Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compression. Before starting Adult CPR , call 9-1-1. If the unconscious victim is a child between the ages of 1 and 10, begin CPR right away and get someone else to make the call. If this is an infant, refer to CPR-Infant.
In order to properly perform CPR, the victim must be on their back.
CPR begins with two-handed chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim’s chest, and place your other hand on top of it. Quickly deliver 30 chest pumps by pushing the chest down, about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 16 compressions every 10 seconds, or 100 compressions per minute.
It is normal to feel “pops” or “snaps” when you first begin chest compressions. Do not be concerned with these. It is more important that you DO NOT STOP!
After pumping the chest 30 times, carefully tilt the victim’s head back, and lift their chin up to open the airway.
NEXT: Pinch the victim’s nose closed, and take in a normal breath. Form a seal over the victim’s mouth with yours … and blow out your breath until you see their chest rise. If the victim’s chest does not rise, try opening the airway again by doing a finger sweep to check for obstructions. Wait one full second, then deliver a second breath.
Repeat the process of 2 breaths followed by 30 chest compressions until the victim regains consciousness, and begins to breathe on their own. If the victim has a pulse, but is not breathing on their own, it is safe to cease chest compressions, and continue solely with mouth-to-mouth until medical help arrives.
If there is someone nearby, ask them for help. One person can perform the breathing, while the other person delivers chest compressions.
Sources:
- Military Field Guide
- http://firstaid.about.com/od/cpr/ht/06_cpr.htm
- http://globalcrisis.info/cpr.html
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