AED

Performing proper chest compressions is the most important aspect when providing CPR. In fact, the American Red Cross has revised the CPR guidelines emphasizing chest compressions. However, you can’t just compress the chest and expect proper results, there are important tips that you should know so you can perform proper CPR.



First, you need to know where to press. You should put both of your hands on the right side of the chest just below the nipple. If possible, make sure you’re on a flat surface when performing compressions so that the full force of your compressions is put into compressing the chest at least 1 ½” on each thrust.


The pace of the chest compressions is also critically important. Too fast, or too slow will nullify the impact of the compressions. The American Red Cross has stated that compressions should be between 90-100 times per minute. While giving chest compressions it helps to sing a song that has a good fast beat to keep pace with. A good dance song like “Staying Alive” from the Bee Gee’s is a great song to keep beat to.



Although breathing for the patient is important, it’s been found that it’s not as important as just performing compressions. In fact, chest compressions alone are enough to revive someone who experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.



Chest compressions should be performed while waiting for emergency services to show up with an automated external defibrillator. An AED can monitor the heart and determine if an electrical shock is required. It has been proven that a shock from an AED can significantly increase the likely hood for reviving the patient. For every minute without an AED, it decreases the likeliness of survival by 10%. You should always have an AED onsite with a fully charge aed battery to make sure your prepared for an emergency.