American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines to

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

About 92% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before reaching the hospital, but statistics prove that if more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved.

Immediate CPR can double, or even triple, a victim’s chance of survival.

CPR Saves Lives

CPR is a series of life saving actions that improve the chance of survival following cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest results from the failure of the pumping action of the heart or circulation which may result in loss of consciousness and absence of pulse and breathing.

There is a Chain of Survival in CPR.

Adult CPR

1. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system

2. Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions

3. Rapid defibrillation4. Effective advanced life support5. Integrated post-cardiac arrest care

Chain of Survival

C = Circulation

A = Airway

B = Breathing

CAB

1. Secure the scene – make sure it is safe.2. Establish unconsciousness by shaking the

victim by the shoulders and asking him/her “Are you okay?”.

3. If other people are around specify: You call 911 You get the AED (if available)

If no one is around begin chest compressions after 5 complete cycles which includes compressions and breaths call 911.

When you arrive at a scene with an unconscious adult:

Compressions When performing chest compressions, proper

hand placement is very important. Place both hands (heel of one hand, second hand on top) in the center of the chest using the victims nipples as a guideline. Lock your elbows and using your body weight, compress the victim’s chest. Allow the chest to have a complete recoil. The compression depth should be at least 2 inches. Count out loud as you compress 30 times.

Provide chest compressions at a rate of 100/minute.

C = Circulation

With the victim lying flat on his/her back, place your hand on their forehead and your other hand under the tip of the chin. Gently tilt the victim’s head backward. This will open the airways

A= Airways

Gently support his/her chin so as to keep it lifted up and the head tilted back. Pinch his nose with your fingertips to prevent air from escaping once you begin to ventilate and place your mouth over the victim’s, creating a tight seal. Keep an eye on his/her chest to ensure breath is entering. Try not to over-inflate the victim’s lungs as this may force air into the stomach, causing them to vomit. Give two full breaths. Allow the victim’s lungs to relax between breaths.

B = Breathing

Continue CAB process until the victim becomes conscious or help arrives.

If victim becomes conscious place them in the recovery position.

The recovery position is when the victim is placed on his/her side facing you with the lower arm in front of the body.

Remember to act quickly You are covered under the Good Samaritan

Act. Good Samaritan Act states that you are

acting in good faith trying to save someone’s life regardless of the outcome.

Good Samaritan Act