Final answer:
Perform CPR cycles of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths until advanced help arrives or the person shows signs of life. Compressions should be at least 5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute. Proper CPR training is crucial to avoid causing additional injuries.
Step-by-step explanation:
When administering CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), it is important to perform it correctly to provide the best chance of survival until professional medical help is available. After a sudden cardiac arrest, if no advanced medical personnel are present, chest compressions should be initiated immediately. The current guidelines recommend performing sets of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. This cycle should be repeated until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available to check for the patient's rhythm, medical personnel take over, the patient shows obvious signs of life, or you are too exhausted to continue. It is crucial to press down at least 5 cm deep on the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, which correlates with the rhythm of the song 'Staying Alive' by the Bee Gees.
Also, it is vital to avoid common mistakes such as being overzealous, which could lead to injuries like broken ribs or a sternum, and ensuring proper hand placement to avoid complications like driving the xiphoid process into the liver. Obtaining proper CPR certification is recommended for both medical personnel and the public to ensure the technique is applied safely and effectively.