Sharon has 21+ years of experience as a qualified Emergency Care Nurse registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) and 12+ years as a First Aid Trainer.
She takes pride in FirstAidPro making first aid training available, comprehensive and affordable to everybody.
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Each step of the CPR and rescue breathing emergency guidelines are fundamental in orchestrating a life-saving response.
You might never expect to find yourself in a situation where these skills are needed, but when the unexpected occurs, you’ll want to be prepared.
Knowing the necessary tips for CPR and rescue breathing can mean the difference between life and death.
So, what are these critical steps, and how can you guarantee you’re ready to act when every second counts?
Key Takeaways
• Check for responsiveness and call emergency services immediately if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
• Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute, pressing about 5 cm deep on the centre of the chest.
• Give rescue breaths by tilting the head back, pinching the nose, and delivering two one-second breaths, watching for chest rise.
• Use an AED if available, following its voice prompts and resuming CPR immediately after shock delivery or if no shock is advised.
• Continue CPR until professional help arrives or signs of life appear, reassessing the victim’s condition regularly.
Check for Responsiveness
Before beginning CPR, you must first check if the person is responsive. This vital step in victim assessment ensures you’re not performing CPR on someone who’s conscious. Approach the person and gently tap their shoulders. Speak loudly and clearly, asking, ‘Are you okay?’ Look for any signs of responsiveness, such as eye movement, speech, or body motion.
If there’s no response, immediately call for help or ask someone nearby to do so. While waiting for emergency services, check for breathing. Look for chest movements, listen for breath sounds, and feel for air coming from their nose or mouth. If you don’t detect normal breathing within 10 seconds, prepare to start CPR.
Call Emergency Services Immediately
Dial emergency services (such as 000 in Australia) immediately if you’ve determined the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Time is critical in these situations, and professional help is essential. When calling, stay calm and provide clear, concise information to the dispatcher.
Follow these emergency response calling protocols:
- State your location first, including the address and any specific details to help responders find you quickly.
- Describe the emergency situation, mentioning that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Answer the dispatcher’s questions accurately and follow their instructions carefully.
- Don’t hang up until the dispatcher tells you to do so.
If you’re alone, put the phone on speaker mode while you begin CPR. This allows you to start life-saving measures while maintaining contact with emergency services. If others are present, designate someone to make the call while you begin CPR.
Begin Chest Compressions
Once you’ve called for help, immediately begin chest compressions to maintain blood flow to essential organs.
Position the person on their back on a firm surface. Kneel beside them, placing the heel of one hand on the centre of their chest, right between the nipples. Put your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers.
Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your body weight to push straight down on the chest. Aim for a compression depth of about 2 inches (5 cm) for adults. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Count aloud to maintain a steady rhythm. Don’t stop compressions unless instructed by emergency personnel or if the person shows signs of life.
If you’re trained in rescue breathing, perform 30 compressions followed by two rescue breaths. If you’re not trained or unsure, focus solely on chest compressions.
Perform Rescue Breaths
To perform rescue breaths, you’ll need to use proper mouth-to-mouth technique.
First, tilt the victim’s head back and lift their chin to open the airway.
Then, pinch the nose shut with your thumb and index finger, cover the person’s mouth with yours, and blow steadily for about one second to make the chest rise.
Proper Mouth-To-Mouth Technique
After ensuring the scene is safe and you’ve checked for responsiveness, it’s crucial to perform rescue breaths correctly to maximise the victim’s chances of survival.
Begin by tilting the victim’s head back slightly and lifting their chin to open the airway. Pinch the nose closed with your thumb and index finger to prevent air from escaping.
For proper mouth positioning, place your mouth over the victim’s, creating a tight seal. Take a normal breath and deliver it steadily into the victim’s mouth for about one second. Watch for the chest to rise, indicating successful breath delivery. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again.
After each breath, remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall naturally. Repeat this process, giving a second rescue breath. Aim to deliver two breaths within 10 seconds.
If you’re unable to create a proper seal due to injuries or other factors, consider using a barrier device or focusing solely on chest compressions.
Pinching the Nose
Pinching the victim’s nose shut is an essential step in performing effective rescue breaths during CPR. This action prevents air from escaping through the nasal passages, ensuring that your rescue breaths fully enter the victim’s lungs. To execute this properly, you’ll need to understand basic nasal anatomy and employ the correct pinching techniques.
Using your thumb and index finger, gently but firmly close the soft part of the victim’s nose. This area, known as the nasal ala, is located just below the nasal bridge. Avoid pinching too high on the bridge, as this won’t effectively seal the nostrils. Apply enough pressure to create a seal, but be cautious not to use excessive force that could cause discomfort or injury.
Maintain this nose pinch while you deliver rescue breaths. You’ll need to coordinate this action with tilting the victim’s head back and lifting their chin to open the airway. As you provide breaths, watch for the chest to rise, indicating successful air delivery.
Remember to release the pinch between breaths to allow for exhalation. Mastering this technique is essential for maximising the effectiveness of your rescue breathing efforts.
