How to Perform CPR – A Beginner’s Guide for Nigerians
Introduction
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when a person’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing. In Nigeria, where access to immediate medical help can be limited, knowing how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death. This beginner’s guide is tailored for Nigerians, providing clear, actionable steps to equip you with the skills to respond effectively in critical situations. Whether you’re at home, work, or in public, this article will walk you through how to perform CPR, ensuring you’re prepared to save a life.
Why CPR Matters in Nigeria
In Nigeria, cardiac arrests and respiratory emergencies are common due to factors like road accidents, cardiovascular diseases, and limited access to emergency services. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prompt CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival after cardiac arrest. However, many Nigerians lack awareness or training in CPR, making it crucial to spread this knowledge.
Understanding the need for practical, life-saving information, this guide focuses on creating content that’s easy to understand, actionable, and optimized for search engines without overloading with repetitive terms.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform CPR for Beginners in Nigeria
1. Assess the Situation and Ensure Safety
Before approaching the person, ensure the area is safe for you and the victim. Look out for traffic, fire, or other hazards common in Nigerian urban and rural settings. Check if the person is responsive by gently shaking their shoulders and shouting, “Are you okay?” This step aligns with natural human behavior and avoids unnecessary panic.
2. Check for Breathing and Responsiveness
If the person doesn’t respond and isn’t breathing or is only gasping, they may be in cardiac arrest. Look for chest movement and listen for breathing for no more than 10 seconds. In Nigeria, where noise pollution can be high, focus on visual cues like chest movement rather than relying solely on sound.
3. Call for Help
Dial Nigeria’s emergency number, 112 or 767 (depending on your location and network), or ask someone nearby to call while you start CPR. If you’re alone, perform CPR for about 2 minutes before calling for help. In rural areas with limited signal, consider sending someone to nearby medical facilities or community health centers.
4. Perform Chest Compressions
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest (between the nipples) and place your other hand on top. Push down hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute—think of the beat of a popular Nigerian song like “Fela Kuti’s ‘Zombie’” to maintain the rhythm. For adults, compress the chest about 5 cm deep. For children over 1 year, use one or two hands, pushing about 5 cm. For infants under 1 year, use two fingers and compress about 4 cm. Continue compressions until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
5. Provide Rescue Breaths (If Trained)
If you’re trained and comfortable, give 2 rescue breaths after 30 compressions. Tilt the person’s head back slightly, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and breathe into their mouth for about 1 second per breath, watching for chest rise. In Nigeria, where infectious diseases like COVID-19 may be a concern, consider using a face shield or barrier if available. If unsure, focus on chest compressions only (hands-only CPR), which is still effective.
6. Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Keep performing cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths (or just compressions if untrained) until emergency services arrive, the person starts breathing, or you’re too exhausted to continue. In Nigeria, where ambulances may take time, persistence is key.
Key Tips for Nigerians Performing CPR
- Use simple, clear language. For example, instead of “sternum,” say “center of the chest.”
- Adapt to local contexts, like poor road conditions or limited phone signal in rural areas.
- Focus on delivering practical, life-saving advice, such as using local rhythms for compression rates or identifying nearby health centers.
Common Myths About CPR in Nigeria
- Myth: Only doctors can perform CPR. Truth: Anyone can learn and perform CPR effectively with basic training.
- Myth: CPR always restarts the heart. Truth: CPR keeps blood flowing to vital organs until professional help arrives.
- Myth: Mouth-to-mouth is always required. Truth: Hands-only CPR is effective and safer in some situations, especially if you’re untrained.
Where to Get CPR Training in Nigeria
Consider enrolling in one of our CPR training programs . W offer first aid and CPR training in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria, both in-person and online. These courses are beginner-friendly and tailored to local emergencies. You can also access online resources or join webinars to deepen your knowledge.
Register for one of our courses today!
You can give us a call on 08100368345 or 08034773692
Conclusion
Learning how to perform CPR is a vital skill for every Nigerian. By following this beginner’s guide, you can confidently respond to cardiac arrests or respiratory emergencies, potentially saving a life in your community. Remember to assess the situation, call for help, and perform high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths (if trained). For long-term impact, enroll in CPR training programs available in Nigeria to hone your skills and stay prepared.