Five minutes of fame for Rob and Bloss!
This video produced for South East Coast Ambulance Service by the Tunbridge Wells CFR Team shows you how you can safe a life.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It’s commonly used during cardiac arrest, drowning, or choking.
Steps for Performing CPR:
- Check the Scene and Person:
- Ensure the area is safe for both you and the victim.
- Check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and shouting, “Are you okay?”
- Call for Help:
- If unresponsive and no breathing or abnormal breathing (e.g., gasping), call 911 (or your local emergency number) or instruct someone else to do so.
- Begin Chest Compressions:
- Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line.
- Put your other hand on top, interlocking fingers.
- Push hard and fast at a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) for adults, allowing the chest to rise fully between compressions.
- Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”).
- Rescue Breaths (If Trained):
- Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin.
- Pinch the nose shut, make a seal over their mouth, and give two breaths, each lasting about 1 second.
- Watch for the chest to rise.
(If untrained or uncomfortable, focus on compressions only.)
- Continue Until Help Arrives:
- Keep alternating 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths.
- Do not stop unless the person shows signs of life, an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is ready to use, or emergency responders take over.
Using an AED:
- Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
- Attach the pads as instructed.
- Clear the area and let the AED analyse the heart rhythm.
- Deliver a shock if advised, then resume CPR immediately.