Use an AED if Available
If available, you should always use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) during a cardiac emergency. These devices can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
When you encounter an AED, immediately bring it to the patient’s side and turn it on. Follow the voice prompts carefully; they’ll guide you through each step of the process.
First, expose the patient’s chest and attach the adhesive electrode pads as instructed by the AED’s diagram. Make certain that no one is touching the patient when the device analyses the heart rhythm. If the AED advises a shock, ensure everyone stands clear before pressing the shock button. After delivering a shock or if no shock is advised, resume CPR immediately.
Proper AED usage also involves regular device maintenance. Check the battery and electrode pads routinely, replacing them as needed. Familiarise yourself with the AED’s location and operation in your workplace or community spaces.
Continue CPR Until Help Arrives
Continue performing CPR until professional medical help arrives on the scene.
Maintain proper technique throughout, ensuring your chest compressions remain deep and rapid while allowing for full chest recoil between compressions.
Regularly assess the victim’s condition, checking for signs of breathing or movement, but don’t interrupt CPR for more than 10 seconds to do so.
Maintain Proper Technique
Once you’ve started CPR, it’s vital to maintain proper technique and persist until professional help arrives or the victim shows signs of life. Proper body positioning is key for effective compressions.
Keep your shoulders directly over your hands and your arms straight. Lock your elbows to maximise the force you can apply.
Effective hand placement is equally important. Position the heel of one hand on the centre of the victim’s chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Keep your fingers off the chest wall to concentrate the force.
Maintain a steady rhythm of 100-120 compressions per minute. Count aloud to help you keep pace. Compress the chest at least 5 centimetres deep for adults, allowing full recoil between compressions.
For rescue breaths, tilt the head back, lift the chin, and pinch the nose. Give two breaths, each lasting one second, watching for chest rise.
If you’re tired, switch with another rescuer if possible. Don’t stop CPR unless the victim shows signs of life, professional help takes over, or you’re physically unable to continue.
Monitor Victim’s Condition
Throughout the CPR process, you must remain vigilant in monitoring the victim’s condition for any signs of improvement or deterioration. Continuous victim assessment is vital to guarantee your efforts are effective and to detect any changes that may require adjusting your approach.
As you perform chest compressions and rescue breaths, watch for signs of life. Check for chest movement, listen for breathing sounds, and feel for a pulse every two minutes. If you notice any of these signs, reassess the victim’s condition immediately. However, don’t stop CPR unless the victim starts breathing normally or shows obvious signs of life.
Condition monitoring also involves observing the victim’s skin colour and temperature. A pale or bluish tint may indicate poor circulation, while warmth and pinkness could suggest improvement. Be aware of any bodily fluids or vomit, as these may obstruct the airway and require clearing.
Learn Proper CPR Techniques
To perform effective CPR, you’ll need to master the correct chest compression and rescue breathing techniques.
Start by placing the heel of your hand on the centre of the victim’s chest, with your other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to compress the chest about 5 centimetres deep. Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
For rescue breathing, tilt the victim’s head back, lift their chin, and pinch their nose. Give two rescue breaths, watching for chest rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Remember, hands-only CPR can be effective in many situations, focusing solely on chest compressions without rescue breaths.
Dispel common CPR myths: You won’t break ribs if done correctly, and you can’t be sued for trying to help.
Don’t waste time looking for a pulse; if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency services arrive or the victim shows signs of life.
To perform effective CPR, you’ll need to master the correct chest compression and rescue breathing techniques.
Start by placing the heel of your hand on the centre of the victim’s chest, with your other hand on top. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to compress the chest about 5 centimetres deep. Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.
For rescue breathing, tilt the victim’s head back, lift their chin, and pinch their nose. Give two rescue breaths, watching for chest rise. If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head and try again. Remember, hands-only CPR can be effective in many situations, focusing solely on chest compressions without rescue breaths.
Dispel common CPR myths: You won’t break ribs if done correctly, and you can’t be sued for trying to help.
Don’t waste time looking for a pulse; if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start CPR immediately. Continue alternating between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until emergency services arrive or the victim shows signs of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can a Person Survive Without Oxygen During Cardiac Arrest?
Oxygen deprivation effects begin immediately. During cardiac arrest, you’ve got 4-6 minutes before permanent damage sets in. After 10 minutes, survival chances plummet dramatically.
Can CPR Be Performed on Pregnant Women?
You can perform CPR on pregnant women. Adjust your technique by placing hands slightly higher on the chest. Consider pregnancy-specific rescue techniques, such as left lateral tilt. Always prioritise the mother’s life while considering fetal well-being.
Is It Safe to Perform CPR on Someone With a Pacemaker?
Yes. Follow standard CPR guidelines, but be aware of pacemaker precautions. Avoid placing hands directly over the device. Continue chest compressions as normal to maintain blood flow.
What Should I Do if I Hear Ribs Cracking During Chest Compressions?
Rib injuries are common during CPR. Continue your compressions with proper technique. Adjust your hand position slightly if needed, but maintain depth and rate.
How Often Should I Update My CPR Certification?
You should update your CPR certification every year. The CPR renewal process typically involves a refresher course and skills assessment. Don’t let your certification lapse, as guidelines and techniques may change over time.
