Saving Life: How To Perform CPR In 8 Steps

The Urgent Need For CPR Education In Nigeria While Addressing Ignorance and Superstition Through Basic Life-Saving Skills

Recently, a Nigerian actor drowned in a river, and tragically, no one knew how to perform CPR when he was rescued. Instead, many believed they needed to offer Fanta to the ‘River god’ to save his life. This sad incident highlights a lack of basic knowledge about life-saving procedures, often taught in schools in developed countries.

In Nigeria, where there are many developmental challenges and successive governments are known for corruption and inadequacy, Nigerians are left to fend for themselves, including providing basic amenities. However, the importance of life-saving techniques like CPR is often overlooked, leading to unnecessary deaths.

For in-depth content on performing CPR and potentially saving a life, check out this thread by Dr. Shina explaining how to perform CPR in detail with visual aids, or visit the nearest hospital for information on enrolling in a CPR class taught by professionals.

Below is a simple guide on performing CPR to save a life.

1. Check for Danger: First, make sure the area is safe for you and the person needing help. Look around for any hazards like traffic, fire, electrical wires, or any other harmful object/subject that can harm you.
2. Check Responsiveness: Gently shake the person and shout, “Are you okay?” If they don’t respond and you’re sure it’s safe, continue with CPR.
3. Call for Help: If someone is nearby, ask them to call emergency services (like 112 for NEMA in Nigeria) immediately. If you’re alone, call for help after you start CPR.
4. Open the Airway: Tilt the person’s head back gently by lifting their chin. This helps to open up their airway for breathing.
5. Check Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for signs of breathing. Watch for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.
6. Start Chest Compressions: If the person isn’t breathing normally, start chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, then place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your elbows straight and push down firmly about 2 inches into the chest at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Let the chest rise completely between compressions.
7. Give Rescue Breaths (Optional): If you’re trained and comfortable, you can give rescue breaths. After 30 compressions, tilt the person’s head back, pinch their nose closed, and give two breaths into their mouth until you see their chest rise. Each breath should last about 1 second.
8. Continue CPR: Keep doing cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths until help arrives, or the person starts breathing normally.

Remember, CPR is a crucial skill, but it’s essential to get proper training and certification for it.