How to Perform CPR correctly

You will learn the correct procedure to perform CPR.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. You are the most important person at the scene. If the scene is not safe do not put yourself in any danger. So survey the scene and make sure it is safe to access the patient.

2. 
   Checking for responsiveness

   Determine responsiveness of the patient by tapping body and shouting "are you OK" If no response send a bystander for help. Have them call 911 and come back and let you know the call has been made. If you are all alone call first if patient is an adult. For children and infants perform CPR for 2 minutes than call. For infants to check for responsiveness tap, shout and perform painful stimuli, such as pinch ear, flick toes.

3. 
   Checking for breathing

   If no response open airway with head-tilt, chin lift. Place your ear over nose and mouth and look down the chest. Listen and feel for any air movement on your cheek for about 10 seconds. If no breaths felt. Pinch nose and make tight seal around patients mouth and give 2 slow breaths just enough to see chest rise. For an infant cover the nose and mouth with your mouth and give 2 gentle puffs of air.

4. Now expose the chest. This makes it easier to find landmark position and makes it easier for the EMT's to apply the AED (automatic external defibrillator). Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest between the nipple line. Place your other hand on top of the first. keep your elbows locked. Position for an infant is 1 finger with below the nipples, and use 2 fingers to compress.

5. 
   Compress the chest

   Using your whole body compress the chest of the adult patient 1 1/2 to 2 inches, child 1 to 1 1/2 inches, infant 1/2 to 1 inch. You want to do 30 compressions and 2 breaths in about 24 seconds. Do 30 compressions and 2 breaths 5 times (this is about 2 minutes.

6. After 5 cycles. Stop. Look listen and feel for breathing. If not breathing repeat steps. Continue until relieved by someone of equal or higher training. If you detect breathing, gently roll the patient onto their side.

[changeling]

on 8/26/2008 Great info and instructions. Thanks.

[HeikeZ]

on 8/15/2008 You've got to be careful though if you are not trained in CPR... great article!

[oneloved]

on 8/14/2008 Fantastic info, and the illustrations are great!