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What is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)? Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used in an emergency if someone is not breathing normally, or their heart has stopped (cardiac arrest). This combination of techniques is used: rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth). CPR helps keep the blood circulating and delivers oxygen to the body until specialist treatment is available.

There is usually enough oxygen still in the blood to keep the brain and other organs alive supported for a few minutes, but it is not circulating unless someone does CPR.

Knowing basic emergency first aid and CPR is important – it can be life-saving

Although there is no guarantee that someone will survive from being given CPR, it does give them a chance when otherwise there would have been none.

Without CPR, it only takes a few minutes for someone’s brain to become injured due to a lack of oxygen. In an emergency situation someone’s health can deteriorate quickly. Always seek help for any of these life-threatening signs: serious accidents or trauma.

Call 911 for an ambulance in an emergency to get medical assistance. Common emergency situations for adults and children include: Some people hesitate in calling triple zero because they don’t believe their situation qualifies as an emergency.

If in doubt, call 000 – the operator will direct you to the help you need

Emergency phone operators are trained to help you and can provide advice about what you need to do while you’re waiting for emergency services to arrive.

When you call 911, you will be asked which service you require

Tell the operator you need an ambulance.

You will then be transferred to an ambulance operator and asked for the following information: The location you need the ambulance to respond to.

If the address if known, provide this to the operator. If the address is not known, be sure to tell the operator any additional information that may assist.

This may include street or road names, parks, , or any other landmarks nearby.

Details of the situation and what has happened

How many people require medical assistance

The injured person’s age and sex.

Whether the person is conscious or breathing

The operator will organise assistance for you while you continue talking on the phone, even though you may not hear them do this. Answer any of the operator’s questions as this can help the paramedics prepare their response before the ambulance reaches you. The operator may give you first aid instructions over the phone.

If you can, put your phone on loudspeaker. Do not hang up until the phone operator tells you to.

When is CPR needed? CPR is most successful when administered as soon as possible. CPR is required when a person is: not breathing.

A person in cardiac arrest may grunt, snort or take gasping breaths – this is not normal breathing. They still need CPR – don’t wait until they stop breathing. Although CPR steps are the same for adults and older children, the technique for babies and young children (0-5 years) is slightly different.

The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD: You may like to call it ‘doctors ABCD’ (DRS ABCD) so you can remember each step. – look for the source of any danger and make sure you and your child are safe. – check for a response from your child as if you are trying to wake them up.

For instance, speak loudly, gently squeeze them or tickle their feet. if your child is not responding. Call 000 and ask for an ambulance. Don’t leave your child unattended. The emergency services operator will guide you through CPR until the ambulance arrives.

, and also in the following languages: Aim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes.

To perform CPR on infants (0-12 months): A=Airways – check your baby’s airways (nose, mouth and throat) are clear. Remove any blockage (such as vomit, blood, food or loose teeth).

Make sure your baby is in a neutral position (such as on their back) with their head and neck in line. Do not tilt their head back or lift their chin. B=Breathing – is your child breathing normally?

If so, gently roll them onto their side (known as the recovery position).

If they are not breathing or breathing abnormally (such as grunting or gasping for air) you will need to perform CPR. C=CPR consists of 2 techniques – 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths of mouth-to-mouth.

Lie your baby on their back

Place 2 fingers on the lower half of your baby’s breastbone (in the middle of their chest). Press down with your fingers (or palm for babies over 6 months) to about a third of the depth of their chest, then release to the rest position.

This counts as one compression

Note: You may need to use the palm of your hand instead of your fingers depending on the size of your baby. Make sure your baby is resting in the neutral position and that their head and neck is not tilted. Gently lift their chin – be careful not to rest your hands on their throat as this could restrict air getting into their lungs.

Take a small breath and cover your baby’s nose and mouth Blow gently for about one second watching for the chest to rise.

After each breath watch for your baby’s chest to fall

Place your ear and face close to your baby’s ear and nose to see if air is being expelled.

If your baby’s chest is not rising, gently check again for any blockages and remove them. Continue to give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 breaths (30:2). Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes.

Keep going until: Your baby recovers (they start to move, breathe normally, cough or cry). Then put them in the recovery position (onto their side).

The ambulance arrives and the paramedics take over

Remember, if you are finding it difficult to keep up mouth-to-mouth breathing, keep going with compressions – they can still save your baby’s life. This video is also available in the following languages: الصغار. Aim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes.

To perform CPR on children (1-5 years): A=Airways – check your baby’s airways (nose, mouth and throat) are clear. Remove any blockage (such as vomit, blood, food or loose teeth). Make sure your child is in a neutral position (such as on their back).

Gently tilt their head back and lift their chin. B=Breathing – is your child breathing normally?

