Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
CPR is necessary if the person is unconscious, is not breathing and has no pulse.
CPR involves artificial ventilations (mouth-to-mouth) and heart compressions
to help keep the casualty alive before emergency services arrive.
Firstly ensure the safety of rescuer and victim.
Check the victim and see if he responds:
- Gently shake his shoulders and ask loudly: "Are you all right?"
If he responds by answering or moving:
- Leave him in the position in which you find him (provided he is not in further
danger), check his condition and get assistance if needed
Reassess him regularly
If he does not respond:
- Shout for help
- Follow the steps below to assess the victim
- Unless you can assess him fully in the position you find him, turn the victim
on to his back.
Assessing Heart and Lungs (The ABC)
- Airway
- Breathing
- Circulation (Signs of Life)
Assessment is to make sure that the person's heart and lungs are working:
Airway (mouth, throat and windpipe)
Open the mouth and check for false teeth, vomit or food debris, use a finger
to sweep the airway clear, tilt the chin upwards.
Breathing
Check to see if the chest is moving and also feel for breath. If the person
is not breathing after 10 seconds start artificial respiration (mouth-to-mouth).
Circulation (Signs of life)
If there is no movement or coughing assume the heart has stopped and start cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR).
Initial steps
- Adult
Call for help before commencing CPR
- Child
Commence CPR for 1 minute before calling for help
CPR For An Adult
| 1. |
Open the person's airway by tilting the head and lifting the
chin. Check the airway for false teeth or foreign bodies using a finger.
Observe for breathing and signs of life for 10 seconds. If casualty not
breathing give 2 breaths of artificial ventilation whilst holding the nose
closed. |
| 2. |
Keep the person on their back and kneel over them. Place the
heel of one hand over the lower breast bone, interlock the other hand on
top. With the arms straight press down 4 to 5 cm to give 15 chest compressions
at a rate of 100 compressions per minute (approximately 2 compressions per
second). |
| 3. |
Return to the person's head and give 2 more ventilations then
give a further 15 compressions. |
| 4. |
Repeat the cycle until help arrives. |
| 5. |
If the person starts to breathe unaided place them in the
recovery position. |
CPR For A Child
| 1. |
If the child is unresponsive, check the airway
by extending the neck and opening the mouth. Observe for breathing and signs
of life for 10 seconds. If the child is not breathing and the airway is
clear give 2 breaths of artificial ventilation. |
| 2. |
Position the child on his back. Place one hand over the lower
breast bone, using the heel of the hand and press the breast bone one-third
of the depth of the chest at 100 compressions per minute (approximately
2 compressions per second). |
| 3. |
Give one breath through the mouth every 5 compressions. |
CPR For A Baby Less Than 1 Year Old
| 1. |
If the baby is unresponsive, check and clear the airway. With
the head in a neutral position observe for breathing and signs of life for
10 seconds. Give 2 breaths through the nose and mouth. |
| 2. |
Place 2 fingertips over the lower breast bone and press down
one-third of the depth of the chest at 100 compressions per minute (at least
2 compressions per second). |
| 3. |
Give one breath every 5 compressions. |
The Recovery Position
| 1. |
The recovery position is used to keep the airway clear in
an unconscious person to prevent the person inhaling their own vomit and
to allow fluid to drain from the mouth. |
| 2. |
Bend the furthermost arm across the person's chest so that
the hand rests under the face. The other arm and far leg are bent upwards
to stabilize the body. Roll the person onto their side and tilt the head
back to clear the airway. Check the person regularly to see if they are
breathing. |
Warning: Do not put the person in the recovery position if you suspect
a neck or spinal injury. Turn the person to the opposite side every 30 minutes.
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