Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Adult

• If you have someone with you, send them to Dial 112 for an ambulance immediately.
• If you are alone Dial 112 for an ambulance immediately and then return to help the casualty.

Give 30 Chest Compressions

• Place heel of your hand in the centre of the chest.
• Place other hand on top and interlock fingers.
• Keeping your arms straight and your fingers off the chest, press down by 4-5cms; then release the pressure, keeping your hands in place.
• Repeat the compressions 30 times, at a rate of 100 per minute.

Give 2 Rescue Breaths.

• Ensure the airway is open.
• Pinch nose firmly closed.
• Take a deep breath and seal your lips around the casualty’s mouth.
• Blow into the mouth until the chest rises.
• Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall.
• Repeat once more

Continue resuscitation, 30 compressions to 2 Rescue Breaths.

Do not stop unless:

• emergency help arrives and takes over;
• the casualty breathes normally or
• you become so exhausted that you cannot carry on.

Notes:

• If you are alone, call an ambulance as soon as you know the casualty is not breathing - unless unconsciousness is due to drowning.
• If two rescuers with the knowledge of CPR, are available, change every 2 minutes with minimal disruption.
• If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, give chest compressions only. Continue at a rate of 100 per minute.
• It is possible to identify the correct hand position without removing the child's clothes.