C
- CIRCULATION
Check
if the casualty has a pulse.
If
casualty has a pulse but is not breathing, start EAR at 15 breaths per
minute.
If no pulse
is present immediately start CPR.
How
to check pulse?
Feel
for a carotid (neck) pulse by placing the pads of your fingers in the
groove beside the Adam's apple or the middle of the neck on a woman. You
can check on either side of the neck. You must check the pulse for 10
seconds.
Note:
When the body is in shock, it often shuts down the peripheral
circulation, including the radial (wrist) pulse. Therefore it is not
advised to check radial pulse.
CARDIO-PULMONARY
RESUSCITATION (CPR)
Cardio-pulmonary
resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of the Chest Compression procedure
and Expired Air Resuscitation (EAR).
Whichever
method is used, the pulse must be checked after one minute and then at
two
minute intervals. Failure to do so may result in brain damage and lead to
death.
Note:
CPR must only be practised on a revival dummy.
- After 5 full breaths, check pulse. If no pulse is
present commence CPR immediately.
- Position the hands on the Compression point
- Exert pressure using the heel of the lower hand
- Depress the Sternum about 4-5 centimetres
- Give equal time from compression and relaxation
- Give 15 compressions in 10-12 seconds. 2 breaths
in 3-4 seconds. 4 cycles per minute.
CPR
for Infants
A
child’s bones are not properly formed and more delicate. There is a
critical differences between giving CPR to adults and children which are
as follows:
For
children under the age of 1 year:
- Only use two fingers over the lower half of the
breastbone
- Do not tilt head backwards
- Jut give small puffs, not full breaths as for
adults
- EAR rate 20 breaths per minute
- 1 breath in 5 seconds
- Compression depth is one third depth of the chest
For
children aged between 1 and 8 years:
- Use the heel of one hand only
- Give only half a breath
- Ratios & Rates are the same as for a 1 year
old child
- Compression depth is one third depth of the chest
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