What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation or CPR is an

emergency medical procedure indicated in
victims of cardiac arrest and sometimes in
victims of severe symptomatic cardiovascular and
circulatory compromise. A victim of cardiac
arrest is defined as a person who is unresponsive,
pulseless, and apneic (or exhibiting agonal
respirations). Agonal respirations are ineffective
breaths produced with poor respiratory effort,
volume, quality, or rate that are unsustainable of
life. CPR technique typically includes external
delivery of chest compressions and
ventilations/breaths. CPR produces circulation in the absence of spontaneous cardiac output and
allows for delivery of oxygen rich blood throughout the body. Effectively delivered CPR
prolongs cellular death and may allow time for more definitive care to be delivered.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Facts & Statistics

The Sad Facts: There are approximately 350,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests each year in the
United States. Of those cardiac arrests: 80% occur in a private residential setting at someone's
home. 50% of the time there is another person present or immediately available during the event.
However only 6% survive. The number one reason for this terrible statistic is the lack of public
CPR knowledge and training. People simply do not know what to do. The goal of this website is
to increase public knowledge and improve this terrible statistic.

Paying it Forward: We ask you to consider who would be there to take care of you if you were
the victim of cardiac arrest. Would they know what to do? If not - We ask that you share this
website and knowledge contained with your friends and loved ones. Knowledge is power and
can make the difference between life and death. Face to face, Facebook, Twitter, or Email - the
life you help save, might be your own.

Emergency Situation Considerations

Personal Safety

Your number 1 priority in any situation should be your own personal safety. You should never
put yourself in extreme danger to help someone else. You can not do any good for anyone if you
become injured or hurt. If you are uncomfortable or in fear for yourself - retreat to safety and
await professional help.
 Nature of Emergencies & Staying Calm

Emergencies by nature are stressful and take a toll on everyone involved. To be able to help
someone else you must remember to remain calm. You must make rational decisions based upon
processing rapid information related to the situation you are in without influence of emotion.
Failure to remain calm and/or separate emotion may cause you to make poor decisions. These
poor decisions may cost you or someone else their life. Calm rescuers also equate to calm
victims / bystanders.

Emergency Preparedness

Before an emergency happens is the proper time to start preparing for it. Once the situation
occurs there is little opportunity for planning and organization. In your daily life, look around
and think about common situations that may occur and how you should respond to them.

What would you do if a coworker collapsed while at work? Do you know the address to your
workplace? Do you have an AED or First Aid Kit available? If so, where are they located? Are
you familiar with their contents and operations?

Simply taking a few minutes to figure what resources you have, where they are located, and how
they work today -- before you need to use it for a real emergency -- may make a difference.

Overcoming Hurdles:

Persons faced with cardiac arrest situations often are hesitant to provide care due to fear of doing
something wrong or making things worse. Remember that persons in cardiac arrest are clinically
dead and there is nothing you can do to hurt them. Doing something is always better than doing
nothing. The opportunity of survival you provide by providing CPR can mean the difference
between life and death. If suspect someone needs CPR, you start the steps of CPR, and victim
does not show any signs of life - CPR is indicated. Continue care until trained help arrives and
takes over.
Calling 911
If presented with an emergency situation that exceeds your available resources or you are
unsure what to do someone needs to call 911.

911 is a universal number across the United States that should connect you to your local
Police/Fire/EMS dispatch center. When you call 911 remember to stay calm and answer each and
every question asked to the best of your ability.

Remember Who, What, Where, and How! Who?

This includes who you are and who needs help.

What is going on? This determines if a fire truck, police officer, or ambulance is needed.
Where? Give the complete address if known. If not, describe the location by looking
around and giving any information you can see.
How to reconnect? Always give the telephone number in which you are calling from or
can be reached at should you become disconnected.

In addition the 911 dispatcher may ask you a seemingly endless list of questions. Try to
remember to stay calm and patient when talking to a 911 dispatcher. Each question is important
and helps deliver the most appropriate help to you and those in need. Based on your answers and
the given situation the 911 dispatcher may help walk you through any steps that need to be
completed before help arrives. Remember to listen carefully and do as instructed. Always ask
questions if you do not understand what you are supposed to do.

