CPR Info

This is intended as a supplement to information learned in a complete CPR course instructed by the American Heart Association, local Fire Department or Ambulance Service, for review purposes. It is not intended to be a completed course on CPR or in lue of taking a AHA CPR course.

It should be used as a tool for people who have been trained in a formal CPR class, and for those looking for CPR information.

It is not to be used as your only guide for CPR unless in emergency situations. . Please use this only as a guideline for the proper steps in CPR and/or for review.

For more information please contact your local American Heart Association, local Fire Department or Ambulance Service for class information.

The owner of this page, the server it is on take NO Responsibility for the misuse or improper use of the information presented at this site.

Somerset Fire/EMS offer CPR Classes and you can contact the training officer to schedule CPR Classes at 606-649-6388 ext. 246,Monday - Friday 9am-4pm, ask for Capt. Rudy Garrett.

The Heart

From the moment it begins beating until the moment it stops, the human heart works tirelessly. In an average lifetime, the heart beats more than two and a half billion times, without ever pausing to rest. Like a pumping machine, the heart provides the power needed for life.

This life-sustaining power has, throughout time, caused an air of mystery to surround the heart. Modern technology has removed much of the mystery, but there is still an air of fascination and curiosity.

Would you know what to do if your loved one had a heart attack? If your son or daughter were to drown, would you be able to help? Or would you have to stand and watch? Don't let yourself be caught in one of these situations. Learning CPR will provide you with the ability to act and make a Life Saving difference.

CPR, which stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is the technique that has been developed for a first aid provider in that unenviable position.
When a victims heart is restarted, it is usually due to the arrival of more professional equipment, for example, a defibrillator, which electrically shocks the heart into starting again.

Heart Attack A heart attack is usually caused by lack of blood in the arteries to the heart. It may occur suddenly or after prolonged angina (intermittent, insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle). It also occurs when there's insufficient oxygen in the blood to the heart. Many medical illnesses, as well as drug abuse (especially cocaine), can contribute to a heart attack.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS:

Persistent chest pain or discomfort: Victim may have persistent pressure, squeezing, or crushing type pain in the chest that is not relieved by resting, changing positions, or medication. Pain may spread to jaw, neck, or arms
Difficulty breathing: Victim may feel short of breath or is breathing faster than normal.
Abnormal skin appearance: Victim's skin may be pale, ashen (gray), or bluish in color. Victim's skin may also feel cool and moist.
Dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
Nausea and/or vomiting
Note: Not all of these signals occur in every heart attack. If you are with someone having "signals", expect denial..
Insist on calling. 9-1-1.

What Not To Do

Do not wait for pain to go away unless medication has been given.
Do not attempt to relieve pain by walking or stretching.
Do not force victim into uncomfortable position.
Do not give anything by mouth except victim's prescription medication.
Do not leave victim alone.

What To Do

Check the ABC's and get medical help. (ABC = Airway, Breathing & Circulation
If ABC aren't present, begin CPR after calling for help.
If ABC are present, loosen clothing and assist with medication.
Monitor the abc's until help arrives.

CARE FOR A HEART ATTACK

Recognize the signals of a heart attack.

Remain calm (you'll do great!).
Have the victim stop activity and rest comfortably (place them in a position of comfort).
Quickly confirm information about the victim's current condition (awake? breathing? symptoms?).
Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Answer all of the 9-1-1 Dispatcher's questions as accurately as possible.
Closely follow any instructions given by the 9-1-1Dispatcher.
Do not hang up until the 9-1-1 Dispatcher says to.
Stay with and reassure the victim.
Assist with medication, if prescribed for the victim.
Monitor the victim's condition closely.
Be prepared to give CPR, if necessary.
(Please know, that no matter what the outcome, you did the best you could.)

Six Easy Steps For You!

Remember, these steps and the information on this website are to be used only as a guide and a reminder and must not be substituted for a First Aid / CPR training course. Contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association about First Aid and CPR classes in your area.

Somerset Fire/EMS offer CPR and First Aid Classes. You can contact the training officer to schedule CPR or First Aid Classes at 606-649-6388 ext. 246, Monday - Friday 9am-4pm, ask for Capt. Rudy Garrett.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) consists of mouth-to-mouth respiration and chest compression. CPR allows oxygenated blood to circulate to vital organs such as the brain and heart. CPR can keep a person alive until more advanced procedures (such as defibrillation - an electric shock to the chest) can treat the cardiac arrest. CPR started by a bystander doubles the likelihood of survival for victims of cardiac arrest.

