Cpr

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8 Steps to performing CPR as a bystander on the scene

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a life saving technique in instances where a person's heart has stopped beating, such as in the case of a heart attack, and the person isn't breathing.

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How to perform effective CPR in an emergency

  • Ensure your safety, as well as the safety of the surroundings before assisting the person.
  • Check if the person is awake. Tap their shoulder and shout loudly: Hello, hello, are you ok?
  • Check to see if the person is breathing normally. If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position by turning them onto their side, and call or ask someone at the scene to call an emergency medical services provider. Netcare 911 can be contacted on 082 911. Keep checking for breathing until help arrives.
  • If you are unsure what to do, the call taker at Netcare 911 can assist you, either through voice or video assistance. Follow their instructions.
  • If the person is not breathing, call or ask someone at the scene to call an emergency medical services provider, before starting CPR. Then start CPR beginning with chest compressions.
  • Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person’s chest. Push hard and fast (two pushes per second) when doing compressions. Chest compressions will not harm them.
  • Give two rescue breaths following every 30 chest compressions. If you are not willing or able to give breaths, just apply continuous chest compressions.
  • If the person starts breathing or wakes up, turn them onto their side into the recovery position. Continue to monitor the person’s breathing and pulse until help arrives.