Responding to Emergencies

CPR Use CHECK—CALL—CARE to determine if an unresponsive a child needs CPR. o CHECK the scene and the person for severe, life-threatening bleeding. o CALL 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number if initial impression reveals a potential life-threatening situation. o Shout-tap-shout to attempt to get the person’s attention. o CHECK for responsiveness and breathing (at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds). o If the person is not breathing normally, give CARE by beginning CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ If the first rescue breath does not cause the chest to rise, re-tilt the head to ensure that the airway is properly opened and ensure that the person’s nose and mouth are properly sealed before giving the second rescue breath. ■ If the second rescue breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the person’s airway. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ If the second rescue breath does not go in, immediately start the next set of compressions. o Never attempt more than 2 rescue breaths between sets of compressions. ■ After the set of compressions and before giving rescue breaths, open the person’s mouth, look for an object in the mouth and if you see it, remove it. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ To remove the object, do a finger sweep. o Be sure that you actually see the object in the person’s mouth before attempting to remove it. ■ After removing the object, give 2 rescue breaths. Introduction ■ Differences in giving CPR for an infant rather than CPR on an adult or child: o Position your hands differently to deliver chest compressions: Place the pads of two fingers on the center of the infant’s chest, just below the nipple line. Place your other hand gently on the infant’s forehead. o Give compressions by using the pads of your fingers to compress the chest about 1½ inches. o When you give rescue breaths, open the airway by tilting the head to a neutral position. o Instead of pinching the nose shut and covering the mouth with your mouth, cover the infant’s nose and mouth with your mouth to form a seal. CPR ■ Use CHECK—CALL—CARE to determine if an unresponsive infant needs CPR. o CHECK the scene and the person for severe, life-threatening bleeding. o CALL 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number if initial impression reveals a potential life-threatening situation. o Shout-tap-shout to attempt to get the person’s attention. o CHECK for responsiveness and breathing (at least 5 but no more than 10 seconds). o If the person is not breathing normally, give CARE by beginning CPR with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ If the first rescue breath does not cause the chest to rise, re-tilt the head to ensure that the airway is properly opened and ensure that the person’s nose and mouth are properly sealed before giving the second rescue breath. ■ If the second rescue breath does not make the chest rise, an object may be blocking the person’s airway. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ If the second rescue breath does not go in, immediately start the next set of compressions. o Never attempt more than 2 rescue breaths between sets of compressions. ■ After the set of compressions and before giving rescue breaths, open the person’s mouth, look for an object in the mouth and if you see it, remove it. If the Chest Does Not Rise with Breaths ■ To remove the object, do a finger sweep. o Be sure that you actually see the object in the person’s mouth before attempting to remove it. ■ After removing the object, give 2 rescue breaths. Introduction ■ Many people in cardiac arrest need defibrillation. ■ Defibrillation is an electrical shock that disrupts the electrical activity of the heart long enough to allow the heart to spontaneously develop an effective rhythm of its own. ■ Starting CPR immediately and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as possible gives the person the best chance for surviving cardiac arrest. AED Basics ■ The AED carrying case contains the AED and AED pads. ■ The AED kit is often stored near the AED carrying case. ■ Items usually found in the AED kit: o Breathing barrier (usually a pocket mask) o Latex-free disposable gloves o Absorbent towel o Scissors ● Razor Using an AED ■ If two or more responders are available and trained in CPR and using an AED: o Both should identify themselves as being trained. o The first responder begins CPR while the second responder calls 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number, obtains the AED and readies the AED for use. o The first responder should not pause CPR until the device is ready to analyze the person’s heart rhythm and the second responder tells everyone to stand clear