In an emergency situation when a victim is not breathing and has no pulse, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, could be the difference between life and death. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygenated blood pumping to the brain, keeping the victim alive until medical assistance arrives. In confined spaces, a technique known as over-the-head CPR may be required to adequately compress the chest. Alternatively, if two rescuers are present, straddle CPR may be employed if lateral CPR is not possible.
Instructions
Over-the-Head CPR (Single Rescuer)
1. Check to see if the victim is conscious by patting him on the shoulder and asking loudly, "Are you okay?" If he doesn't respond, call 911 or send someone for help before beginning CPR. Turn the victim on his back and position yourself at the head of the victim, with a knee touching each shoulder. Tilt his head back to open the airway. Feel for breaths with your cheek while looking to see if the chest rises.
2. Place the mask over the nose and mouth, creating a seal by holding it firmly against the skin with your thumb and index finger on the mask and your remaining three fingers hooking the side of the jaw. Pull up on the jaw to open the airway and squeeze the bag with your free hand to deliver a breath lasting approximately one second. If the chest rises, give another breath; if not, repeat the chin-lift maneuver and try again.
3. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim's chest between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Lean forward, positioning your shoulders directly above your hands with your elbows locked.
4. Use your upper-body weight to compress the chest approximately two inches with each compression. Compressions should be done fairly rapidly, at a rate of about 100 per minute.
5. Stop after 30 compressions and repeat steps 2 through 4 until there are signs of life, an AED becomes available or medical personnel arrives.
Straddle CPR (Two Rescuers)
6. Straddle CPR uses the same principles as over-the-head CPR, only with two rescuers. Position the first rescuer in the same position as in over-the-head CPR and the second rescuer straddled across the victim's abdomen, facing his head.
7. The first rescuer checks for signs of breathing and, in the absence of any signs, performs the chin-lift and gives two breaths. The second rescuer then delivers 30 compressions and pauses, allowing the first rescuer to deliver two more breaths before continuing.
8. Repeat for five cycles and then consider switching positions to give the second rescuer a rest. Continue performing CPR until the victim shows signs of life, an AED becomes available or medical personnel arrive.
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