and resuscitation.