NEVER PUT YOURSELF IN DANGER. NEVER HANG UP FROM 911 UNLESS TOLD TO
DO SO BY THE DISPATCHER.
Know How To Use The Phone: If you have to dial 9, 7, or * to get an outside line - 911 may be
9911, 7911, or *911.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Adults - CPR

How To
Quick Guide of Steps of CPR for Adults:
Ensure Personal Safety
Assess Victim (Tap and Shout)
Assess Breathing
Call 911
Circulation: Begin Chest Compressions
Airway: Open the Victims Airway
Breathing: Provide Rescue Breaths

How to perform CPR for Adults:

Scene Assessment/Personal Safety:

You must make your personal safety the top priority in any emergency situation. If you become
injured or killed you will not be able to do any good for anyone else. You becoming injured will
take resources away from the original victim possibly worsening their outcome. Things may not
be as they appear. Evaluate the scene to make sure there is no risk to yourself. Never put yourself
in a situation you are not comfortable with. Think BEFORE Acting/Responding. After insuring
your safety, evaluate the scene for clues, resources, and additional victims as your approach.
Having good situational awareness helps you better help others. Remember whose emergency it
is.

THERE IS NO WAY OF CHANGING THE PAST OR RESERVSING WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO

ANY VICTIM. YOU WANT TO MAKE THINGS BETTER - NOT WORSE. TRY TO REMAIN
CALM.

Assess the Victim:

Upon finding a suspected victim of cardiac arrest and insuring your own safety - you should
assess the victim for responsiveness and determine the appropriate actions for that person. You
must remember that things may not be as they appear. Is every person found laying on a
sidewalk or in a public place in need of CPR? They may be simply asleep; under the influence of
drugs, alcohol; perhaps be homeless; or even mentally ill. You must determine what situation you
are faced with before taking any other actions. To assess the victim you should tap and shake the
victim physically and yell at the victim "ARE YOUR OKAY?". You want to use enough stimulus
that would awaken an average person. The victim may be deaf or hard of earring - by physically
shaking and tapping the victim - we know with certainty their status.

Assess Breathing:

After Tapping/Shouting you should assess the victim for breathing. Remember Look, Listen, &
Feel. Lower your head down and LOOK at the victims chest; LISTEN for coming out the
victims mouth and nose; and FEEL for movement on the victims chest. You should Look, Listen,
and Feel for 5 to 10 seconds unless it obvious the victim is not breathing (Blue, etc.). If the
victim is NOT breathing or breathing normally - you should continue with the steps of CPR.

Call 911 / Getting Additional Resources:

If your assessment of the victim determines that they are unconscious & unresponsive or not
acting appropriately you must call 911 and/or obtain additional resources. If you fail to call 911
or obtain additional resources you will be responsible for providing care indefinitely. An
ambulance does not magically appear when someone is injured, hurt, or in cardiac arrest. You
must remember to activate Emergency Medical Services (or other appropriate resources) as soon
as possible.

ABC's of Life: A = Airway, B = Breathing, C = Circulation - Now C.A.B.

 ABC is now CAB: CPR Compressions now are performed prior to opening the airway and
giving breaths.

Circulation: Checking For A Pulse: Layperson rescuers should not check for a pulse while
performing CPR. The average person has little practice in obtaining a pulse therefore it is
unrealistic to expect accuracy during an emergency situation. You should assume that unless the
victim wakes up during your assessment or shows signs of life during CPR that the person is
pulseless and needs CPR to be continued. Healthcare Providers or persons trained in checking
for a pulse may do so if they feel comfortable. If you check for a pulse and do not feel a pulse or
are not sure if a pulse is present - begin CPR immediately.

If a person is unresponsive, has a pulse, and CPR is performed: no ill effect (other than rib
fracture) or cardiovascular damage will occur. Therefore, always err on the side that the victim is
pulseless and begin CPR as soon as possible.

