CPR Course - Adult/Child/Infant CPR Review (14 of 14)
Lets summarize key concepts, which were introduced during the course and are important to know for the exam:
Timeline for brain death/permanent damage after the heart has stopped beating:
0 to 4 minutes after exhibiting symptoms |
Chances of Brain Damage Minimal |
4 to 6 minutes after exhibiting symptoms |
Chances of Brain Damage Possible |
6 to 10 minutes after exhibiting symptoms |
Chances of Brain Damage Likely |
Greater than 10 minutes |
Chances of Brain Death Likely |
The following condition warrants immediate CPR::
- Victim is Unconscious
- Victim is not Breathing
- Victim has No Pulse
Before CPR make sure that:
The victim and you are safe and you know your location. If the victim is an adult, call 911 before CPR. If the victim is a child/infant, initiate CPR and perform 5 reps of 30 compressions with 2 rescue breaths or 2 minutes of CPR, then call 911.
CPR
- C-Compressions, after checking for pulse via carotid artery or brachial artery for infant, perform 30 compressions, interrupted by two mouth to mouth breaths, one second each; repeat until emergency services arrive
- A-Airway, Clear the airway and check for any obstructions;
- B-Breathing, perform 2 rescue breaths 1 second each;
- Recommended position for performing CPR is to have victim lying flat on his back
- Recommended rate for effective compressions for adult/child is 100 to 120 compressions per minute
- When performing compressions, make sure the chest returns to its original position
- When performing adult CPR the depth of the compressions should be at least 2 inches deep (but not greater than 2.4 inches)
- When performing child CPR, make sure your compressions are 1/3 of the depth of the chest or 2 inches deep
- When performing infant CPR, make sure your compressions are 1/3 of the depth of the chest or 1 1/2 inches deep
- For a child, depending on the size, you can use one or two hands
- For an infant, use two fingers
- If not comfortable performing mouth to mouth, call 911, but at least administer external chest compressions until help arrives. Note, conventional CPR is still advised for pediatric victims.