Correct Hand Position: First, kneel next to the victim's chest. Find the notch at the tip of the breastbone where the lower ribs meet the sternum, called the xyphoid process. Remember, if you push directly down on this puppy, you will likely rupture the victim's liver and perhaps a few other vital organs, and all the CPR in the world couldn't help him then. Place your middle finger on this notch, and place your index finger down next to your middle finger. That way, you are at least a good two fingers away from the xyphoid danger spot. Next, place the heel of your other hand on the victim's sternum next to your index finger. Place your other hand directly on top and interlace your fingers. Straighten your arms and lock your elbows. Your shoulders should be directly over your hands. Each chest compression should push the sternum down 1 1/2-2 inches.
Count aloud ("one and two and three..." etc.) as you do the compressions, maintaining a smooth, steady rhythm. When you give breaths, be sure to open the victim's airway with a head tilt and a chin lift.
Do cycles of 15 chest compressions and 2 slow breaths.
After 4 continuous cycles, check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, continue CPR, beginning with chest compressions and rechecking for a pulse every few minutes. If you do find a pulse, check for breathing. If the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, perform .
CPR-Child Victim
If, during the primary survey, you determine that your child victim is not breathing, give 2 slow breaths, and determine that the victim has no pulse, you must begin CPR.
Correct Hand Position: First, kneel beside the victim's chest. Find the notch where the lower ribs meet the sternum, called the xyphoid process. Remember; don't ever push directly down on it!! If you don't remember why, go over Adult CPR until you never forget. With your middle finger, place your index finger down next to your middle finger, and place the heel of the same hand directly above where you had your index finger. Place your other hand gently on the child's forehead to maintain an open airway. Lock your elbow and push straight down, with your shoulder directly over your hand. Each compression should push the sternum down 1-1 1/2 inches. Count aloud ("one and two and three..." etc.) as you do the compressions, maintaining a smooth, steady rhythm. When you give breaths, be sure to open the victim's airway with a head tilt and a chin lift.
Do cycles of 5 chest compressions and 1 slow breath.
After you do CPR for 1 minute (about 12 cycles), check for a pulse. If there is no pulse, continue CPR, beginning with chest compressions and rechecking for a pulse every few minutes. If you find a pulse, check for breathing. If the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, perform .
CPR-Infant Victim
If, during the primary survey, you determine that your infant victim is not breathing, give 2 slow breaths, and determine that the victim has no pulse, you must begin CPR.
Correct Hand Position: First, kneel beside the infant, placing one hand on his or her head to maintain an open airway. Imagine a line across the infant's chest between the infant's nipples. Place your index finger on the sternum just below this imaginary line; then, place the pads of the next two fingers on the sternum next to your index finger. If you can feel the notch where the lower ribs meet the sternum, called the xyphoid process, move your fingers up a little bit. Remember why? Good. Raise your index finger, and use the pads of the two fingers next to your index finger to compress the infant's chest 1/2-1 inch. Maintain a smooth steady rhythm while doing compressions. Be sure to do a very slight head tilt and chin lift to open the airway when giving breaths.
Do cycles of 5 chest compressions and 1 breath.
After 1 minute of continuous CPR (about 12 cycles), check the brachial pulse. If there is no pulse, continue CPR, beginning with chest compressions and rechecking for a pulse every few minutes. If you find a pulse, check for breathing. If the victim has a pulse but is not breathing, perform .
The Recovery Position
Action - step one
- Kneel beside casualty
- Remove any fragile objects, such as their glasses
- Place the arm nearest you at right angles to casualty's body, with palm facing upwards
Action - step two
- Bring casualty's far arm across their chest
- Hold back of casualty's hand against opposite cheek
- With your other hand, pull up the far leg just above the knee, keeping the foot on the ground
Action - step three
- Pull the knee towards you, rolling the casualty towards you and on to their side
- Keep the casualty's hand pressed against their cheek, as this helps to keep their airway open
- Tilt back their head and adjust the hand under the cheek, if necessary, to ensure head remains tilted
- Check for breathing
- Adjust upper leg so both hip and knee are bent at right angles
- Monitor the casualty's condition until help arrives
Casualties are put into the recovery position so that: -
- They maintain an open airway
- If they vomit it will flow away
- The position is recognized by others that attended First Aid training
- It is a stable position
- It allows the back of the casualty to be examined
If you stay longer than 10 minutes with your casualty, it is advisable to start taking down notes of the complete history of the casualty.
Why use the recovery position?
- It prevents the casualty's tongue from blocking their airway
- It promotes drainage of fluids, such as blood or vomit, from their mouth
- It keeps the casualty in a safe position if they have to be left alone