Circulation: Chest Compressions

The fundamental principle of CPR is that we want blood and oxygen circulating throughout the
body at all times. Circulation equates to potentially prolonging and mitigating cellular injury and
death. The primary intervention to be performed for circulation is Chest Compressions. Chest
Compressions circulate blood and oxygen. When performing CPR with rescue breathing, give 30
compressions followed by 2 breaths (30:2 Compressions to Breaths Ratio). Transition from
compressions to breaths and back to compressions as quickly as possible. Your goal should be to
begin chest compressions within 10 seconds of discovery of the victim and to not interrupt
compressions for more than 10 seconds for any reason unless absolutely necessary.
 How to Perform Chest Compressions

Make sure the victim is laying flat on their back, face up, on a HARD FIRM SURFACE. The
floor is typically the best option in most situations. The transition of the victim from their
location to the floor does not have to be a graceful one. You must get them on the floor (or other
firm surface) as quickly as possible. Recognize that if the victim is not on a firm surface
compressions will likely move the body up and down and not compress the chest (Visualize
doing compressions on a water bed).

Next, quickly remove any clothing covering the chest. This allows us to find the correct location
to perform compressions and use an AED when it arrives.

Locate the center of the chest, between the breasts and place the palm of one hand on top of the
lower half of the sternum. Place the second hand on top of the first hand in a manner that is
comfortable for you. You may overlay or interlock your fingers. Position yourself over the victim
and use your entire body to push up and down on the persons chest. Keep you elbows locked and
think of moving at the waist. This ensures you use your entire body to perform compressions. If
you use your arms and not your body - your arms will become fatigued quickly and you will not
be pushing at the right rate and depth.

Compress the chest at the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Think of the beat of the
song "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gees. The beat of "Staying Alive" is 100 beats per minute. If
you match compressions with this song - you will be performing compressions at the right speed.
Remember to pace yourself so not to get fatigued. After each compression, allow the chest to
return to its normal position before compressing again. This chest recoil allows the heart to refill
with blood and provide the most effective CPR possible.
If performing rescue breathing, perform 30 compressions, perform a head-tilt/chin-lift, give two
rescue breaths (looking for chest rise and fall) and resume compressions as quickly as possible.
 If performing "Compression Only CPR" simply compress the chest at the rate of 100
compressions per minute without interruption or delay.

Remember that when CPR is not being performed, blood and oxygen are not circulating, and cellular
injury and death may occur.

2 Rescuers Present: If another rescuer is arrives or is present during the rescue effort perform
CPR as described above expect you may alternate and switch roles as needed. One rescuer
should perform 30 compressions and the second rescuer provide 2 rescue breaths. You should
change roles every 2 minutes (or 5 sets of 30:2) or as needed to prevent fatigue. When working
with another rescuer counting out loud when doing compressions will allow them to know when
to give breaths. Teamwork is very important and each rescuer should evaluate the rescue effort
and provide feedback as needed.

Rib Fracture: While performing CPR rib fracture is common. You may feel ribs break, feel or hear bone
rubbing on bone, or see free floating ribs on the victims chest. Chest compressions should continue
without delay or modification. If the person survives the cardiac arrest their ribs will heal. Saving their
life out weighs the risk of rib fracture.

To perform chest compressions effectively:

1.) Push Hard and Push Fast. Pushing hard and pushing fast helps keep circulation
moving.
2.) Continue CPR continuously without delay or pause unless absolutely required.
Reasons to stop or pause CPR include: The person wakes up/shows signs of life, someone
else takes over, to use an AED, or you can no longer continue.
3.) Aim for the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. Think "Staying Alive".

Airway: Opening the Airway

When a person becomes unconscious, they loose all

muscle tone. The tongue being a muscle relaxes and may block the airway (trachea/windpipe) of
the victim. The tongue is the most common cause of airway obstruction in an unconscious adult.
To mitigate this and reopen the victims airway, we must perform a physical intervention to lift
and move the tongue out of the way. The maneuver used to open a victims airway is called a
head tilt/chin lift.

