HOW TO PERFORM CPR: WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS

It’s rush hour after work and a commuter collapses. Do you know what to do before help arrives?

Photo by www.testen.no on Unsplash


In many Nigerian cities, ambulances take upwards of 9 minutes to arrive, often far longer in rural areas. Yet brain cells die within 4–6 minutes without oxygen. Many believe CPR is “only for doctors” or fear causing harm. In truth, anyone can and should step in. Proper CPR can keep blood flowing to vital organs and save lives. Immediate bystander CPR has been found to double or even triple a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival

A major obstacle for bystanders to carry out CPR is the fear of cracking the victim’s ribs. While rib fractures occur in about 30% of cases when CPR is performed, a broken rib is a small price for saving someone from cardiac arrest.

 

Core Steps for Adult CPR

  1. Check Responsiveness & Call for Help
    • Shake their shoulders, shout “Are you OK?”
    • If unresponsive, contact your local emergency team
  2. Open the Airway & Check Breathing
    • Tilt head back, lift chin, look/listen for any impediments or obstruction to breathing
  3. Chest Compressions
    • Place heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, other hand on top.
    • Press down 5–6 cm at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  4. Rescue Breaths
    • Pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, give 2 slow breaths (≈1 sec each).
    • This is voluntary and should be done only if you feel comfortable.
  5. Reassess
    • Continue 30 compressions: 2 breaths until help arrives or the person moves.

 

Modifications for Children & Infants

  • For Children (1–8 years): use just one hand for compressions, about 5 cm depth.
  • Infants (<1 year): compressions done using two fingers, about 4 cm depth.
  • For both, give gentle puffs—just enough to see the chest rise.

 

When You Shouldn’t Do CPR

While CPR is a lifesaving intervention, it shouldn’t be done where unnecessary or it could lead to more harm. Such situations include;

  • Unsafe scene: such as live wires, ongoing traffic, fire, etc.
  • Irreversible signs: Rigor mortis, etc.

In such cases, don’t endanger yourself; seek help instead.

 

Local Resources & Training

https://www.redcrossnigeria.org/first-aid-training-courses

https://emergencyresponseafrica.com/products/first-aid-and-cpr-training

No medical degree is needed; just knowledge, confidence, and a willingness to act. Practice these steps with friends or family; share this guide on social media; seek formal training. When every second counts, you can be the lifeline someone desperately needs.


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