If you believe someone is having a cardiac arrest do not panic. Follow these six simple steps of CPR and help save a life. Remember, these steps are to be used as a guide and a reminder. Please try to attend a CPR Course.

#1	Call 9-1-1 Check the victim for UNRESPONSIVENESS If there is no response, call 911 and then return to the person.
#2	Tilt Head, Lift Chin, Check Breathing. Position the person flat on their back. Kneel by their side and place one hand on the forehead and the other under the chin. Tilt the head back and lift the chin until teeth almost touch. Look and listen for Breathing
#3	Give Two Breaths. If not breathing normally, pinch the nose and cover the mouth with yours. Give two full breaths. The person's chest will rise if you are giving enough air.
#4	Check Pulse. Put the fingertips of your hand on the Adam's apple, slide them into the groove next to the windpipe. Feel for a pulse. If you can not feel a pulse or are unsure, move on to the next step.
#5	Position hands. Position your hands in the center of the chest between the nipples. Place one hand on top of the other.
#6	Pump 15 times. Push down firmly two inches. Push on chest 15 times. Continue with two breaths and 15 pumps until help arrives

	ADULT	CHILD	INFANT
HAND POSITION:	Two hands on lower half of sternum	One hand on lower half of sternum	Two fingers on lower half of sternum (one finger width below nipple line)
COMPRESS:	1-1/2 to 2 inches	1 to 1-1/2 inches	1/2 to 1 inch
BREATHE:	Slowly until chest gently rises	Slowly until chest gently rises	Slowly until chest gently rises
CYCLE:	15 compressions and 2 breaths	15 compressions and 2 breath	5 compressions and 1 breath
RATE:	15 compressions in about 10 seconds	15 compressions in about 10 seconds	5 compressions in about 10 seconds

Complications of CPR

Vomiting is the most frequently encountered complication of CPR. If the victim starts to vomit, turn the head to the side and try to sweep out or wipe off the vomit. Continue with CPR.

The spread of infection from the victim to the rescuer is exceedingly rare. Most cardiac arrests occur in people's homes - relatives or friends will be the ones needing to do CPR. Even CPR performed on strangers has an exceedingly rare risk of infection. There is NO documentation of HIV or AIDS ever being transmitted via CPR.

How to Perform ADULT CPR

This is intended as a supplement to information learned in a complete CPR course instructed by the American Heart Association. It is not to be used as your only guide for CPR unless in emergency situations. Please use this only as a guideline for the proper steps in CPR. For more information please contact your local American Heart Association for class information.

Make sure the scene is safe for you to help.
Make sure you have universal precautions: gloves, pocket mask, etc.
Make sure you know how many patients you have.
Determine if they are conscious by tapping and shouting "Are you OK?"
If no response have someone call 911.
Position the patient on their back.
Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver.
LOOK-LISTEN-&-FEELING for breaths.CHECK BREATHING FOR 5-10 SECONDS.
If they aren't breathing VENTILATE TWICE.
Check for a pulse by palpating(feeling) the carotid artery. CHECK THE PULSE FOR 10 SECONDS.
If there is no pulse BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS at a rate of 15 COMPRESSIONS to 2 BREATHS.
Correct Hand Position
Find the notch at the tip of the breastbone where the lower ribs meet the sternum, called the "Xyphoid process".
Place your middle finger on this notch, and place your index finger down next to your middle finger.
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.
Recheck the pulse after ONE MINUTE.
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, continue Breathing for the patient.
CONTINUE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES, OR UNTIL YOU FEEL TOO TIRED TO CONTINUE.