With the victim laying face up on a hard firm surface place one hand on the forehead of the
victim while grasping the bony portion of the chin with the other. Tilt the head and lift the chin at
the same time. This lifts the tongue and creates a pocket for oxygen to travel.
When you open the victims airway you may hear sounds of oxygen or gasses escaping and/or
may see fluid, vomit, or froth escape from the victims mouth. Anything blocked from the tongue
in the trachea will potentially escape when the airway is opened. Do not confuse this with
breathing or stop CPR if this occurs.

Breathing: Rescue Breaths

Rescue breaths are the process of giving artificial breathing to someone who isn't breathing on
their own. When giving rescue breathing, give just enough air (volume) to see the chest rise.
Giving too much volume may cause harm to the victim. Simply think of lungs as nothing more
than balloons. If you over inflate/hyperventilate a balloon it pops; the same is potentially true
with a human lung. In addition to causing injury to the lung from over inflation and
hyperventilation - may cause air to enter the stomach which may induce or cause vomiting.
Vomiting is dangerous as it may lead to aspiration and development of pneumonia if the victim
survives.

Breathing: Mouth to Mouth

Mouth to Mouth breathing is considered the

easiest and most readily available option as it does not require any special equipment to perform.
Mouth to Mouth breathing is performed by opening the victims airway (head-tilt/chin-lift),
covering the victims mouth completely with your mouth, pinching the victims nose (to keep the
oxygen from escaping back out the nose), and giving a regular breath for about 1 second into the
victim. When giving the breath you should see the chest rise. Let the victim exhale and give the
second breath just as you did with the first breath. If you do not see the chest rise and fall with
each breath, readjust the head, making sure you have the airway open and attempt the breaths
again. If the breaths do not make the chest rise and fall for a second time - move on to circulation
and compressions.

Despite the typically low risks of exposure during mouth to mouth breath many people are
hesitant to provide mouth to mouth breathing to someone who they do not know. Mouth to
Mouth breathing risks are real and may expose the rescuer to viral infections such as H1N1, the
Flu, or Herpes. Rescuers should use their judgment and internal comfort when considering who
and when to provide rescue breathing.

Breathing: Mouth to Mask

Mouth to Mask Breathing is the delivery of rescue breaths through a

barrier mask to protect the rescuer from becoming exposed to the victims bodily fluids. Barriers
devices such as a pocket mask should be used to provide rescue breathing when available and
delivering rescue breaths.

Pocket Masks are usually made of plastic and contain a one way value designed to limit
exposure to the rescuer to exhaled air, bodily fluids, and disease process.

To use the mask, place it on the victims face with the pointy end over the bridge of the nose.
Place one hand over the top of the mask holding it firmly on the face, Place the second hand on
the bottom portion of the mask while grasping the chin; perform a head tilt/chin lift. Deliver
breaths as in mouth to mouth breathing except place your mouth on the one way valve. Deliver
each breath for about 1 second; looking for the chest to rise.

Breathing: Rescue Breathing without Compressions:

 During a major medical event and sometimes prior to
cardiac arrest, you may be faced with a victim who is not breathing or not breathing effectively
but still is maintaining adequate circulation and perfusion. When faced with these types of
situations if in your opinion the victim does not yet need CPR with compressions but exhibits
any signs or symptoms of poor oxygen exchange, Rescue Breathing should be considered.

To provide rescue breathing: (after contacting 911 or obtaining additional resources): 1.) Open
the victims airway with a head-tilt chin-lift as in CPR; 2.) Give 1 Rescue Breath Every 5 to 6
Seconds for Adults OR Every 3 to 5 Seconds for Pediatric Victims.

Be sure with each breath to witness the chest rise and fall. Count each second slowly (One-One
Thousand, Two-Mississippi) between rescue breaths to avoid hyperventilation or gastric inflation
(air getting into the stomach) which may induce vomiting.

