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CPR is most commonly
needed when someone goes into cardiac arrest (a heart attack) without
notice, or they are choking on something and need assisted breathing. Below
you’ll find methods on how to deal with these situations until help arrives.
CPR for adults:
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1. CALL
Check the victim for unresponsiveness. If there is no response, Call
911 and return to the victim. In most locations the emergency
dispatcher can assist you with CPR instructions. |
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2. BLOW
Tilt the head back and listen for breathing. If not breathing
normally cover the mouth with yours and blow until you see the chest
rise. Give 2 breaths. Each breath should take 2 seconds. |
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3. PUMP
If
the victim is still not breathing normally, coughing or moving, begin
chest compressions. Push down on the chest 11/2 to 2 inches 15 times
right between the nipples. Pump at the rate of 100/minute, faster
than once per second. |
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CONTINUE WITH 2 BREATHS AND 15 PUMPS UNTIL HELP ARRIVES
NOTE: This ratio is the same for one-person
& two-person CPR. In two-person CPR the person pumping the chest
stops while the other gives mouth-to-mouth breathing. |
CPR for Children (Ages 1-8)
CPR for children is similar to performing
Quick CPR for adults. There are, however, 4 differences.
1) If you are alone with the child give one
minute of CPR before calling 911
2) Use the heel of one hand for chest
compressions
3) Press the sternum down 1 to 1.5 inches
4) Give 1 full breath followed by 5 chest
compressions
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CPR for Infants (Age <1)
Shout and Tap
Shout and gently tap the child on the
shoulder. If there is no response, position the infant on his or her
back
Open The Airway
Open the airway using a head tilt
lifting of chin. Do not tilt the head too far back.
Give 2 Breaths
If the baby is NOT breathing give 2
small gentle breaths. Cover the baby's mouth and nose with your mouth.
Each breath should be 1.5 to 2 seconds long. You should see the baby's
chest rise with each breath.
Give 5 Compressions
Give five gentle chest compressions
at the rate of 100 per minute. Position your 3rd and 4th fingers in
the center of the chest half an inch below the nipples. Press down
only 1/2 to 1 inches.
Repeat
Repeat with 1 breath and 5
compressions. After one minute of repeated cycles call 911. If you
feel a pulse return give one breath every 3 seconds and discontinue
chest compressions. |
What complications can occur?
Vomiting is the
most frequently encountered complication of CPR. If the victim starts to
vomit, turn the head to the side and try to sweep out or wipe off the vomit.
Continue with CPR.
The spread of
infection from the victim to the rescuer is exceedingly rare. Most cardiac
arrests occur in people's homes - relatives or friends will be the ones
needing to do CPR. Even CPR performed on strangers has an exceedingly rare
risk of infection. There is NO documentation of HIV or AIDS ever being
transmitted via CPR.
(CPR
information, pictures, and methods taken from: http://depts.washington.edu/learncpr/) |
