How To Perform CPR On Elderly People

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn. This technique helps to save the lives of people whose hearts have stopped pumping blood. As you perform CPR, you’re attempting to stimulate the heart back to life. One of the best ways to learn CPR is to become an accredited CPR first aid provider.

CPR can be performed on people of all ages. However, the technique you use depends on the age of the patient. There are specific protocols needed to perform CPR for infants, children (1-year-old kids to puberty), adults, and elderly people. For infants and children, CPR is done if when their breathing is not normal. But for adults and seniors, we do CPR if the patient is not breathing.

Health Emergencies In Elders That May Require CPR

CPR has a proven track record as a key health intervention that significantly increases an elder’s chances of surviving cardiac arrest. While this is the most common emergency that requires the use of CPR in elders, it’s also useful in other cases, too:

1. Road traffic accident – Common cause of head trauma.
2. Smoke inhalation and suffocation – Seniors could be exposed to smoke or another airborne pollutant and need CPR.
3. Electrocution – This could happen at work or at home.
4. Choking and poisoning – Use the Heimlich maneuver if a senior’s airways become blocked but there’s no other health issue. In CPR, you’ll need to ensure the patient’s airways are not obstructed.
5. Near-drowning – This could be due to cramping or exhaustion.
6. Alcohol or drug overdose – Even if an elder is used to taking drugs or drinking alcohol, doing so in excess can be dangerous.
7. Slip and falls – These could also lead to head injuries.

These health emergencies may require different CPR methods. Everyday laymen can have a significant positive impact by performing CPR. However, if you have the luxury of time, it is best to call in a professional.

The Basics of CPR Execution

The basic steps of CPR are laid out in the acronym ‘DRSABCD’. These stand for Dangers, Response, Send for help, open Airway, normal Breathing, CPR, use the automated external Defibrillator (AED).

• Danger – Check what caused the trouble. Is the patient suffering from an overdose, having a heart attack, or something else? Standard CPR requires exerting force on the patient’s chest area. And if they’re not physically fit enough to survive the compression, CPR might do more damage. Remember, seniors’ bones are already brittle and fragile, so think before you attempt CPR.
• Response – Attempt to wake them up or get any form of response. Call for help if they don’t respond.
• Send for help – Call for an accredited CPR first aid rescuer.
• Open the patient’s airway – Gently roll the person on to their back, tilt back the head, and open the mouth. If there’s any foreign object obstructing the airways and it’s visible, remove it.
• Normal breathing – For patients with normal breathing, roll them gently onto their side. For patients who are not breathing normally (occasionally snoring or grunting) or not breathing at all, perform CPR.
• CPR – Perform mouth-to-mouth compressions. Start by pressing the palms of your hands on the patient’s sternum. Place your other hand on top of the hand that’s touching the sternum. Interlock your fingers and start the compressions. The target rate is two breaths for 30 compressions, to achieve a total of 100 compressions at 8 breaths per minute.
• Attach the AED – Use the adult AED for patients 8 years old and over. Continue performing the compressions until the AED pads are attached. Don’t touch the patient when the AED is assessing the patient’s health. Follow the AED machine’s verbal prompts.

Performing CPR on Seniors

Performing CPR on seniors depends on the fitness level of the patient. This procedure is certainly a life-saver for healthy adults. However, this could also do more harm than good for seniors with weaker bodies. The compressions are forceful and they might not be able to cope. Before doing CPR on an older person, consider the patient’s age and existing health conditions.

Elderly people are delicate CPR patients. If you want the best chance of saving lives, you should become an accredited CPR first aid provider first. Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask for help from other people nearby. Always call 911 for serious emergencies.