Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Table of Contents
When to Start CPR
Start CPR when a casualty is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Gasping or irregular breathing is not normal breathing.
Compression and Breathing Rate
Use a cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths. Compress at about 100-120 compressions per minute and allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
| Casualty | Compression Method | Depth |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Two hands in the centre of the chest | About one third chest depth |
| Child | One or two hands in the centre of the chest | About one third chest depth |
| Infant | Two fingers in the centre of the chest | About one third chest depth |
Rescue Breaths
Open the airway, seal over the mouth and give enough air to make the chest rise. For infants, cover the mouth and nose if possible and use smaller breaths.
Minimise Interruptions
Keep pauses short. Change rescuers if someone is available and fatigue is reducing compression quality.
When to Continue or Stop
Continue CPR until:
- The casualty recovers and breathes normally
- An AED or emergency responder instructs you to stop
- Another trained person takes over
- You are exhausted
- The scene becomes unsafe