"Understanding How Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Works: Step-by-Step Guide"

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies to restore blood circulation and breathing in a person whose heart has stopped beating or is in a state of cardiac arrest. Here's a simplified outline of the CPR procedure:

1. Assess the Situation: Ensure the area is safe for both you and the victim. Check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and shouting.

2. Call for Help: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, or only gasping, call emergency services or ask someone nearby to do so.

3. Open the Airway: Gently tilt the person's head backward and lift the chin to open the airway.

4. Check for Breathing: Look, listen, and feel for breathing. If the person is not breathing or only gasping, start CPR.

5. Begin Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, just below the nipple line.
- Place the other hand on top of the first hand and interlock the fingers.
- Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.
- Use your body weight to compress the chest at least 2 inches deep at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute.

6. Give Rescue Breaths:
- After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
- Pinch the person's nose shut and cover their mouth with yours, making a tight seal.
- Give a breath that makes the chest rise visibly.
- If the chest doesn't rise, reposition the head and try again.

7. Continue Compressions and Breaths:
- Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
- Aim for a compression-ventilation ratio of 30:2.

8. Continue Until Help Arrives:
- Continue performing CPR until:
- Professional help arrives and takes over.
- The person starts showing signs of life, like breathing normally.
- You are too exhausted to continue.

Remember that the key to effective CPR is starting promptly and maintaining a consistent rhythm and depth for chest compressions. While this outline provides a general idea of the procedure, it's highly recommended to take a certified CPR course for hands-on training and certification.