You wanted to help your loved ones and took up a CPR course. But what do you do once CPR is complete and the patient starts breathing? Not every CPR online certification teaches the finer points. What comes next is placing the patient in the recovery position. This article talks more about this position and its benefit to the patient. You will also learn about the Basic Life Support (BLS) course and its teachings.
Discuss the steps of performing Adult CPR
Adult CPR uses the textbook technique for resuscitation. It was the first type of CPR that scientists released to the world. The reason was; more adults than infants and children face cardiac issues. However, with time, infant and child CPR techniques were developed. The steps of Adult CPR include:
- Checking the person for unresponsiveness by tapping their shoulder and shouting, “Are you ok?”. Sometimes it may take two tries to get them to wake up.
- If the person does not respond, you must call 911. Even if they respond and there is an accident site, you must call 911 and report the incident.
- For an unresponsive person, you need to start CPR. Put your hands on their chest, one on top of the other.
- Start compressions by pushing right above their rib cage. Push down about 2 inches and let the chest come back up. Do this about 100 times per minute.
- After 30 compressions, you need to open the person’s airway.
- Next, give them rescue breaths by pinching the nose and blowing in the mouth. Give each breath for about one second.
- Continue compressions and breaths in cycles of 30 and 2 breaths until help arrives.
Explain the recovery position and its benefits
A recovery position is a position used in first aid and CPR. By placing the person in this position, you keep them safe until help arrives. It maintains an open airway and prevents the person from choking if they vomit. In this position, the left hand is spread out on the side while the right goes under the patient’s left ear. You must bend their right knee and slowly roll them over to their left side.
Tilt the head slightly backward after the roll to keep the airway open. A recognized CPR online certification course will teach you this as well. It is one of the safest positions as it protects you from further injury from external sources.
Benefits of the recovery position:
- It maintains an open airway and prevents choking.
- You should only place a person in this position once they start breathing. It helps them to continue breathing without hindrance.
- When lying on your back, the tongue rolls backward and blocks the airway. The recovery position prevents this action by placing the patient on their side.
- This position keeps the person’s head elevated, which helps to keep the airway open.
- A sideways posture prevents water from going into their nose. It keeps other fluids from entering the body as well.
- Sometimes, people breathe in their vomit, resulting in aspiration. It is a fatal ailment that causes lung infection and death. The recovery position ensures the patient’s vomit goes out of their body.
- The steps to place someone in the recovery position are simple. The patient does not incur any physical harm from these steps.
Does a BLS course from AHCA teach CPR?
The American HealthCare Academy (AHCA) offers complete online courses for bystanders and healthcare providers. This group wishes to equip everyone with the knowledge of life-saving skills. One of the courses you can take at AHCA is Basic Life Support (BLS). Some topics covered in this course are:
- Chest Compressions: This includes learning how to perform chest compressions properly, as well as when and how to switch with a partner
- Using an AED: An AED shocks the heart into restarting. You learn how to use an AED in an emergency properly.
- Choking: Students will learn how to recognize when someone is choking and how to perform first aid to help them.
- Patient Assessment: BLS principles include understanding how to assess a patient, perform essential life support, and respond to a cardiac arrest.
- CPR Guidelines and Techniques: Students will learn the most current CPR guidelines and practices for an emergency.
Conclusion
CPR is an important skill to know and can help save lives. After CPR placing the patient in recovery helps heal faster. The American HealthCare Academy’s CPR course teaches more about the recovery position in their CPR online certification. Log onto the AHCA website and start your course today.
Also read: 14 Tips for Choosing The Right Home Care Provider: What To Look for and What To Avoid
