What are the key steps to CPR? How do you perform chest compressions correctly? At what speed and depth should I be doing these compressions? These are some popular questions we aim to answer on this page. We are trained professional first aid programmers and instructors that work with occupational health and safety training providers in Alberta and we hope to answer these questions. We also encourage you to take any OH&S approved first aid and CPR class in Alberta to make sure you have the skills to be part of the chain of survival.
What Are the Key Steps to CPR?
The best and arguably only way to learn CPR is by taking an in person course. CPR is a skill that needs to be learned under the supervision of a trained and certified instructor. However, if you’re interested in a learning the key steps to CPR they can be broken down to the 3 S’s which are as follows:
- Scene and victim assessment – The rescuer must always check the scene for the patients and rescuers safety. Once the scene is safe assess the patient.
- Send someone to contact EMS – This is arguably the most critical component. Without sending someone to contact EMS we won’t activate the chain of survival and provide the best care to the patient.
- Start CPR – if the victim has no sign of breathing then it is the time to start CPR.
How Do You Perform Chest Compressions Correctly?
During class, when asked, participants have lots of theories regarding the depth of the compressions. Theories range from:
- Push so that the ribs break / crack
- Push as hard as you can
- Push until you see vomit come up
These theories are incorrect and may cause more harm than good and potentially exhaust the rescuer. A good thought to remember is to push 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the chest. Although some text books and provincial regulations state depth of the chest in inches it can be difficult to use this information as nobody carries a ruler when doing chest compressions and everyone’s idea of an inch varies. Remember to push hard, push fast and go 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the persons chest. Speed is also an issue, you want to be going at a pace of about 120 bpm but also allowing a full recoil of the chest between compressions. As complicated as this all sounds it’s fairly easy to learn as long as you attend a first aid and / or CPR course with a reputable provider.
Did You Know?
Get a head start on your first aid and CPR training by learning a little more about something we should always treat for when doing first aid / CPR, shock!
If shock is suspected after an injury, even in the absence of any outward, severe symptoms:
- Bring victim to the hospital or call your local emergency number
- Assist victim to lie down, with legs elevated above torso or head slightly below torso
- Monitor circulation and breathing
- Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if needed
- Cover victim with a blanket or clothing
- Turn victim to his side (unaffected side if torso is injured) to prevent choking