CPR – tips to remember

Chest compression-only CPR:

Due to any reason rescue breaths cannot be delivered, chest compressions should still be administered as some oxygen will still be circulated. Proper compressions in the centre of the casualty’s chest continuously 100 times per minute.

Re-assessing for signs of life: 

A rescuer should only stop compressions to re-assess the casualty if they start breathing normally again, otherwise do not interrupt resuscitation.

Multiple rescuers: 

• Make sure that an ambulance has been called 000
• Ensure that someone has been sent to get equipment, such as AED
  If there is more than one helper present, change over the role of performing CPR approximately every 2 minutes to reduce fatigue
• Change over with minimum delay between compressions.

CPR should be ceased if: 

• It is not safe for you to continue the CPR and your life is in danger as well
• A senior health staff or paramedics arrives and take over from you
• When you are physically unable to continue CPR
• When signs of life return – if the casualty starts breathing normally they must be placed immediately in the recovery position
  • • Remember to continue monitoring the condition of the casualty in the recovery position, as there are chances that they might stop breathing and you need to commence CPR again 

When to get help: 

• If more than one helper is available, where one can get help while others can commence CPR
  In case of doing CPR on a minor (Infant or child) if only one rescuer is available, then at least perform CPR for one complete minute before leaving to go for help
• If the casualty is an infant or small child, it may be possible to take them with you
• If the casualty is a case of sudden collapse, where no indication of any trauma or poisoning, and the casualty is a minor with a history of heart disease, go for help immediately

Remember always: Any attempt at CPR is better than no CPR at all.