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 four to five centimetres. then release the pressure, keeping your hands in place
• Repeat the compressions 30 times, at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute.

Attempt to 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 two attempts at 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, whereby you should give FIVE initial rescue breaths and perform CPR for one minute before making the call
• If two rescuers with the knowledge of CPR, are available, change every two minutes with minimal disruption
• If you are unable or unwilling to give rescue breaths, give chest compressions only. Continue at a rate of 100 to 120 per minute
• It is possible to identify the correct hand position without removing the child's clothes.

Please note:

These first aid tips are no substitute for thorough knowledge of first aid.

Attend a St John Ambulance first aid course.