*Blended First Aid at Work

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**CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for Adults

*Blended First Aid at Work **CPR – Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation for Adults

What is CPR?

CPR stands for Cardio (heart) Pulmonary (lungs) Resuscitation.

CPR is a first aid technique that can be used if someone is not breathing properly or if their heart has stopped:

By pressing hard and fast on the chest and giving rescue breaths, you can keep blood and oxygen circulating in the body, which will keep the casualty alive until professional help arrives.

Using a Defibrillator (AED)

A defibrillator or AED (automated external defibrillator) is a device that gives a high energy electric shock to the heart.

We use it if someone is in cardiac arrest (when their heart stops pumping blood around their body).

In simple terms, the purpose of the electric shock is to reset the heart rhythms so that blood can be pumped around the body again.

If someone’s heart stops, their chances of survival are much better if they receive good CPR and early defibrillation.

Watch this video to see how to do CPR and use an AED on an adult:

You need to watch the video all the way through before you can complete the quiz

Adult CPR and defibrillator AED video  
  • Check for danger. Remember that you cannot help if you become injured.
  • If the area is safe approach the casualty and check for a response.
  • Gently shake each shoulder and ask ‘loudly are you okay?’
  • If there is no response open the airway.
  • Place one hand on the forehead and the fingertips of your other hand under the chin and gently tilt the head back.
  • Look, listen and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
  • If they are not breathing normally shout for help and get someone to call 999 or 112 and send for a defibrillator also known as an AED.
  • If you are alone with the casualty and have a mobile phone with you, put it on loudspeaker to communicate with the emergency services, but do not delay starting CPR.
  • Kneel at the side of the casualty level with their chest.
  • Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest towards the bottom of the breast bone.
  • And the heel of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers. Raise your fingers away from the ribs.
  • Lean over the casualty with your arm straight and press down on the breastbone to a depth of five to six centimeters.
  • Release all of the pressure from your hands but maintain contact with the casualties chest. Allow the chest to rise fully. This is one chest compression.
  • Do 30 compressions at a rate of about 2 per second. You are aiming for 100 to 120 per minute.
  • Now give two rescue breaths. If possible use a protective barrier such as a face shield or face mask.
  • Ensure the casualties Airway is open by tilting the head back. Pinch their nose firmly closed
  • Take a normal breath and seal your lips around their mouth. Blow into the mouth until the chest rises. Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall.
  • Repeat once more continue the CPR cycle of 30 chest compressions to two breaths.
  • If an AED arrives switch it on and follow the voice instructions.
  • You or your helper will need to expose the casualties bare chest by undoing or cutting their clothing.
  • Peel the backing from one pad at a time and place firmly on the casualties bare chest in the position shown.
  • Place one pad below the casualties right collarbone. Place the other pad around the casualties left side over the lower ribs.
  • Stop CPR while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm and make sure no one touches the casualty.
  • If a shock is indicated, make sure that everybody stands clear. Press the shock Button as directed. If it is a fully automatic AED the machine will deliver the shock automatically.
  • Continue to follow the voice or visual instructions and restart CPR a to ratio of 30 chest compressions to two breaths.
  • Do not stop doing CPR until:
  1. A health professional tells you to stop.
  2. You become exhausted.
  3. If there is more than one rescuer do about two minutes of CPR each, but minimize any interruption in chest compressions.
  4. The casualty is obviously responsive, they wake up move open their eyes and breathe normally.
  • Taking care of yourself after giving CPR trying to resuscitate someone can be a very traumatic experience and it is important to look after yourself and to be aware of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
    Please visit the website of the Royal College of psychiatrists for further advice.
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