Procedure 28 — Treatment: CPR Standards

What is the clinical indication for CPR?

Basic life support for the patient in cardiac arrest.

What is the first step in assessing a patient for CPR?

Assess the patient's level of consciousness ("shake and shout").

What airway maneuver is used if there is no response and no cervical spine injury is suspected?

A head-tilt-chin-lift.

What airway maneuver is used if cervical spine injury is suspected during CPR assessment?

A modified jaw-thrust, maintaining neutral cervical spine alignment.

What should be observed for after opening the airway during CPR assessment?

Any effective respiratory effort.

What should be understood about agonal respirations or occasional gasping during CPR assessment?

It is not considered effective respiratory effort.

What pulse check location is used for adults and older children during CPR assessment?

The carotid pulse.

What pulse check location is used for infants during CPR assessment?

The brachial pulse.

What is the maximum time allowed for a pulse check during CPR assessment?

No more than 10 seconds.

What standards govern beginning chest compressions if no pulse is found?

The AHA BLS 2020 standards.

What protocol should be followed for an adult in cardiac arrest?

The Adult Cardiac Arrest protocol, with passive airway procedures.

What protocol should be followed for a pediatric patient in cardiac arrest?

The Pediatric Pulseless Arrest protocol, with early airway interventions.

How should chest compressions be performed during CPR?

In an uninterrupted manner.

When are interruptions to chest compressions allowed during CPR?

Only for rhythm analysis and defibrillation, not for establishing an airway or intravenous access.

What compression rate is used for CPR per this protocol?

110 beats per minute.

What can be used to help maintain the correct compression rate during CPR?

A metronome device or the cardiac monitor's display.

What must be documented at 2-minute intervals during CPR?

The time, procedure, and the rotation of rescuers.

What is the compression location for an infant during CPR?

Over the sternum, just below the nipple line.

What hand position is used for infant chest compressions?

Two fingers or thumbs and encircling hands.

What is the compression depth for an infant during CPR?

1.5 inches, or one-third the depth of the anterior/posterior chest.

What is the compression rate for an infant during CPR?

110 per minute.

What is the compression location for a child (1 year to puberty) during CPR?

Over the sternum and above the xyphoid.

What hand position is used for a child (1 year to puberty) during chest compressions?

The heel of one hand.

What is the compression depth for a child (1 year to puberty) during CPR?

2 inches, or one-third the depth of the anterior/posterior chest.

What is the compression rate for a child (1 year to puberty) during CPR?

110 per minute.

What is the compression location for an adult during CPR?

Over the sternum and above the xyphoid.

What hand position is used for adult chest compressions?

Both hands with interlocked fingers.

What is the compression depth for an adult during CPR?

2 to 2.4 inches.

What is the compression rate for an adult during CPR?

110 per minute.

What provider levels can perform CPR?

EMT-A, EMT-B, and EMT-P.