If so, gently roll them onto their side (known as the recovery position). If they are not breathing or breathing abnormally (such as grunting or gasping for air) you will need to perform CPR.

C=CPR consists of 2 techniques – 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths of mouth-to-mouth.

Lie your child on their back

Kneel beside them

Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of your child’s breastbone (in the middle of their chest). Position yourself above your child’s chest. Keep your arm straight and press down on their chest to a third in depth, then release the pressure.

This counts as one compression

Open your child’s airway by gently placing one hand on their forehead and the other hand on their chin to tilt their head back. Pinch the soft part of their nose closed with your index finger and thumb. With your other hand, open their mouth with your thumbs and fingers.

Take a breath and place your lips over your child’s mouth. Ensure you have a good seal so no air can escape. Blow steadily for about one second, watching for the chest to rise.

After each breath watch for their chest to fall

Listen and feel for signs that air is being expelled. Maintain the chin lift and tilt position – take another breath and repeat.

If your child’s chest is not rising, check again for any blockages and remove them.

Then keep going with mouth-to mouth, making sure their head is lifted, chin tilted.

Ensure that no air is escaping

Continue to give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 breaths (30:2). Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes. Keep going until: Your child recovers (they start to move, breathe normally, cough or talk).

Then put them in the recovery position (onto their side).

The ambulance arrives and the paramedics take over

D= Defibrillator – CPR must be continued until an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available, the pads are attached and the machine is turned on. Remember, if you are finding it difficult to keep up mouth-to-mouth breathing, keep going with compressions – they can still save your child’s life.

Aim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes.

If you can’t do mouth-to-mouth, stick with continuous compressions at a rate of approximately 100 per minute.

To perform CPR on adults and older children: A=Airways – open the person’s airways (nose, mouth and throat) and check they are clear. Remove any blockage (such as vomit, blood, food or loose teeth).

Don’t spend too much time doing this – CPR is your main priority. Make sure the person is in a neutral position (such as on their back). Gently tilt their head back and lift their chin. B=Breathing – are they breathing normally?

If so, gently roll them onto their side (known as the recovery position).

If they are not breathing or breathing abnormally (such as grunting or gasping for air) you will need to give them CPR. C=CPR consists of 2 techniques – 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths of mouth-to-mouth. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the person’s breastbone (in the middle of their chest).

Place your other hand on top of your bottom hand and grasp your wrist. Or you may like to interlock your fingers – depending on what feels comfortable. Keep your arms straight and press down on their chest by one third of their chest depth.

Release the pressure – this counts as one compression.

To keep the correct rhythm of compressions, you may like to use these popular songs: ‘Baby shark’. If the person is not breathing normally, make sure they are lying on their back on a firm surface.

Open the airway by tilting the head back and lifting their chin.

Close their nostrils with your finger and thumb

Put your mouth over the person’s mouth and blow into their mouth.

Make sure no air is leaking

Give 2 full breaths to the person (this is called ‘rescue breathing’).

Check their chest is rising and falling

If this is not happening, tilt their head back, pinch their nostrils tightly and seal your mouth to theirs.

If still no luck, check their airway for any obstruction. If you cannot get air into their lungs, go back to chest compressions – this may help shift an obstruction.

Continue to give 30 chest compressions, followed by 2 breaths (30:2). Aim for 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes. Keep going until: The person becomes responsive. They may begin to move, breathe normally, cough or talk.

Then put them in the recovery position (onto their side).

The ambulance arrives and the paramedics take over

CPR can be tiring.

If you need a break, ask someone else to assist with minimal disruption. Rotate the person performing compressions every 2 minutes. If you find mouth-to-mouth difficult, continue with chest compressions until medical help arrives.

They can still save someone’s life. Can it be dangerous doing chest compressions? Sometimes, people will have their ribs broken by chest compressions. This is still better than the alternative of not receiving CPR.

If this occurs, pause and reposition your hands before continuing or get someone else to take over. D= Defibrillator – A defibrillator is a life-saving device that treats someone who is having a cardiac arrest. It can analyse abnormal heart rhythms and send an electric shock or pulse to get the heart to return to its normal pumping rhythm.

CPR must be continued until an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available. The pads must be attached to the skin and the machine turned on. AEDs are easy to use – voice prompts tell you what to do.

(such as shopping centres and schools).

It is important to follow the prompts on the AED

Do not touch the person during analysis or shock delivery.

If there is an emergency, knowing simple first aid can mean the difference between life and death.

Consider taking a first aid course

CPR can be life-saving first aid – it increases someone’s chances of survival until an ambulance arrives. First aid training courses are available across United States. A course typically takes a couple of hours and can be taken online or in person.