If while facing an emergency, you can not remember how often to deliver a Rescue Breath to a
victim of any age: 1.)Remain Calm 2.)Focus on Your Own Breathing 3:)Provide a Rescue Breath
to the victim each time you breath (You Breath - They Breath) until other trained help arrives.

Hands Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Compression Only Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Hands Only CPR / Compression Only CPR is a research tested alternative

method of delivering CPR without rescue breaths. Rescuers during Hands Only CPR /
Compression Only CPR should focus on continued non-stop effective compressions.

How It Works: Hands Only CPR / Compression Only CPR works by primarily circulating the
oxygen inspired by the victim prior to collapse. This preexisting oxygen is circulated during
compressions to attempt to delay desaturation and cellular death. The amount of oxygen
available and the time of efficiently with Hands Only CPR / Compression Only CPR is variable
upon the victim and circumstances related to the cardiac arrest. Regardless, Hands Only CPR /
Compression Only CPR is a viable alternative option for providing cardiac arrest care over doing
nothing; and is perfect for situations in which you discover or witness a sudden cardiac arrest,
have no barrier device, and you do not feel comfortable giving unprotected mouth to mouth
ventilations.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Children

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for Infants
Differences in CPR for Children & Infants:

Defining a child: A child is a victim who is over the age of 1 and up to the age of puberty.
Puberty for this context is defined as breast development in females and underarm or facial hair
in males. Puberty is used as the establishment of adulthood as developmental changes may effect
aspects of CPR. In addition to puberty the overall size of the victim should be considered due to
the current epidemic of obese children in the United States. If the victim is the size of an adult -
treat them as an adult and not a child - regardless of age or puberty status.

Reason for Cardiac Arrest in Children/Infants: Children and Infants suffer from cardiac arrest
typically as a result of a respiratory event such as choking or respiratory arrest. Not from a
cardiac condition - It is uncommon to hear of a child or infant having a heart attack. Children and
Infants typically do not have a history of high blood pressure, smoking, or other conditions that
are applicable to adults. Due to children and infants likely going into cardiac arrest due to
respiratory event, we must recognize that oxygenation and circulation need to be initiated as
quickly as possible for these age groups.

Hypoxia (or lack of oxygen inside the body) is a reversible cause of cardiac arrest. If oxygenation and
circulation are performed quickly and effectively the cardiac arrest may improve or allow the person to
recover.

When to Call or Get Help for Children and Infants in Cardiac Arrest: Due to children and
infants going into cardiac arrest most likely to respiratory cause; one must consider the value of
outside resources in the life saving effort. You should recognize that time is the enemy, especially
in pediatric victims, and delay in treatment or care may result in a poor outcome. The sooner care
is initiated for a child or infant - the higher the chance of survivability. Therefore there are
special guidelines for when to obtain or call 911 when faced with a pediatric cardiac arrest.
 If you are ALONE and FIND an infant or child in cardiac
arrest: Perform the steps of CPR immediately without delay for 2 minutes or 5 sets of 30:2
before leaving the pediatric victim to get help or call 911. Due to finding the child and the
unknown time involved since collapse, delaying starting CPR may result in cellular injury or
death. By performing the steps of CPR for 2 minutes or 5 cycles of 30:2, we circulate blood and
oxygen potentially restarting the clock on a poor outcome. This allows us to build the pediatric
victim back up with oxygenation before leaving to call 911 or obtain help without fear of causing
more harm (at least for a few minutes).

If you witness the pediatric victim collapse or have someone else around: Treat the victim as
an adult. Get additional resources and Call 911 (or have someone else do it) immediately then
return to the victim and begin CPR.

Cell Phones: If you are alone and have a cell phone it may be possible to call 911 & begin the steps of
CPR at the same time regardless if you witness the arrest or not. Remember that time is the enemy.

