Where you are unable or unwilling to provide Rescue Breaths to the casualty due to the casualty’s condition or possible risk of infection you may provide CPR without the breathing component. Compression only CPR can still be as effective and is a viable alternative in this case. Compression only CPR should be viewed as the …
When performing CPR on an obviously pregnant female (3rd Trimester) our technique needs to be modified somewhat due to the changes that occur in the female’s body. Changes associated with pregnancy include an increased cardiac output, blood volume, breathing rate, oxygen consumption and a reduction in lung volume. This complicates the management of Sudden Cardiac …
Once CPR has commenced it should only be stopped under one the following circumstances: The casualty recovers. Another trained person takes over. There is a handover to Medical Professionals. You are physically incapable of continuing. What if the Casualty Recovers? CPR alone will not restore a normal cardiac rhythm to a casualty that is in …
Compressions should be rhythmic with equal time for compression and relaxation. The rescuer must avoid either rocking backwards and forwards, or using thumps or quick jabs. Rescuers should allow for a complete recoil of the chest after each compression. The quality of the compressions delivered will also reduce over time as the rescuer fatigues. Studies …
Rate of Compressions First Responders should perform Chest Compressions for all ages at a rate of 100 to 120 Compressions per minute (this equates to almost 2 compressions every second). It is noted that the number of Compressions delivered each minute will vary and be reduced by interruptions given by Rescue Breaths. Compression rates less …
The depth of compressions required will vary for each person due to their size and structure. The most accurate measurement for such a diverse range of sizes is to achieve a compression that is at least 1/3 of the chest depth or greater than 5cm in adults. Whilst compressions that are too deep may be …
When positioning the hands for ECC (External Cardiac Compressions) visually identify the centre of the chest and place both hands (one on top of the other) over the centre of the casualty’s chest with your palm running down the centre of the chest from top to bottom. Avoid compression beyond the lower limit of the …
When performing CPR it is favourable to have the casualty lying on a firm flat surface so that effective compressions can be provided. Where possible, this can be achieved by placing the casualty on the floor or ground. Where the casualty has arrested in a bed, you will have to remove the casualty from the …
The most common rhythm in a sudden cardiac arrest event is Ventricular Fibrillation or VF. VF is an erratic heart beat that does not maintain effective circulation. A shock from a defibrillator can stop this abnormal rhythm and allow the heart to resume a normal rhythm, recommencing effective circulation. The earlier a Defibrillator is placed …
Commence CPR Immediately Commence CPR without delay if the casualty is found not to be breathing or is not breathing in an effective manner (respiratory rate and volume). If you are unsure, then it is better to commence CPR than to wait. There is no evidence of any damage being done to the heart by …
