How to Become a CPR Hero in just a Few Mminutes: Learn the basics of CPR, First Aid and More

Imagine that you’re having a family barbecue. The sun shines brightly, laughter fills your ears, and all of a sudden Uncle Joe collapses. A panicky feeling sets in. What are you going to do? This scenario happens more frequently than you may think. Free cpr and first aid training skills can help you become a hero.

CPR. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Sounds fancy, yes? When someone’s blood flow stops, chest compressions combined with rescue breaths will keep it flowing. You’re giving their heart an extra boost.

How do you perform CPR in reality? Imagine you are trying your best to wake a person up from the most deepest sleep. Place both hands together in the middle, lock the elbows, then press fast (about 100-120 contractions per second). You can imagine doing chest pressings to “Stayin’ alive” by the Bee Gees. That song’s pace is perfect for CPR.

After 30 compressions, it’s time for rescue breaths. After 30 compressions you can tilt their head slightly to widen the airway. Then, pinch their nose shut to stop air from escaping. Next, cover their face with yours.

For a second, let’s talk about the basics of first-aid. Ever cut your hand while chopping vegetables, or burnt it on a pan that was too hot? Knowing how to use basic first help can be just important as understanding how to avoid setting off smoke detectors.

Water is the best way to clean a wound from cuts or scrapes. (Avoid using hydrogen peroxide since it may damage tissue.) You can apply pressure to the area if you see it bleeding heavily. Just like a leaking faucet, do this until help arrives.

Burns is another common accident. You can cool the burns down with water for about 10 mins. But not ice-cold. We aren’t going to make popsicles. Afterward, cover the area with a clean bandage.

Ever seen someone choke on something? Here’s when the Heimlich comes in handy. Stand behind the victim, wrap your arm around their waist in an awkward hug (we have all done it), then make a hand fist and place it just above their navel. Grab your fist in your other hand, and then give quick upward pushes until the person spits out whatever is causing them trouble.

Remember when you saw a dramatic fainting scene in a film? While it’s not as dramatic, fainting is a common occurrence in the real world. Usually this happens because you haven’t hydrated enough or stood for too much time without moving around (hello to concert-goers). Then, lie them flat on back and raise their legs as much as possible.

Although it may sound complicated, I promise you that this is much simpler than learning TikTok. The more you practice these skills, the better they become ingrained into your brain. So when disaster strikes, you are ready!

Last, but not least–a few words about remaining calm under pressure. I know it’s easier said then done! But taking deep breaths helps slow down racing thoughts allowing clearer decision-making–like finding car keys buried under piles of laundry instead of tearing apart every room frantically searching!

Next time Uncle Joe decides the BBQ’s aren’t exciting enough, you’ll be prepared. You won’t stand helplessly there wringing his hands. Instead, you’ll confidently save lives by stepping forward one heartbeat and time at a a.

It’s important to be prepared, because you never know when you will need them. Being ready can transform us from spectators to everyday heroes.