BASIC LIFE SUPPORT
CPR – CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
If a casualty is unconscious and not breathing normally, commence CPR immediately
30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths for all casualties who are unresponsive and not breathing normally
If you cannot or are unable to provide the 2 breaths, then continue compression only CPR
CPR is administered to a casualty to buy time and sustain their lives by circulating oxygenated blood to vital organs. CPR is performed by pushing on the middle of the chest at the lower part of the sternum. Compressions should be approximately 1/3 the depth of the chest and provided at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.
- ADULT CPR – 2 hands placed on lower sternum and compress 30 times to 1/3 of chest depth. Follow with 2 breaths (if willing & able) by tilting head back and placing mouth over casualty’s mouth and sealing nostrils by either pinching the nostrils or by pressing the cheek against the casualty’s nostrils whilst delivering the breath. Deliver a breath until chest rise is seen. Do not over-breathe. As soon as a little chest rise is seen, turn the face away. IF NOT WILLING TO BREATHE, CONTINUE COMPRESSIONS ONLY WITH NO COUNT. Continue this until help arrives.
- CHILD CPR – 1 or 2 hands placed on lower sternum and compress 30 times to 1/3 of chest depth & follow with 2 breaths (if willing & able) by tilting head back and placing mouth over casualty’s mouth and sealing nostrils with either pinch or cheek seal and deliver a gentle breath until chest rise is seen – continue this until help arrives
- INFANT CPR – 2 fingers placed on lower sternum and compress to 1/3 chest depth & follow with 2 breaths (if willing & able) by holding the head in a neutral position and placing mouth over infant’s mouth and nose and deliver a very gentle puff until chest rise is seen – continue this until help arrives.
CPR images