10.4 | CPR

What is CPR?

• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation

  • A life-saving skill administered when someone is not breathing or their heart is not beating.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest

• Heart Attack:

  • Occurs due to coronary blockage or tissue death in the heart.

  • Can lead to cardiac arrest.

• Cardiac Arrest:

  • Heart completely stops beating (no pulse, no breathing, no signs of circulation).

  • Signs:

  • Grey or blue color around the mouth.

  • Blue nail beds.

  • Cool to the touch.

  • Urgency:

  • Tissue death and brain damage occur within 5-10 minutes.

CPR Precautions

• Recommended Protection:

  • Use gloves and a plastic device to protect from body secretions.

• Compression-Only Option:

  • In some cases, provide only chest compressions and skip rescue breathing.

Steps for Performing CPR on an Unresponsive/Unconscious Victim

1. Assess Responsiveness: Shake and shout to see if the victim responds.

2. Clear Airway: Adjust the head and jaw to open the airway.

3. Check Breathing: Look and listen for breathing.

4. Administer Rescue Breaths (if needed):

   • Pinch nostrils, put your mouth over the victim's mouth.

   • Blow air, observing if the chest rises.

   • If the chest doesn't rise, there's likely an obstruction.

   • Give two rescue breaths.

5. Begin Chest Compressions:

   • Place the heel of your hand just above the bottom of the rib cage.

   • Avoid using a flat hand to prevent rib damage.

   • Perform compressions at a fast pace (100 beats per minute).

6. Check for Circulation:

   • Check for pulse and the color of nail beds.

   • Do not take longer than 10 seconds.

7. Continue CPR:

   • If no response, continue rescue breaths and chest compressions until medical assistance arrives.

8. Rescue Position (if victim wakes up):

   • Roll the victim over to protect the airway.

General Emergency Action

• Take action swiftly and alert emergency services.