Understanding CPR: Why It’s a Lifesaving Skill You Need
Today, we’re diving deep into cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Whether you’ve heard of it or even trained in it, we’ll break down what it is, when it’s used, and why it matters. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in understanding and performing CPR—maybe even inspired to take a training course!
Table of Contents
What is CPR and Why Is It Important?
CPR is a core part of the DRSABCD action plan, which we follow whenever someone collapses and requires immediate first aid. It’s designed to keep things simple, which is vital because first responders are often under intense stress. So, let’s keep it straightforward—your goal is to keep the heart and lungs working until professional help arrives.
At My First Aid Course Brisbane, we focus on making sure the skills you learn stick, especially through practice scenarios that build muscle memory and confidence.
What Does CPR Stand For?
Cardio (heart), Pulmonary (lungs), Resuscitation (reviving)—it’s a process that’s part of Basic Life Support (BLS). BLS is a set of essential first aid techniques used in emergencies, particularly when someone is unresponsive, not breathing, or their heart has stopped. In these moments, you’re the bridge between life and professional medical help.
DRSABCD: Your Lifesaving Roadmap
If someone collapses, your first move is to follow the DRSABCD action plan:
- D: Danger – Check the scene is safe
- R: Response – Is the person responsive?
- S: Send for help – Call 000 or get someone else to.
- A: Airway – Tilt the head back to open the airway.
- B: Breathing – Check if they’re breathing (look, listen, feel).
- C: CPR – If they aren’t breathing, start CPR: 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- D: Defibrillator – If there’s an AED around, use it and follow the instructions.
CPR 101: The 30:2 Ratio
Here’s a common question: “Does the 30:2 ratio change if there are two rescuers?” The short answer is no. The Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR) guidelines state only advanced life support (ALS) health professionals should vary the ratio as they have been trained to do.
So, stick to 30 compressions and 2 breaths for all ages. The rule is easy: “30:2 is all we do.”
Repeat this cycle about 5 times in 2 minutes.
Why Are Compressions So Important?
CPR is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths, performed when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Compressions are the real superheroes here—they take over for the heart, pushing oxygen-rich blood to the brain and other vital organs. The aim? About 100-120 compressions per minute, with minimal interruptions.
Insert image – cartoon/graphic chest compression, showing heart being ‘squashed’
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Compression Fatigue: It’s Real
CPR is hard work. Even if you’re young and fit, compression fatigue can set in after just a minute. This can lead to shallow compressions, which reduces CPR’s effectiveness. So, if possible, switch out with someone else every two minutes (or before, if you’re struggling).
Key Components of High-Quality CPR
Here’s what good CPR looks like:
- Hand position: Centre of the chest, lower third of the sternum.
- Compression rate: 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Compression depth: About one-third the depth of the chest.
- Chest recoil: Let the chest rise fully after each compression.
- Minimal interruptions: Keep compressions going with minimal breaks.
- Proper rescue breaths: One breath per second, then back to compressions.
CPR Science: Why Quality Matters: Even during the best CPR, compressions only pump about 25-40% of normal blood volume. That’s why high-quality CPR is crucial—if you let fatigue affect your compressions, you’ll reduce that percentage even further. So, the lesson here is clear: change out frequently and keep going!
One vs Two Responder CPR: What’s the Difference?
In basic first aid courses, you’ll learn single responder CPR—that’s you, taking action solo. In Provide Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014), we teach two responder CPR, where the load is shared to reduce fatigue and improve the chances of success.
Does the 30:2 Ratio Change?
Nope! Even with two responders, the ratio stays the same—30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. The difference is that one person handles compressions while the other manages the rescue breaths.
How to Swap Roles Smoothly
Here’s a handy way to switch roles without interrupting CPR:
- Position yourselves: One responder on each side of the casualty.
- Count it out: Responder one delivers compressions while counting aloud, so responder two knows when to give breaths.
- Switch smoothly: After about 5 cycles (or 2 minutes), the first responder signals they’re ready to swap. Responder two takes over compressions, and responder one focuses on breaths. Remember though, if you’re fatiguing, speak up early and switch out.
- Keep the rhythm: The key is seamless role-changing, with minimal interruptions to compressions.
Practice Makes Perfect
The ability to switch roles efficiently is vital, and we practice this skill in our CPR Courses.
Communicating with your partner and timing the switch correctly ensures you can keep the casualty’s heart pumping while minimising downtime.
Ready to Save a Life?
CPR is one of the most valuable first aid skills you can learn. Whether you’re training for the first time or looking to refresh your knowledge, My First Aid Course Brisbane offers courses tailored to your needs. With our hands-on, scenario-based training, you’ll leave confident and prepared for real-life emergencies.
Like any skill, CPR gets better with practice. Even if you’ve been trained before, it’s important to refresh your knowledge and skills. Our courses ensure you’re ready for anything.
Take the first step toward becoming a lifesaver or refreshing your skills—enrol today!
