…..we need to start CPR immediately!!
**In the unusual event where someone is found to be experiencing severe bleeding e.g. Shark bite/amputation, bleeding controls should be adopted prior to the commencement of CPR.
For an Adult we use 2 hands, Child 1 hand and for an Infant 2 fingers.
Call First/Call Fast: If you are on your own – with an Adult we call 111 at the Send for help sign. For a Child and Infant we deliver minute of CPR and then call 111.
Adult CPR: Position the patient on their back, Kneel up close to the person.
Place the heel of ONE HAND in the centre of the chest.
Place the heel of your OTHER HAND directly on top of the first hand and clasp the fingers.
Keep elbows locked and lean over the patient so your arms are straight.
Push down hard and fast 30 times (push down one-third of chest depth).
Do not worry about pushing too hard – good CPR requires you to push hard and fast.
Once you have completed 30 compressions (pushes) on the chest, breathe into the patient’s mouth 2 times.
To deliver 2 breathes:
Tilt their head back with one hand and lift the chin with the other.
Take a deep breath and seal your lips around the person’s mouth.
You need to block the nose by pinching the soft part of the nose.
Blow into the patient’s mouth until you see the chest rise.
Remove your mouth, take a fresh breath, and blow again into the patient’s mouth.
Continue to give 30 Compressions and 2 Breaths continuously until they recover, help arrives or you are too tired to continue. When the ambulance arrives, continue to deliver CPR until they are ready to take over.
Remember: If you don’t have a CPR mouth shield or you are unable to breathe into the their mouth or are uncomfortable with doing so, just perform chest compressions.
Click on this link to watch a CPR demonstration video: CPR video
It is very important that we do CPR as soon as we establish that the person is not breathing. By doing so you are keeping the oxygenated blood in their body circulating around their vital organs until you can get access to a defibrillator. Once the AED arrives this needs to be attached immediately.
Tomorrow we will look at Child CPR….
For great health information check out Health Navigator New Zealand where you will find expert opinion online.
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Currently, there are temporary changes to the steps to be followed in resuscitation. These can be found in the video below or by clicking here to see the New Zealand Resuscitation Council temporary guideline recommendation.
Click the link to go to the New Zealand Resuscitation Council Covid-19 recommended modifications for delivering resuscitation whilst the pandemic remains a threat. Click play to see a short video outlining CPR modifications that should be followed during the pandemic.
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Acknowledgement
Data and information are fact-checked against various recognised sources, including the New Zealand Resuscitation Council, Health Navigator New Zealand, St John, and other recognised entities specialising in the specific subject content. It should be noted that variances in protocols exist and where necessary are identified.