CPR quick facts

• Early recognition of the emergency and early access to EMS
• Early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• Early defibrillation
• Early advanced medical care

Consciousness
Signs of life (movement and breathing)
Pulse
Severe bleeding

Identify yourself
State level of training
Ask if you can help
Explain that you would like to assess him or her to find out what is wrong
and/or tell the victim what is wrong and explain what first aid you want to do



Benefits of using a resuscitation mask:
The possibility of disease transmission is reduced.
A seal is created over both the victim’s mouth and nose.
Air can be delivered to the victim more quickly through both the mouth and nose.
The device can be connected to emergency oxygen if it has an oxygen inlet, thus increasing the oxygen concentration the victim receives up to 100%.

Signs and symptoms of respiratory distress:
Slow or rapid breathing
Unusually deep or shallow breathing
Shortness of breath or noisy breathing
Dizziness, drowsiness or light-headedness
Changes in the level of consciousness
Increased heart rate
Chest pain or discomfort
Flushed, pale, ashen or bluish skin
Unusually moist or cool skin
Gasping for breath
Wheezing, gurgling or high-pitched noises
Inability to speak in full sentences
Tingling in hands, feet or lips
Care for Respiratory Distress
Summon more advanced medical personnel
Have victim rest in comfortable position that makes breathing easier
Reassure and comfort the victim
Keep victim from getting chilled or overheated
Assist victim with any of his or her prescribed medications Give emergency oxygen, if it is available and you are trained to do so
A BVM (bag valve mask) reduces the risk of disease transmission and increases the level of oxygen being delivered to a victim. Rescue breathing only gives a victim about 16% oxygen, a BVM can deliver 21%
Steps to use a BVM
• Rescuer 1 performs an initial assessment while Rescuer 2 assembles the BVM.
• Rescuer 1 seals the mask and opens the airway.
• Rescue 2 begins ventilations.
• Look for movement and recheck for breathing and a pulse about every 2 minutes.
Signs and Symptoms of a Heart Attack
Persistent chest discomfort, pain or pressure that lasts longer than 3 to 5 minutes, or goes away and comes back.
Discomfort, pain or pressure in either arm, back or stomach.
Chest discomfort, pain or pressure that spreads to the shoulder, neck, jaw or arms.
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing.
Nausea or vomiting.
Dizziness, light-headedness, loss of consciousness or fainting.
Pale, ashen, grayish or bluish skin.
Sweating—face may be moist or person may be sweating profusely.
Denial of signs or symptoms.
Care for a Heart Attack
Immediately summon advanced medical personnel.
Have the victim stop what he or she is doing and rest.
Loosen any tight or uncomfortable clothing.
Closely monitor the victim until advanced medical personnel arrive.
Notice any changes in the victim’s appearance or behavior.
Comfort the victim.
If medically appropriate and local protocols or medical direction permit, give aspirin if the victim can swallow and has no known contraindications. Never delay calling 9-1-1 to do this.
Assist the victim with his or her prescribed medication
Give emergency oxygen, if it is available and you are trained to do so.
Be prepared to give CPR or use an AED
Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest (a life-threatening emergency):
Unconsciousness
No movement or breathing
No pulse



continue CPR until:
another trainer rescuer arrives and takes over
an AED is available and ready to use
you are too exhausted to continue
the scene becomes unsafe
you notice an obvious sign of life

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see also:
How to pass a Red Cross written test
Why did they change CPR?
CPR Pro skills review questions
First Aid for Public Safety Personnel study guide
Simple secondary survey study sheet
Bloodborne Pathogens quick facts
AED quick facts
Common mistakes in Professional Rescuer CPR skills
Common mistakes in professional rescuer CPR skills - Lifeguard Training
Oxygen administration quick facts