What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) consists of mouth to mouth respiration and chest compression. CPR allows oxygenated blood to circulate to all the important organs in the body such as the heart and brain. CPR is very important as it can keep someone alive until an ambulance arrives and more advanced medical techniques can be used. CPR started by a bystander doubles the chance of a victim surviving a heart attack.

Within approximately 10 seconds the victim loses consciousness and becomes unresponsive. If you talk or move the victim there will be no response.

Sometimes a victim may make gasping or grunting noises for a couple of minutes. Do not be confused by this type of abnormal breathing.

If a victim is unresponsive, start CPR immediately.

1. CALL 999

Check the victim to see if they are responsive. If there is no response call (or get someone else to call) for an ambulance straight away. Return to the victim.

2. TILT HEAD, LIFT CHIN, CHECK BREATHING

Position the victim flat on their back.  Kneel by their side and place one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin. Tilt the head back and lift the chin until the teeth almost touch. Look and listen for breathing. If the victim has abnormal breathing (see above) then start CPR immediately – there is no time to lose.

3. GIVE TWO BREATHS

If the victim is not breathing normally, pinch the nose and cover the mouth with yours. Give two full breaths. The person’s chest will rise if you are giving enough air.

4. CHECK PULSE

Put the fingertips of your hand on the Adam’s apple and slide them into the groove next to the windpipe. Feel for a pulse. If you cannot feel a pulse or unsure if you have, move onto the next stage.

5. POSITION YOUR HANDS

Position your hands in the centre of the person’s chest, midway between the nipples. Place one hand on top of the other.

6. PUMP 15 TIMES

Push the chest down firmly approximately two inches. Push on the chest 15 times.

Occasionally you may hear a cracking sound – this may mean the ribs have broken. However this is minor in comparison with the need to continue CPR. Ignore the sound and continue.

CONTINUE WITH TWO BREATH PUMPS UNTIL HELP ARRIVES.

CPR for Children
CPR for children is similar to CPR for adults except for the following 5 differences:

1. If you are alone with the child, give 1 minute of CPR before dialing 999.

2. Use the heel of your hand to compress the chest.

3. Press the sternum down 1 inch to 1.5 inches.

4. Give chest compression at the rate of 100 per minute.

5. Give one full breath followed by 5 chest compressions until help arrives.

1. SHOUT AND TAP

Shout and gently tap the infant on the shoulder. If there is no response, position the infant on his or her back.

2. OPEN THE AIRWAY

Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Do not tilt head back too far.

3. GIVE TWO BREATHS

If the infant is not breathing give two small gentle breaths. Cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth. Each breath should be about 2 seconds long. You should see the chest rise with each breath.

4. FEEL FOR A PULSE

Check for a pulse on the inside of upper arm. Again if you can feel no pulse or unsure continue with the next stage.

5. GIVE 5 CHEST COMPRESSIONS

Give 5 chest compressions at the rate of 100 per minute. Position your third and fourth fingers in the center of the chest, half an inch below the nipples. Press down ½ inch to 1 inch.

6. REPEAT

Repeat with one breath and 5 compressions. After one minute of this please call 999.

If you feel a pulse return give one breath every 3 seconds and discontinue chest compressions.