First Aid

Treatment for cardiac or respiratory arrest is called cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The goals of CPR are to open the airway, re-establish breathing and re-establish circulation. It is best to give CPR only if you have been trained in the procedure.

1. Lay the victim flat on his back.
   
2. Sweep the victim's mouth. CAUTION: If you see an object lodged in the victim's throat, do not try to retrieve it, as this might force the object farther down the airway. Give first aid for choking.
   
3. Open the victim's airway. Gently tilt back the victim's head and lift the chin.
   
4. Look, listen and feel for breathing. Be sure to put your ear to the victim's mouth; chest movement alone might not mean breathing.
   
5. If the victim is not breathing, give two breaths. Watch for the chest to rise with each breath; let the chest fall before you give the second breath. If the victim's chest does not rise, gently tilt his head farther back, make sure to create a firm seal with your mouth and give breaths again. See Adult CPR, Child CPR and Infant CPR for more information on correct technique. If the chest still does not rise, give first aid for choking. CAUTION: If the head is tilted too far or not far enough, the airway may not be open enough for your breaths to enter the victim's lungs.
   
6. Check for a pulse.

   Illustration: Circulation
   

7. If you feel no pulse, give 15 chest compressions by pressing on the middle of the sternum with your hands. Then give breaths, and re-check for a pulse.
   
8. If you still feel no pulse, give a series of chest compressions and breaths, and re-check for a pulse. For an adult or a child over 8 years old, repeat a series of 15 chest compressions followed by two breaths four times. Then recheck for a pulse. For an infant or a child younger than 8 years old, repeat a series of five chest compressions followed by one breath 10 times. Then recheck for a pulse. Repeat the series of chest compressions, breaths and pulse checks until the victim has a pulse or begins to breathe on his own, or until medical help arrives.
   
9. If the victim is not breathing but has a pulse, give breaths. For an adult or a child over 8 years old, give one breath every five seconds. Check the pulse every 12 breaths. For a child between 1 and 8 years old, give one breath every four seconds and check the pulse every 15 breaths. For an infant, give one breath every three seconds and check for a pulse or heartbeat every 20 breaths. Continue until help arrives.

Illustration: Adult CPR
Illustration: Child CPR
Illustration: Infant CPR

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