How to Perform CHILD CPR

Make sure the scene is safe for you to help.
Make sure you have universal precautions: gloves, pocket mask, etc.
Make sure you know how many patients you have.
Determine if they are conscious by tapping and shouting "Are you OK?"
If no response have someone call 911
Position the patient on their back.
Correct Hand Position: First, kneel beside the victim's chest. Find the notch where the lower ribs meet the sternum, called the xyphoid process. 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.
Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver.
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.
LOOK-LISTEN-&-FEELING for breaths.CHECK BREATHING FOR 5-10 SECONDS.
If they aren't breathing VENTILATE TWICE.
Check for a pulse by palpating(feeling) the carotid artery. CHECK THE PULSE FOR 10 SECONDS.
If there is no pulse BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS at a rate of 15 COMPRESSIONS to 2 BREATH.
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.
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.
When you give breaths, be sure to open the victim's airway with a head tilt and a chin lift.
Recheck the pulse after ONE MINUTE.
CONTINUE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES, OR UNTIL YOU FEEL TOO TIRED TO CONTINUE.

How to Perform INFANT CPR

Make sure the scene is safe for you to help.
Make sure you have universal precautions: gloves, pocket mask, etc.
Make sure you know how many patients you have.
Determine if they are conscious by tapping and shouting "Are you OK?"
If no response have someone call 911
Position the patient on their back.
Open the airway with a head-tilt chin-lift or jaw-thrust maneuver.
LOOK-LISTEN-&-FEELING for breaths.CHECK BREATHING FOR 5-10 SECONDS.
If there is no pulse BEGIN CHEST COMPRESSIONS at a rate of 5 COMPRESSIONS to 1 BREATH.
CHECK THE PULSE FOR 10 SECONDS.
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.
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, continue Rescue Breathing.
Recheck the pulse after ONE MINUTE.
CONTINUE UNTIL HELP ARRIVES, OR UNTIL YOU FEEL TOO TIRED TO CONTINUE.

How To Remove an Airway Obstruction

This is intended as a supplement to information learned in a complete CPR course instructed by the American Heart Association. It is not to be used as your only guide for CPR unless in emergency situations. Please use this only as a guideline for the proper steps in CPR. For more information please contact your local American Heart Association for class information.

Removing an Air Way Obstruction In Infants

Determine if infant can breath by LOOK-LISTENING-&-FEELING for breathing.
If can't hear breathing, but baby is kicking & moving, perform back blows and chest thrusts.
Turn infant faced down, supporting head, and apply 5 back blows between shoulder blades.
Turn infant back over, facing up, perform 5 chest thrusts.
Visualize mouth area for object. ONLY DO FINGER SWEEP IF YOU SEE OBJECT.
If NO OBJECT, then REPEAT STEPS 2-5.
IF PATIENT BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS CALL 911
****To learn more please call your local American Heart Association.

Removing an Airway Obstruction in Children

Ask the patient ARE YOU CHOKING?"
If the patient is choking and can't breath perform the HEIMLICH.
Stand behind the patient.
Make a fist with one hand, place it with thumb-side against the patient's abdomen in the midline slightly above the navel and well below the top of the rib cage, xiphoid.
Grasp fist with other hand.
Press into the patient's abdomen with quick, upward thrusts.
Repeat until either the object is expelled or the patient becomes unconscious.
IF PATIENT BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS CALL 911
****To learn more please call your local American Heart Association.

Removing an Airway Obstruction in Adults

Ask the patient "ARE YOU CHOKING?"
If the patient is choking and can't breath perform the HEIMLICH.
Stand behind the patient.
Make a fist with one hand, place it with thumb-side against the patient's abdomen in the midline slightly above the navel and well below the top of the rib cage, xiphoid.
Grasp fist with other hand.
Press into the patient's abdomen with quick, upward thrusts.
Repeat until either the object is expelled or the patient becomes unconscious.
IF PATIENT BECOMES UNCONSCIOUS CALL 911
****To learn more please call your local American Heart Association.

How to Reduce Your Risk of a Heart Attack

There are several ways to reduce the risk of a heart attack and stroke. Following this advice could save your life (or the life of someone you love).

Don't Smoke Cigarettes and Avoid Inhaling the Smoke of Others. Cigarette smoking is the most important single cause of preventable death in the United States.
Exercise Regularly. Participate in continuous, vigorous physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes (or more) at least three times a week
Maintain Proper Weight and Eat Nutritious Food in Moderate Amounts. Eat a well-balanced diet that's low in cholesterol and saturated fats, and moderate in sodium (salt). Fatty foods contribute to atherosclerosis which is a major contributor to heart attacks. Eating too much sodium can also cause high blood pressure in some people.
Have Your Blood Pressure Checked Regularly and Have Regular Medical Check-Ups. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage blood vessels in the heart and other organs.