Illustrated First Aid Guide - Marcia Wendorf [24]
To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, that includes CPR and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
If more than one person is assisting a victim, have one of them immediately call 911, while the other begins CPR. If you are alone, begin CPR for one minute then call 911. If an AED is available, deliver one shock as advised by the device, then begin CPR.
Treatment:
Resuscitate a victim according to the ABCs - Airway, Breathing and Circulation.
Airway - Clear the airway:
1. Place the person on his or her back on a firm surface such as the floor.
2. Kneel next to the person’s neck and shoulders.
3. Open the person’s airway by tilting their head back and gently lifting their chin forward.
Breathing - Breathe for the person:
You can use either mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-nose breathing if the victim’s mouth is seriously injured or can’t be opened.
1. For mouth-to-mouth breathing, pinch the victim’s nostrils shut and cover their mouth with yours, making a seal.
2. Breathe into the victim’s mouth and watch to see if their chest rises. If it does rise, give a second breath. If it doesn’t rise, reposition the victim’s head-tilt and chin-lift, then give another breath
Circulation - Restore blood circulation with chest compressions:
1. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the victim’s chest, between their nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand, and keep your elbows straight with your shoulders positioned directly above your hands.
2. Use your upper body weight, not just your arms, to push straight down on the victim’s chest. You want to push the victim’s chest down approximately 2 inches (5 centimeters) using hard and fast pushes. Give two compressions per second, or about 120 compressions per minute.
3. After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths then repeat the cycle of 30 compressions followed by two breaths.
4. If the victim has not begun moving after five cycles, about two minutes, use an automatic external defibrillator (AED) if available. The American Heart Association recommends administering one shock, then resuming CPR for two more minutes before administering a second shock
5. Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Performing CPR on a child:
1. If you’re alone, perform five cycles of compressions and breaths on a child (about two minutes) BEFORE, calling 911 or or using an AED.
2. Use only one hand to perform heart compressions and breath more gently.
3. Use the same compression-breath cycle as is used for adults: 30 compressions followed by two breaths. Immediately begin the next cycle.
4. If there is no response after five cycles (about two minutes), use an AED if available. Use pediatric pads if they are available; if not, use adult pads.
5. Continue until the child moves or until emergency medical personnel arrive.
Performing CPR on a Baby:
If an infant loses consciousness, gently stroke the baby and watch for a response, such as movement. NEVER shake an infant. Most cardiac arrests in infants occur from lack of oxygen caused by drowning or choking. If you know the infant has an airway obstruction, perform first aid for choking. If you don’t know why the infant isn’t breathing, perform CPR.
Check for breathing by putting your ear near the baby’s mouth or feeling for breath on your cheek and ear. Look for chest motion.
1. If another person is available, have them call 911 while you begin CPR. If you’re the only rescuer, perform CPR for two minutes (about five cycles) BEFORE calling 911.
2. Place the baby on his or her back on a firm, flat surface, such as a table or floor.
3. Tip the baby’s head back and lift their chin.
4. Cover BOTH the baby’s mouth and nose with your mouth
5. Use your cheeks instead of deep breaths from your lungs, to give a gentle puff of air. Watch to see if the