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First Aid - Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique useful in many emergencies, including heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. CPR involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing and chest compression that keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.

When the heart stops, the absence of oxygenated blood can cause irreparable brain damage in only a few minutes. Death will occur within eight to 10 minutes. Time is critical when you're helping an unconscious person who isn't breathing.

Lens created on November 12, 2007
Last updated on June 11, 2011

Before you Begin

Assess the situation before starting CPR:

Is the person conscious or unconscious?

If the person appears unconscious, tap or shake his or her shoulder and ask loudly, "Are you OK?"

If the person doesn't respond, call 911 (or your local emergency number), or have someone else do it. But if you're alone and the victim is an infant or a child age 1 to 8 who needs CPR, perform two minutes of CPR before calling for help.

Remember the ABCs - Airway, Breathing and Circulation.

AIRWAY: Clear the Airway

Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface.

Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders.

Open the person's airway using the head tilt-chin lift. Put your palm on the person's forehead and gently push down. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway.

Check for normal breathing, taking no more than 10 seconds: Look for chest motion, listen for breath sounds, and feel for the person's breath on your cheek and ear. Do not consider gasping to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally or you aren't sure, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing.

BREATHING: Breathe for the Person

Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened.

With the airway open (using the head tilt-chin lift), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.

Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Give the first rescue breath - lasting one second - and watch to see if the chest rises. If it does rise, give the second breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head tilt-chin lift and then give the second breath.

Begin chest compressions - go to "CIRCULATION" below.

CIRCULATION: Restore Blood Circulation

Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands.

Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 1 1/2 to 2 inches. Push hard and push fast - give two compressions per second, or about 100 compressions per minute.

After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and lift the chin up to open the airway. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut and breathe into the mouth for one second. If the chest rises, give a second rescue breath. If the chest doesn't rise, repeat the head tilt-chin lift and then give the second rescue breath. That's one cycle. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions.

If the person has not begun moving after five cycles (about two minutes) and an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available, open the kit and follow the prompts. If you're not trained to use an AED, a 911 operator may be able to guide you in its use. Trained staff at many public places are also able to provide and use an AED. Use pediatric pads, if available, for children ages 1 to 8. If pediatric pads aren't available, use adult pads. Do not use an AED for infants younger than age 1. If an AED isn't available, go to Number 5 below.

Continue CPR until there are signs of movement or until emergency medical personnel take over.

CPR

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To learn CPR properly, take an accredited first-aid training course, including CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

American Red Cross: Prepare for Emergencies with American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Courses
Canadian Red Cross: First Aid & CPR Courses. All our first aid courses include Basic Rescuer CPR level "C" unless otherwise stated.

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JaguarJulie Oct 7, 2010 @ 4:28 pm | delete

You know, I just caught something about CPR on TV the other day in which they said that just doing continuous chest compressions is most valuable as it keeps the blood flowing.

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monickam Dec 30, 2010 @ 12:22 am | delete

Rightly said, Julie. Even if you forget the steps of CPR after you undergo CPR training, even if you remember to do continuous chest compressions, this alone could save the life of the victim.

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monickam Dec 30, 2010 @ 12:22 am | delete

Rightly said, Julie. Even if you forget the steps of CPR after you undergo CPR training, even if you remember to do continuous chest compressions, this alone could save the life of the victim.

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JohannTheDog Sep 2, 2008 @ 7:02 pm | delete

Really great lens on very important information everyone should know! I lensrolled and added your lens to mine as well.