When you think about saving a life during an emergency, CPR is often one of the first things that come to mind. It’s a skill that can make all the difference if you find yourself in a situation where someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. Just take the recent event at Newark Liberty International Airport, where celebrity Dr. Mehmet Oz sprang into action to save a man using CPR.
This real-life scenario shows the importance of knowing how to perform CPR correctly, which brings us to CAB. So, what does CAB stand for in CPR? It’s an acronym for Compression, Airway, and Breathing, and it outlines the sequence of steps to take when giving CPR.
It’s a sequence refined over time to prioritize actions with the most significant impact on patient survival. In this article, we’ll break down what each letter in the CAB procedure represents and why it’s so important to follow this order when every second counts.
Why ABC Changed To CAB
The classic approach to CPR follows a different sequence known as the ABC, which is an acronym for Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Around 2010, the American Heart Association recommended changing the order of this procedure, announcing a rearranged order of the CPR steps into CAB: Compressions, Airway, and Breathing.
If you’re wondering why a long-lasting effective method was changed, the answer lies in the science of saving lives. Research has revealed that early chest compressions and getting the blood moving are vital in keeping oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and heart, particularly in the first few critical minutes.
The heart’s main job is to pump blood, and if it stops doing that efficiently, oxygen can’t get to where it’s needed most. Prioritizing compressions before opening the airway and providing breaths, essentially buys precious time and gives the SCA victim a better shot at survival. This can make all the difference for the 356,000 adults suffering from sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S.
For every minute that goes by without CPR, the chances of survival decrease by 7-10%. That’s a significant drop and not one to take lightly. The switch to CAB is all about increasing the chances of survival until emergency services take over. When faced with a situation where someone’s heart has suddenly stopped beating, you should start performing chest compressions immediately because your prompt action can be the difference between life and death.
C is for Compressions
Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR, mimicking the heart’s pumping action and keeping blood flowing to vital organs, particularly the brain and heart. But, to be effective, you’ve got to do them right, so here are a few tips:
- Place the heel of one hand right in the center of the person’s chest.
- Stack your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
- Make sure you’re kneeling beside the victim’s chest.
- Keep your arms straight and lean over.
- Use your upper body weight to help you compress the chest, not just your arms.
- Align your shoulders directly above your hands for better control and efficiency.
- Start pushing down with control.
You’re trying to push down hard and fast, aiming for a depth of about two inches in adults, and a pace of around 100 to 120 compressions per minute. It might seem like a lot, but you’ve got to maintain a steady rhythm and push after full chest recoil without pausing. Remember, too shallow or too slow, and you won’t get the blood moving as needed.
Compression-only CPR
For those who don’t have mouth-to-mouth training, or if the idea of a rescue breath is too daunting, this method can be a lifesaver. It’s CPR minus the breaths; just continuous, uninterrupted chest compressions until help arrives. Recent studies have shown that it can be just as effective in the first few minutes of an emergency. If you’re ever in doubt, maintain the compression rate until emergency medical services take over – you could keep someone’s story going.
A is for Airway
How can you tell if someone’s airway is open? An SCA victim is unresponsive and you need to see if the person is breathing. Watch their chest for any movement and listen for breath sounds. If they aren’t breathing, or if their breathing is labored, it’s time to act.
Tilt their head back and lift their chin – this simple move can open up their airway by pulling the tongue away from the back of the throat. But be gentle; the last thing you want is to cause further injury. If their airway seems blocked, you need to clear it without delay:
- For an adult: This could involve a finger sweep to remove any visible obstructions, but only if you’re sure there’s something that can be easily removed.
- For infants: Never do a blind finger sweep. Instead, use back blows and chest thrusts to dislodge the blockage.
When you’re doing chest compressions, a clear airway lets the oxygen you breathe into the person during rescue breaths get where it needs to go. Even the best chest compressions might not do much good without a clear airway. So, keeping that pathway open is a major part of making CPR effective.
B is for Breathing
Let’s talk about the two common methods: mouth-to-mouth and mouth-to-mask breathing. Mouth-to-mouth is exactly what it sounds like – you’re creating a seal with your mouth over the other person’s and breathing air directly into their lungs. It’s simple, but not everyone feels comfortable with it, especially if you’re helping a stranger.
This is where mouth-to-mask comes in. With a barrier device, you can still deliver those much-needed breaths while protecting yourself from direct contact. This method is preferred in many professional settings and is just as effective when done properly. So, what is the right way to give rescue breaths?
- Ensure the airway is open. You must tilt the victim’s head back and lift the chin.
- Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and create a complete seal over the person’s mouth with yours.
- Blow steadily into their mouth, watching the chest rise, which should take about a second. If you’re using a mask, place it over their nose and mouth and blow through the one-way valve.
- Give one breath every 5 to 6 seconds, and don’t forget to let the chest fall between breaths.
When Are Rescue Breaths Needed?
Keep an eye out for signs of life. If the person isn’t breathing normally but only gasping or not breathing at all, it’s time to step in. Remember, this is about maintaining oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs while waiting for professional help. Keep calm, follow these steps, and know your actions can truly make a difference.
When To Use The CAB Method
Use the CAB full method only if you’ve been properly trained. Otherwise, you might do more harm than good. It’s a sequence that demands your understanding and ability to perform each step correctly. If you’re not confident in your skills, it’s time to consider training and join the 59% of New Jersyans who know how to do CPR.
By taking a CPR course in Newark, NJ, you’re not just ticking a box but equipping yourself with the know-how to act effectively in emergencies. You’ll learn to deliver high-quality chest compressions, clear the airway, and provide rescue breaths. Your training will help you recognize when someone needs CPR, and you’ll be able to step in swiftly, knowing your actions are backed by knowledge and practice.
CAB in CPR: Final Thoughts
So, what does CAB stand for In CPR? The CAB acronym is your quick reference for the lifesaving sequence of chest Compressions, Airway, and Breathing. This order is designed to prioritize actions most likely to restart the heart and restore blood circulation.
Now you know what CAB stands for in CPR and how each step can make a significant difference when someone’s life is on the line. It’s a straightforward yet powerful reminder of the immediate actions to take during a cardiac emergency.
Your ability to act could be the difference between life and death for someone suffering from cardiac arrest. That’s why getting trained in CPR is such a valuable step. Carrying this knowledge isn’t just a personal asset; it’s a communal responsibility. So, take the leap and learn CPR – you could be the hero someone needs in their most critical moment.