🫀 Men's Health
CPR Bystander Guide for Nigeria
What to do when someone collapses — hands-only CPR can save a life
When someone's heart stops (cardiac arrest), brain death begins within 4–6 minutes without oxygen. The chance of survival decreases by 10% for every minute without CPR. In Nigeria, bystander CPR is rarely performed — largely because most people have never been taught. This guide teaches the basic steps of hands-only CPR that anyone can perform to double or triple a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival.
Signs and Symptoms
✓ Signs of cardiac arrest (when to start CPR):
✓ The person is unresponsive — does not respond to shouting or tapping the shoulders
✓ The person is not breathing normally — no chest rise, or only occasional gasping (agonal breathing)
✓ No pulse — do NOT delay to check pulse if unresponsive and not breathing; start CPR
✓ Collapsed suddenly — especially after chest pain, electric shock, or drowning
When to Seek Help
Any unresponsive person not breathingStart CPR immediately while someone calls for help. Do not leave the person alone to call for help — shout for bystanders.
After CPR is startedContinue without stopping until: the person starts breathing normally, professional help arrives, or you are physically unable to continue.
After a successful resuscitationAlways go to hospital — the cause of cardiac arrest must be treated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I hurt someone by doing CPR?
Rib fractures are possible from effective compressions — but a person in cardiac arrest is already dying. The risk of rib fracture is far less important than the risk of death from no CPR. Do not withhold CPR for fear of causing injury. Effective CPR requires firm, deep compressions — you will feel resistance and possibly hear sounds from the chest; continue.
What if I don't know how to give rescue breaths?
Hands-only CPR (compressions only, no rescue breaths) is as effective as CPR with breaths for adult cardiac arrest. The blood retains enough oxygen for the first few minutes of CPR. If you are untrained, uncomfortable, or the patient has a contagious infection, give compressions only.
How do I know if someone is in cardiac arrest or just fainted?
Fainting: the person recovers consciousness quickly when laid flat; is breathing normally; wakes up confused but responsive. Cardiac arrest: the person does not regain consciousness; is not breathing normally or is gasping; does not respond to voice or touch. Start CPR if in doubt — you cannot make things worse.
What are the emergency numbers in Nigeria?
Lagos State Emergency: 767 or 112. National Emergency: 112 (active in some states). Also call: Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC): 122. Ambulance services are limited — in many areas, bystander transport to hospital while CPR continues is the only option.
Is CPR effective in Nigeria without a defibrillator?
Yes — bystander CPR buys time, maintaining minimal circulation to the brain and vital organs until a defibrillator or advanced medical care arrives. High-quality bystander CPR doubles or triples survival rates even without a defibrillator. Start immediately.