CPR
Basics: ABCs
Early CPR is an important link in the chain of survival for a victim of sudden cardiac (heart) or respiratory (lungs) arrest. CPR involves a combination of mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing (or other artificial ventilation techniques) and chest compressions. It keeps some oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until appropriate medical treatment can restore normal heart action.
Cardiac
arrest causes the victim to lose consciousness within seconds. If there is early access to the EMS (emergency
medical service) system (Phone First! Phone Fast!), early CPR, early
defibrillation, and early advanced care, the person has a chance to survive.
CPR
techniques include 3 basic skills, the ABCs of CPR…
AIRWAY: Open airway by
positioning head properly.
Tilt Head back.
Move lower jaw (chin) forward.
BREATHING: Rescue
breathing / mouth-to-mouth.
Provides oxygen to victim.
CIRCULATION: Chest Compressions.
ASSESSMENT: Determine
condition and responsiveness
Tap or
gently shake shoulder. Shout “Are you
OK”
ACTIVATE
EMS SYSTEM:
Call 9-1-1
Send someone for help
(For infants & young children,
give 1 minute CPR first)
POSITION
VICTIM: Place on back –
support head & neck.
Open Airway - Lift chin & tilt
head back.
LISTEN
for sounds of breathing
FEEL
for breath on your cheek
IF
NOT BREATHING: RESCUE BREATHING
Give
2 slow breaths (2 seconds per breath)
Pinch
nostrils closed.
Tight
seal around mouth.
Watch
for chest to rise.
Allow
lungs to deflate between breaths.
DETERMINE
PULSE: Place 2 fingers on
Adam’s Apple (voice box).
Slide
fingers into groove between Adam’s Apple & muscle.
Feel
for the carotid pulse.
IF
THERE IS A PULSE: Continue
rescue breathing
12 breaths per minute (1 every 5
seconds)
IF
NO PULSE: Begin
first cycle of CPR (compressions & ventilation).
Position
hand 2 fingers above xiphoid process (breast-bone)
Interlock
fingers
Compress
with weight downward.
Depress
1½ to 2 inches @ 80 – 100 per minutes.
EACH
CYCLE: 15
Compressions & 2 Ventilations
AFTER
4 CYCLES: Check for pulse.
NO
PULSE: Resume CPR.
IF
THERE IS A PULSE: If
Not Breathing – Continue Rescue Breathing
(1
breath every 5 seconds)
If Breathing – Treat for
Shock.
CONTINUE
CPR: Until help arrives.
Pulse & Breathing Resumes.
You become physically unable to
continue.
DEMONSTRATE
CPR FOR 3 MINUTES (~ 12 Cycles)
Ø
Assessment
Ø
Activate EMS – send for help, call 9-1-1
Ø
Open Airway
Ø
Assess Breathing – Look/Listen/Feel
Ø
Rescue Breathing (2 breaths)
Ø
Assess Pulse (carotid pulse)
·
If Pulse – Continue rescue breathing
·
If No Pulse – Begin Chest Compressions
Ø
Position Hands on chest
Ø
15 compression & 2 breaths
Ø
After 4 cycles – reassess pulse & breathing
Troop
10 requires that scouts complete this type of training
within
the last year for the following Merit Badges:
Swimming, Lifesaving, First Aid, Climbing, Whitewater
Sailing,
Canoeing, Rowing, Motorboating, Waterskiing
If
you have any questions contact:
Herb
Strain