ABC's of Life for Children (1 to Puberty): CAB - Compressions, Airway, Breathing

Circulation: Same as an Adult. Remember to Push Hard

and Push Fast. Do not hesitate or restrict compressions due to the smaller size of the child.
Recognize that performing poor compression equates to poor circulation and cellular injury and
death. Attempt to push 1/2 to 1/3 the chest depth of the child (approximately 2 inches). If the
child is small in size, you may use one hand instead of two when performing compressions. You
may use the second hand to maintain an open airway to allow for potential CPR induced
ventilation; and stabilize the child from moving during compressions, if you prefer.

Airway: Same as an Adult except look in the airway for a potential choking object that
potentially could be removed.

Breathing: Same as an Adult. If giving rescue breaths, give a lower volume of air when giving
breaths. Give just enough breath to see the chest rise.
ABC's of Life for Infants (Birth to Age 1): CAB - Compressions, Airway, Breathing

Circulation: Compressions have to performed differently

for infants than they would be for larger children and adults due to their smaller size. To perform
compressions on an infant, place the infant on a flat hard surface, face up, and locate the middle
of the chest between the breasts. Place two fingers of one hand on top of the sternum about a
fingers tips length below the nipple line. Place the second hand on the infants head to maintain
an open airway and to stabilize the victim. Push on the chest using the two fingers at the rate of
at least 100 compressions per minute at a depth of 1/3 the chest depth. If giving CPR with rescue
breathing perform 30 compressions to 2 breaths (30:2 ratio).

Airway & Breathing: Same as a Child.

Automated External Defibrillators

Automated External Defibrillator's (or AED's) are devices that

treat the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest by delivering a electrical shock to a
persons body.

What an AED treats is an abnormal heart rhythm called Ventricular Fibrillation (or V-Fib) that
causes the heart to stop circulating blood. V-Fib is a heart condition in which the ventricles of the
heart quiver instead of mechanically pumping. The most effective treatment for V-Fib is CPR
and use of a defibrillator. The longer it takes for CPR and an AED to be used, the less likely a
person is to survive V-Fib. CPR should be stopped and an AED applied and used as soon as it
is available.

Automated External Defibrillators are designed to allow anyone to use them regardless if they
have been formally trained on their operations. AED's accomplish this through use of voice
instructions, pictures, and prompts. An AED will only deliver a shock if indicated and is safe
when used correctly.

Quick Guide to Using an AED:

1.) Open AED and Turn Unit On.
2.) Attach AED Pads to victims bare chest.
3.) Ensure AED Pads are attached to AED.
4:) Follow Prompts of the AED.
5:) Clear the Victim when Analyzing and Deliver Shock if indicated.
6:) Continue CPR starting with Chest Compressions.
7.) Follow AED instructions until emergency personnel arrive.

AED's function by taking an EKG of the victims heart to analyze the electrical activity in an
attempt to determine if the victim is in V-Fib or another heart rhythm. If the AED analysis
indicated V-Fib, a shock will be indicated and may be delivered by the rescuer and AED
according to the device's operating instructions. If the AED analysis finds any other rhythm than
V-Fib - a "No shock" instruction will be issued - and the AED will not allow a shock to be
delivered.

Pad Placement: AED pads typically go around the heart and are placed on the upper right side of the
chest below the collar bone and on the lower left side below the nipple line near the armpit. The
electricity delivered by an AED will travel in both directions between these two pads.

Rescuers using an AED must always listen to the instructions of an AED. The AED will advise
not to touch the patient while it is analyzing the victims heart and again if a shock is indicated. If
the victim is touched or moved during analysis, the AED may interrupt those movements and
cause a potential false positive for V-Fib. If any person is touching the victim when a shock is
actually delivered, they may receive some of the shock - which may cause injury or even death.
If you are operating an AED: verbally yell and physically look head to toe to make sure no
person is touching when the victim when the AED advises not to touch the victim.

The electricity delivered by an AED during a shock stuns the heart in an attempt to stop the
abnormal rhythm. This stunning of the heart may halt the abnormal ventricular quivering and
allow the heart to recover back into a regular rhythm.