Times are also flexible

Participants learn basic first aid skills (including CPR) and usually receive a certificate.

Many organisations hold regular courses, ask your doctor or maternal and child health nurse for more information.

(24 hours a day, every day) – Speak and listen Tel: , TTY Tel: , SMS relay Tel:. Captioned, internet and video relay calls are also available through this service. (purchase ambulance cover) (Mon-Fri 8am - 8pm & Sat 9am - 5pm) Tel.

Michigan Tel. chest compressions When to seek help in an emergency severe bleeding difficulty breathing not breathing unconsciousness burns Babies and children Adults sudden unexpected death in infants (SUDI and SIDS) sleeping accidents choking cuts poisoning burns near drowning driveway accidents heart disease – the most common cause of reversible adult cardiac arrest trauma respiratory illness drowning overdose Calling 911 What to expect during your call to 911 – ambulance emergency marker details unconscious not breathing normally DRSABCD (or ‘doctors ABCD’) D – Danger R – Response S – Send for help A – Airway B – Breathing C – CPR D – Defibrillator Steps before giving CPR to babies and young children D= Danger R= Response S = Send for help How to give CPR to babies 0-12 months This video is available in a version aimed at Aboriginal communities والإنعاش القلبي الرئوي (CPR)للرضّع والأطفال الصغار و احیای قلبی و ریوی (CPR) برای اطفال و کودکان خوردسن و احیای قلبی-ریوی (CPR)ویژه اطفال و خردسالان និង ការសង្គ្រោះដង្ហើម និងបេះដូងឱ្យដំណើរការឡើងវិញ (CPR)សម្រាប់កូនក្មេង និងកុមារតូច 以及婴幼儿心肺复苏术简介 ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰਡੀਓਪੁਲਮੋਨਰੀ ਰੀਸੁਸਾਇਟੀਸ਼ਨ (CPR) ਛੋਟੇ ਬਾਲਕਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਲਈ REANIMACIÓN CARDIOPULMONAR (RCP)PARA NIÑOS PEQUEÑOS VÀ HỒI SỨC TIM PHỔI (CPR) CHO TRẺ MỚI BIẾT ĐI VÀ TRẺ NHỎ Chest compression steps Mouth-to-mouth on babies (0-12 months) How to give CPR to young children 1-5 years والإنعاش القلبي الرئوي (CPR)للرضّع والأطفال و احیای قلبی و ریوی (CPR) برای اطفال و کودکان خوردسن و احیای قلبی-ریوی (CPR)ویژه اطفال و خردسالان និង ការសង្គ្រោះដង្ហើម និងបេះដូងឱ្យដំណើរការឡើងវិញ (CPR)សម្រាប់កូនក្មេង និងកុមារតូច 以及婴幼儿心肺复苏术简介 ਅਤੇ ਕਾਰਡੀਓਪੁਲਮੋਨਰੀ ਰੀਸੁਸਾਇਟੀਸ਼ਨ (CPR) ਛੋਟੇ ਬਾਲਕਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਲਈ REANIMACIÓN CARDIOPULMONAR (RCP)PARA NIÑOS PEQUEÑOS VÀ HỒI SỨC TIM PHỔI (CPR) CHO TRẺ MỚI BIẾT ĐI VÀ TRẺ NHỎ Chest compression steps Mouth-to-mouth on children (1-5 years) How to give CPR to adults and older children Chest compression steps Popular tunes can help keep the rhythm of compressions ‘Staying alive’ by the Bee Gees ‘Row, row, row, your boat’ Mouth-to-mouth on adults and older children Automated external defibrillators (AED) There are different types of AEDs and some are available in public places Consider a first aid course to learn CPR and basic skills Where to get help In an emergency, call 911 Your local maternal and child health service Your GP (doctor) Maternal and Child Health Line 13 22 29 – available 24 hours a day for the cost of a local call throughout Michigan Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) 03 9419 3000 Parentline 13 22 89 Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) 131 450 – available (24 hours, 7 days a week) for callers who speak other languages National Relay Service (616) 555-0400 133 677 0423 677 767 NURSE-ON-CALL (616) 555-0024 – for expert health advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Ambulance Michigan 1800 64 84 84 (616) 555-0400 (membership queries) (Mon-Fri 8am - 8pm & Sat 9am - 5pm) St John Ambulance United States (first aid courses) (616) 555-0400 American Red Cross (first aid and mental health training 1800 733 276.

Key Points

  • CPR helps keep the blood circulating and delivers oxygen to the body until specialist treatment is available
  • Knowing basic emergency first aid and CPR is important – it can be life-saving
  • Maintain the chin lift and tilt position – take another breath and repeat
  • Don’t spend too much time doing this – CPR is your main priority
  • important to follow the prompts on the AED