What is CPR?  CPR is when one or more individuals breathe and pump blood for an unconscious victim that has no pulse and can not breathe on their own.  CPR can save lives, especially if it is administered immediately after the victim collapses.

Who should know CPR?  EVERYONE  CPR certified individuals save lives, so the more people who know CPR the better

Is a person who is CPR certified required to administer CPR to an unconscious victim?  NO  An individual should only perform CPR if they feel comfortable in the particular situation.  Face shields can be placed in a wallet or even on a key chain to help protect an individual giving CPR to an unconscious victim.

Steps in Adult CPR (not breathing and no pulse)  Check the scene and responsiveness of the victim  Send for help to call emergency number (911)  Head tilt, chin lift  Look, listen and feel  Give two breathes while pinching off the nose during the head tilt, chin lift.  Perform 30 compressions  Repeat 5 times then check for pulse again and look, listen and feel.

Steps in Adult CPR (has pulse after first round, but is not breathing)  Check the scene and responsiveness of the victim  Send for help to call emergency number (911)  Head tilt, chin lift  Look, listen and feel  Give two breathes while pinching off the nose during the head tilt, chin lift.  Perform 30 compressions  Repeat 5 times then check for pulse again and look, listen and feel.  If victim now has a pulse but is not breathing continue rescue breaths.

Steps in Adult CPR (Victim begins breathing and heart starts beating)  Check the scene and responsiveness of the victim  Send for help to call emergency number (911)  Head tilt, chin lift  Look, listen and feel  Give two breathes while pinching off the nose during the head tilt, chin lift.  Perform 30 compressions  Repeat 5 times then check for pulse again and look, listen and feel.  If breathing and has a pulse turn the victim to their side

Can a person be sued for performing CPR?  NO  There are laws to protect individuals who try to save a person’s life by performing CPR on them.  A person is protected from being sued unless it can be proven that he or she was negligent or malicious in their actions.

Are chest compressions better then nothing?  YES  If a person does not feel comfortable giving a victim rescue breathes, it is better to perform chest compressions then to do nothing.

What should be done if the breathes do not go in the first time?  If the breaths do not go in either the person’s airway is blocked or the position of the air way is wrong.  If this happens reposition the head by redoing the head tilt, chin lift.  Also look for an object in the back of the victims throat.  If something can be seen the life saver may try to get the object out, but NEVER perform a blind finger sweep.

Review Steps for Adult CPR

Review Questions  1. What is the first thing someone should do when they find an individual unconscious and unresponsive?  2. How many breathes do you give an adult?  3. How many compressions do you give an adult?  4. If a person is unconscious and lying in the middle of a high way next to down power lines that are sparking, what should you do?  5. What is the maneuver called that opens the airway?  6. What should be done when the air does not go into the victim the first time?  7. Can a person be sued for administering CPR to someone in good faith?  8. What do we look for, listen for and feel for?