An AED does NOT restart the heart or fix a "flat line" as often shown on television. A flat line
represents that there is no heart electrical activity at all. A flat line usually represents clinical death as it
is rare to recover from a flat line rhythm. Recognize an AED attempts to correct the electrical system of
the heart that is malfunctioning - not jump start it. If an AED recognizes a "flat line" it will indicate
"No Shock Advised" and instruct you to resume CPR. Shocking a flat line will NOT benefit the patient
and will not be allowed by an AED.

If a shock is indicated and delivered, the heart may take up to 10 minutes to recover from the
cardiac arrest. Therefore, immediately after delivering a shock (or a "No Shock" indication) the
rescuers must resume CPR with compressions to help mechanically get the heart beating again.
Effectiveness of a shock is greatly affected by how well CPR is performed immediately
thereafter. Do 5 sets of 30:2 or 2 minutes of CPR. The AED will automatically stop and give
instructions exactly every 2 minutes. Repeat the process of operation and perform the tasks
indicated by the AED. Remember when resuming CPR after AED usage to always being CPR
with chest compressions.

When a shock is delivered the victim will often convulse. You may also witness an arch of
electricity travel across the victims body, smell burning hair or skin, or see smoke. This is
normal as a large amount of electricity is entering the victims body. Continue with CPR and
AED usage as indicated.

Once an AED is placed, never remove the pads from the victims chest or turn the AED off until
instructed to by trained healthcare professionals. If the victim wakes up or recovers they may
suffer from V-Fib again and require additional AED treatment.

Special Considerations When Using an AED:

1:) Hairy Chest: If the victim has a hairy chest you will need to remove the hair prior to placing
the AED pads on the victims chest. You may do this with a razor that is typically found with an
AED or by attaching one set of AED pads and pulling them off forcibly removing the hair. You
should ensure you have another set of AED pads prior to using one set to remove hair or you
may not be able to use the AED. Leaving hair in place may cause the AED pads not make
contact with the patients chest and cause the shock to be ineffective.

2:) Medication Patches: If the victim has a medication patch on their skin in the area the AED
pads are to be placed you must remove them prior to attaching the AED pads. Use gloved hands
to remove the medication patch. Medications patches may divert the shock or represent a burn
hazard if not removed.

3:) Covered in water: If the victim is covered in water or sweat attempt to dry the chest prior to
applying the AED pads. Moisture may divert the shock from the heart.

4:) Implanted Pacemakers or Defibrillators: If the victim has an implanted pacemaker or

defibrillator continue to use an AED as otherwise indicated for other patients. Ensure the AED
pads are at least an inch away from the victims device prior to delivering a shock. You continue
to use an AED as it is unknown if the implanted device is functioning correctly. An implanted
pacemaker or defibrillator will look like a small lump underneath the skin usually on the upper
left side of the chest near the heart.

5:) Pediatric Patients: An AED may be used for any victim of any age. Pediatric pads deliver a
smaller shock and should be used if available when dealing with infants and children. If pediatric
pads are not available, use the adult pads as long as they do not overlap or touch. You may place
AED pads with one pad on the front and one pad on on the back of very small victims. It should
be noted many AED's will not have pediatric pads due to financial and logistical reasons.

6: ) Fully Automated AEDS: Fully automated AED's are devices they do not require a rescuer
to push a button to deliver a shock to a victim once applied. It is imperative to always listen to an
AED and follow the instructions given. If using a fully automated AED it may deliver a shock at
anytime and pose injury or death to you or other rescuers if touching the victim when a shock is
delivered.

