How to Perform CPR on Yourself

There are numerous CPR classes on how to perform CPR on an individual who suffers a heart attack. You learn how to do all the right things to save a life of a child and an adult, but what about your life?



What if you have a heart attack and you are alone?



Okay, this is a common issue. The trainer for CPR conducts a fabulous class, but you get home and wonder "What if I have a heart attack, and I’m by myself?"



It’s common for people to be alone when having a heart attack, if anything most heart attacks occur when individuals are completely alone with no help close by.



Did you know that if your heart is not beating as it should, you only have approximately 10 seconds before you can faint, and possibly lose consciousness?



How to Do CPR on Yourself



The most important thing is to not panic. Instead, keep coughing as hard as you can from deep within your chest continuously, remembering to take a deep breath before each cough that you do. The breath followed by a cough should be performed about every two seconds without stopping, until your heart feels like it’s beating regularly again or until help reaches you.



How Self-CPR Works



When you breathe deeply, oxygen finds its way into your lungs. The action of the cough squeezes the heart allowing the blood to continue to circulate, returning the heart to a normal beat.



Heart attack patients who discover this condition early enough and perform self-CPR, may have time to get to a hospital for help, or at least may keep them alive for the arrival of emergency care.



Dialing 911



Be sure to attempt to dial 911 and reach for emergency help. As even if you are not able to speak, they can usually trace the call back to your home.



Assure that your name and address is registered to receive this service, as many new telephone or internet phone services do not have this option automatically set for you.



Remember that if you have an internet-related phone service, you have an ulterior method for calling for help such as maybe a cell phone that is always charged and ready for use.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION



This article is provided for your information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this information; instead, readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. It is your responsibility to investigate and review the content before contemplating any self-help measures for future medical implications.



Louanne previously worked as a Registered Practical Nurse and Human Resources Manager. She welcomes you to HealthLibrar.com, a global online health in education resource for mental health and other general health conditions, a new health program, and for health education jobs at http://HealthLibrar.com HealthLibrar.com Health Librar - Health Articles Library