Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR can help save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs.
However, even after training, remembering the CPR steps and administering them correctly can be a challenge. To be prepared when moments matter, please read the steps below.
1. CHECK the scene for safety, form an initial impression and use personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. If the person appears unresponsive, CHECK for responsiveness, breathing, life-threatening bleeding or other life-threatening conditions using shout-tap-shout.
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3. If the person does not respond and is not breathing or only gasping, CALL 9-1-1 and get equipment, or tell someone to do so.
4. Kneel beside the person. Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
5. Give 30 chest compressions
- Hand position: Two hands centered on the chest
- Body position: Shoulders directly over hands; elbows locked
- Depth: At least 2 inches
- Rate: 100 to 120 per minute
- Allow chest to return to normal position after each compression
6. Give 2 breaths
- Open the airway to a past-neutral position using the head-tilt/chin-lift technique
- Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make complete seal over the person’s mouth with your mouth.
- Ensure each breath lasts about 1 second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before giving the next breath
Note: If the 1st breath does not cause the chest to rise, retilt the head and ensure a proper seal before giving the 2nd breath If the 2nd breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the airway
7. Continue giving sets of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths. Use an AED as soon as one is available! Minimize interruptions to chest compressions to less than 10 seconds.
See video below:
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