How to Perform Hands-Only CPR

American Red Cross

2 Feb 202302:50

Summary

TLDRThis video script educates viewers on compression-only CPR, a vital technique for cardiac emergencies. It emphasizes checking for safety, responsiveness, and breathing before initiating CPR. The script outlines the correct hand placement, body positioning, and compression depth and rate. It advises calling 911, using an AED, and continuing CPR until help arrives or the scene becomes unsafe. The video also encourages viewers to learn full CPR and AED use through the American Red Cross.

Takeaways

🚑 **Compression-Only CPR**: A simple technique that can be learned quickly and may help save a life during a cardiac emergency.
🔍 **Check the Scene**: Ensure the environment is safe before approaching a collapsed person.
🔊 **Shout, Tap, Shout**: Use this technique to check if the person is responsive and to check for breathing or other life-threatening conditions.
📞 **Call for Help**: If a life-threatening emergency is identified, call 911 and get an AED and first aid kit.
🛑 **Unresponsive and Not Breathing**: Begin compression-only CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
🛌 **Position the Person**: Ensure the person is on their back on a firm, flat surface before starting CPR.
🤲 **Hand Placement**: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest with the other hand on top, interlocking fingers.
💪 **Compression Technique**: Use body weight to compress the chest at least two inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
🔁 **Continue Compressions**: Keep performing CPR until help arrives or the person shows signs of life, an AED is ready, or you are too tired to continue.
🏥 **Further Training**: For full CPR and AED use, consider taking an American Red Cross CPR/AED course.

Q & A

What is compression-only CPR and why is it important?
-Compression-only CPR is a simple technique that involves chest compressions without rescue breaths. It's important because it can be learned quickly, is easy to remember, and can help save a life in a cardiac emergency.
What should you do first when you encounter someone who has collapsed?
-First, check the scene for safety, then use the shout, tap, shout technique to see if the person responds to you. Simultaneously, check for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or another life-threatening condition.
When should you call 911 and get an AED or first aid kit?
-You should call 911 and get an AED or first aid kit if you determine the person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency and they are unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping.
How should the person be positioned for compression-only CPR?
-The person should be on their back on a firm, flat surface, such as the ground. If they are on a bed or couch, they should be carefully moved to the floor.
What is the correct hand position for starting chest compressions?
-Place the heel of one hand in the center of their chest, with your other hand on top, interlace your fingers, and ensure they're up off the chest.
How should you position your body to give effective chest compressions?
-Position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands, with your knees near the person's body and about shoulder-width apart. Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight.
What is the recommended rate and depth for chest compressions?
-Compress the chest to a depth of at least two inches, at a rate of between 100 and 120 compressions per minute, or about one every half second.
What should you do after each compression during CPR?
-After each compression, let the chest return to its normal position before starting the next compression.
How long should you continue giving chest compressions?
-Continue giving compressions until you notice an obvious sign of life, an AED is ready, a trained responder is available, EMS personnel arrive, you are alone and too tired to continue, or the scene becomes unsafe.
Where can you learn more about full CPR and using an AED?
-You can learn more about full CPR and using an AED by taking an American Red Cross CPR AED course. More information can be found on redcross.org.
What is the purpose of the American Red Cross CPR AED course?
-The American Red Cross CPR AED course aims to teach individuals how to perform full CPR and use an AED, providing them with the skills necessary to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies.

Outlines

00:00

🚑 Compression Only CPR Technique

This paragraph introduces compression only CPR as a simple and quick technique to learn for emergency cardiac situations. It emphasizes the importance of checking the scene for safety, assessing the person's responsiveness and breathing, and calling 911 if a life-threatening emergency is identified. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to perform chest compressions, including positioning the person, hand placement, and the correct depth and rate of compressions. It also advises when to stop compressions and encourages further learning through the American Red Cross CPR AED course.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Cardiac Emergency

A cardiac emergency refers to a sudden, life-threatening event involving the heart, such as a heart attack or cardiac arrest. In the context of the video, it emphasizes the importance of being prepared to respond to such emergencies, which can occur anywhere and at any time. The video script mentions that being prepared with a simple technique like compression-only CPR can be crucial in these situations.

💡Compression-only CPR

Compression-only CPR is a simplified method of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that focuses solely on chest compressions without rescue breaths. This technique is highlighted in the video as an easy-to-learn and effective way to help save a life during a cardiac emergency. The script provides a step-by-step guide on how to perform these compressions, emphasizing the need for hard and fast compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

💡Safety

Safety is a critical aspect of any first aid response, ensuring that the rescuer and the victim are not at further risk during the emergency. The video script instructs viewers to check the scene for safety before attempting any rescue efforts, which is a fundamental principle in emergency response.

💡Unresponsive

Being unresponsive means that a person does not respond to verbal or physical stimuli, indicating a potential medical emergency. The script uses this term to describe a situation where a person may need CPR, as they are not conscious or able to communicate.

💡911

911 is the emergency telephone number in the United States, used to request immediate assistance from emergency services. The video script advises calling 911 when a life-threatening emergency is identified, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help as soon as possible.

💡First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is a collection of supplies and equipment that is used to give medical treatment in emergency situations. The video script mentions getting a first aid kit as part of the response to a cardiac emergency, suggesting that it contains items that may be necessary for providing initial care.

💡AED

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a device that can check the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock if needed to help restore a normal rhythm. The script instructs viewers to get an AED if one is available, as it can be a critical tool in the chain of survival for cardiac arrest victims.

💡Chest Compressions

Chest compressions are a vital part of CPR, where the rescuer applies force to the center of the chest to help maintain blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. The video script provides detailed instructions on how to properly position the hands and apply compressions, which is essential for the effectiveness of CPR.

💡Breathing

Breathing, or the act of inhaling and exhaling, is a critical function that supplies oxygen to the body. In the context of the video, the absence of normal breathing or the presence of only gasping breaths is an indicator that a person may need CPR.

💡American Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides various services, including education in first aid, CPR, and AED use. The video script encourages viewers to take a CPR AED course from the American Red Cross for more comprehensive training, indicating their role in public health education.

💡Scene

In the context of emergency response, the scene refers to the physical location where the incident is occurring. The video script advises checking the scene for safety, which is a reminder that the environment can pose additional risks and must be assessed before proceeding with any rescue efforts.

Highlights

Compression only CPR is a simple technique that can be learned in minutes and can help save a life.

Check the scene for safety before approaching a collapsed person.

Use the shout, tap, shout technique to check if the person responds.

Check for breathing, life-threatening bleeding, or another life-threatening condition.

Call 911 and get the first aid kit and AED if the person is experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

Ensure the person is on their back on a firm flat surface before starting CPR.

Kneel beside the person with knees near their body and spread about shoulder-width apart.

Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest with the other hand on top.

Interlace your fingers and position your body so that your shoulders are directly over your hands.

Lock your elbows to keep your arms straight while performing chest compressions.

Push hard and fast, compressing the chest to a depth of at least two inches.

Maintain a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, or about one every half second.

Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.

Continue giving compressions until there is an obvious sign of life or help arrives.

Learn how to give full CPR and use an AED by taking an American Red Cross CPR AED course.

Visit redcross.org for more information on CPR and AED courses.