CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, also known as CPR , is recognized as a life-saving procedure used by all medically trained personnel.

Know the signs of a Heart Attack.

· Uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing, heaviness, or pain in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back.

· Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck, lower jaw, or arms.

· Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, sweating, nausea, or shortness of breath.

Know what to do for a Heart Attack.

· Recognize the signs and act at once. Don’t deny or ignore what’s happening.

· Stop activity and sit or lie down.

· If the pain lasts more than a few minutes, call 911 or send someone to call 911.

· Begin CPR if it’s necessary.

a. Open the Airway with head tilt - chin lift.

b. Check for Breathing (look, listen, feel).

If the victim is not breathing normally, provide 2 slow rescue breaths

(2 seconds each).

· Be sure the chest rises with each breath.

· If chest does not rise, reopen airway, try again.

c. Check for signs of Circulation

(normal breathing, coughing, or movement)

· Signs of circulation present but no breathing:

Provide rescue breathing (1 breath every 5 seconds)

· No signs of circulation present:

Perform chest compressions

— Compress lower half of breastbone

— Rate of about 100 times per minute

— 30 compressions, then 2 rescue breaths (repeat)

— Check for response every 1 to 2 minutes.

Continue until rescue personnel arrive.

Remember your ABCs:

· Airway

· Breathing

· Circulation

This information was received from the American Heart Association.

For more information visit American CPR.com.

Related Topics:

Patient Education Handouts

Heart Health

Women and Heart Disease