First Aid Advice: CPR
What to do if someone stops breathing
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Danger
Ensure the scene is safe of all hazards before approaching, do not get involved unless it is safe to do so
Response
Check for a response by trying to wake the casualty. Call out to them to see if they respond to your voice, if not then squeeze their shoulders
Airway
Check that there is nothing in the casualty's mouth, then tilt their head and lift their chin to open their airway
Breathing
Check for effective breathing, if there are no signs of life then send for a defibrillator and call for an ambulance
Compressions
Place your hands in the centre of their chest and press down 30 times, you need to go to a depth of approximately 5-6 cm or about a third of the depth of their chest
Rescue Breaths
If willing and able, attempt 2 rescue breaths
30:2
Continue CPR at a ratio of 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths
If unable or unwilling to perform rescue breaths, just do continuous chest compressions
Keep Going!
Continue CPR until help arrives, the casualty starts showing signs of life, or you become physically exhausted
Don't forget the defib!
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Defibrillation
As soon as a defibrillator arrives, be sure to switch it on and follow the voice commands. Remember a defibrillator can be used by anyone, you do not need any formal training to use it safely, of course I would always recommend taking a first aid course to give you more confidence
