CPR & AED

Chapter 1

The chain of survival

Survival from cardiac arrest depends on a series of actions, each linked to the next. If one link is weak, the chance of survival falls.

1. Early recognition and call for help: spot the emergency quickly and call an ambulance.
2. Early CPR: chest compressions buy time by pumping blood to the brain and heart.
3. Early defibrillation: an AED can restart a heart in a shockable rhythm.
4. Advanced care: paramedics and hospital teams continue treatment.

Chapter 2

Check the scene and the casualty

Use the DRS ABC approach every time.

Put your phone on speaker so the call-taker can guide you while you work. If someone else is present, send them to find an AED.

Chapter 3

CPR for adults

1. Kneel beside the person. Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest (lower half of the breastbone). Put your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
2. Keep your arms straight and shoulders directly above your hands.
3. Push down 5–6 cm, then let the chest rise fully. Give compressions at 100–120 per minute.
4. After 30 compressions, open the airway (head tilt, chin lift), pinch the nose and give 2 rescue breaths, each lasting about 1 second and making the chest rise.
5. Continue cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives, an AED is ready, the person starts breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue.

CPR is tiring. If another person is available, swap every 2 minutes with as little pause as possible.

Chapter 4

Using an AED

An AED is a portable device that checks the heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers a shock. It gives spoken instructions, so anyone can use one.

1. Switch the AED on as soon as it arrives and follow the voice prompts. Keep doing CPR while the pads are attached.
2. Bare the chest. Wipe it dry if it is wet, and shave or move heavy chest hair if the pads will not stick.
3. Place one pad below the right collarbone and the other on the left side, below the armpit, as shown on the pads.
4. When the AED analyses the rhythm, make sure nobody is touching the person.
5. If a shock is advised, check everyone is clear, then press the shock button (some AEDs shock automatically).
6. Restart CPR immediately after the shock, or if no shock is advised. Keep following the prompts.

Chapter 5

CPR for children and infants

In children, cardiac arrest is usually caused by a breathing problem, so rescue breaths are especially important.

Trained rescuers may start with 5 rescue breaths before compressions, and healthcare teams use a 15:2 ratio. If you are alone and unsure, use the adult sequence of 30:2: it is much better than doing nothing.

Chapter 6

The recovery position

If the person is unresponsive but breathing normally, place them in the recovery position to keep the airway open and let fluids drain from the mouth.

1. Kneel beside them. Place the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body.
2. Bring the far arm across the chest and hold the back of that hand against their near cheek.
3. With your other hand, pull the far knee up so the foot is flat on the ground.
4. Pull on the knee to roll them towards you onto their side.
5. Tilt the head back to keep the airway open. Check breathing regularly until help arrives.