Assessing the Situation
If you encounter someone who is unresponsive or struggling to breathe normally, first make sure the environment is safe for you to approach. While quickly scanning the scene, dial emergency services to call for medical assistance. Check if the person can respond to you or seems to be breathing normally. If not, you may need to provide rescue care until EMS arrives.
When to Initiate Care
Administer emergency CPR for adults over puberty age if the person is:
- Unconscious
- Not breathing or taking infrequent, irregular breaths
- Not moving or responding to stimuli
Do not interfere with any medical devices helping sustain life like pacemakers. Only provide care you have been properly trained for.
Personal Protective Equipment
When feasible, use any available barrier/protection devices like pocket masks, face shields or gloves to reduce contact with bodily fluids during rescue breathing/chest compressions and lower infection transmission risks.
CPR Sequence for Adults
Follow this sequence when administering CPR to adults over 13 years old until professional help becomes available:
1. Start with Chest Compressions
- Place victim flat on their back on a firm surface.
- Kneel beside chest area.
- Interlock fingers, straighten arms and position hands over lower half of breastbone.
- Use your upper body weight to push straight down 2-2.5 inches repeatedly at 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil betweencompressions.
2. Open the Airway
- Tilt head back gently with one hand on the forehead.
- Lift chin upwards with two fingers to unblock air passage.
3. Give Rescue Breaths
- Pinch nose closed and create tight seal over mouth with yours.
- Give 1-second breaths with enough volume to make chest visibly rise.
- Repeat once more then return to compressions.
Continue cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths until medical personnel take over or victim revives.
Additional CPR Tips
- Call for help/AED if alone before beginning.
- Assign responder roles if part of a team.
- Follow emergency dispatcher guidance if offered.
- Clear airway of fluids/blockages if needed.
- Avoid excessive ventilation if unsure of cause.
Keep performing cycles of chest compressions and rescue breathing until professional responders arrive.
Considerations After Administering CPR
Once emergency medical services take over, share details on care given and the incident to assist further treatment. Self-care for the responder is also important after any traumatic event:
- Disinfect any equipment used and discard supplies as necessary.
- Contact a healthcare provider if you feel ill after providing direct contact care.
- Address any psychological impacts or emotional distress experienced.
- Debrief with other responders involved to discuss event details.
- Consider registering for additional emergency response training.
Administering emergency care like CPR as a non-professional responder should only be undertaken with proper training and an understanding of the risks involved. Healthcare providers strongly caution intervention for anyone unprepared to handle the physical and emotional stresses of the experience. Consider taking an accredited basic life support class to better prepare to effectively respond in urgent medical situations if direct care provision could become necessary where you live or work.
FAQs
When should I start CPR on an unresponsive adult?
Begin emergency CPR if the person is unconscious, not breathing normally, and does not respond to stimuli like loud voices or touch. Always call emergency services first if alone.
What is the proper hand placement for chest compressions?
For adults, interlock your fingers and place the heels of both hands directly over the lower half of the breastbone. Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly over your hands.
How many rescue breaths do you give in between chest compressions?
After each set of 30 chest compressions, deliver 2 rescue breaths each 1 second long while watching for the chest to rise. Then return to compressions without delays between cycles.
Should I always perform rescue breathing during CPR?
Yes, current guidelines recommend providing both chest compressions and rescue breaths as the standard for CPR in adults. Only compressions may be given in certain emergency situations.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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