Healthcare Provider CPR / Professional Rescuer CPR

Considerations
Healthcare Providers and Professional Rescuers when performing CPR should consider the
following considerations:

Use of BVM or Bag Value Mask: A bag valve mask is a

device that is commonly used in healthcare settings to deliver rescue breathing to person who is
not breathing or is breathing ineffectively. A BVM delivers positive pressure ventilation and
forces the volume of the air in the device into the victims lung. The device may be used with or
without oxygen. If used with oxygen, high flow oxygen (greater than 12 liters per minute) should
be used. Room air contains approximately 21% oxygen; with high flow oxygen attached to a
BVM, approximately 90% oxygen is delivered with each breath. A BVM should be used in
rescue situations with two or more rescuers.
 The mask supplied with a BVM is similar to that used in
a pocket mask. With one hand use the thumb and index finger to grasp the mask. Place the thumb
over the raised portion of the mask. This visually looks like the letter C. Standing at the victims
head, place the pointed end over the bridge of the victims nose. Place the remaining three fingers
on the victims chin. This visually looks like an E. This technique is called the EC clamp
technique and is the preferred method of using a BVM.

With the second hand attach the bag portion of the device to mask and squeeze the bag slowly -
touching finger to finger to deliver the majority of the volume of air within the bag device. Upon
delivering a breath and seeing the chest rise, slowly release the bag allowing it to refill while
holding the mask firmly on the victims face. Deliver additional breaths as indicated. Do not
hyperventilate or forcefully squeeze the bag.

BVM's come in Adult, Pediatric, and Neonate sizes - You should use the most appropriate sized
mask/device dependent on patient size.

Checking for a Pulse: Healthcare Providers should check for a

pulse if they feel comfortable before performing chest compressions on a suspected victim of
cardiac arrest. For Adults and Children, a pulse should be assessed in the carotid artery for 5 to
10 seconds. The carotid artery is assessed due to it being central and likely to be palpable if a
pulses exists. During cardiac compromise the body shunts circulation to the heart, lungs, and
brain as they are most important for survival of life. Therefore it is possible a carotid pulse may
be present while a peripheral pulse such as the radial may not. In an infant, a brachial pulse
should be assessed as it will be larger and easier to evaluate.

Ratio of Compressions for Infants and Children: Healthcare Providers should recognize that
children likely are hypoxic and are in need of oxygen during CPR. Therefore, in a healthcare
setting with two or more rescuers present, compressions should performed at the ratio of 15
compressions to 2 breaths instead of the traditional 30:2. By using 15:2, the victim receives
breaths twice as frequent, increasing the overall oxygenation of the patient. This method is used
when multiple rescuers are present to help reduce fatigue. If alone, use 30:2 until additional
rescuers arrive.
 Compressions for Infants with two or more rescuers:
Healthcare providers providing CPR to an infant in a healthcare setting may use an alternative
technique to the standard two finger compression method. The alternative method is called the
two thumbs encircling technique and allows for more effective compressions when working with
another rescuer. The compressing rescuer encircles the infants body with both hands as in going
to pick up the child. The rescuer compresses the chest while on a hard firm surface with both
thumbs. The second rescuer delivers breaths every 15 compressions. The compressing rescuer
never removes the hands from the victims body while breaths are being delivered to allow for
immediate resumption of compressions.

Advanced Airway: When an advanced airway such as an ET or Combitube is placed; CPR

changes slightly. Compressions are performed at the rate of at least 100 compressions per minute
without interruption and breathing is performed every 6 seconds (10 times per minute)
continually. Compressions and breaths are performed simultaneously once an advanced airway is
in place.

2010 CPR Guidelines Overview

Rate of Compressions (Adult, Infants,

& Children):
Depth of Compressions (Adults &
Children):
Depth of Compressions (Infants):
Ratio of compressions to breaths
(Adults):
Ratio of compressions to breaths
(Children/Infants):
Ratio of compressions to breaths
(Children/Infants):
At least 100 compressions per minute.
2 inches / 5 centimeters.
1/3 the chest depth.
30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths.
30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. (Non Healthcare
or Single Recuer)
15 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. (Healthcare in
Team Rescue)

PUSH HARD / PUSH FAST

Chain of Survival:
Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system
Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions
Rapid defibrillation (as soon as possible)
Effective advanced life support
Integrated postcardiac arrest care

- See more at: http://www.cardiopulmonaryresuscitation.net/#sthash.7X9d078K.dpuf