Cpr how long to check for signs of life

Occasional gasping sounds do not equate to breathing. If there is no breathing begin CPR. Push hard, push fast. Place your hands, one on top of the other, in the middle of the chest. Use your body weight to help you administer compressions that are at least 2 inches deep and delivered at a rate of at least compressions per minute. Deliver rescue breaths. With the person's head tilted back slightly and the chin lifted, pinch the nose shut and place your mouth over the person's mouth to make a complete seal.

Blow into the person's mouth to make the chest rise. Deliver two rescue breaths, then continue compressions. Note: If the chest does not rise with the initial rescue breath, re-tilt the head before delivering the second breath.

If the chest doesn't rise with the second breath, the person may be choking. After each subsequent set of 30 chest compressions, and before attempting breaths, look for an object and, if seen, remove it. But opening the airway takes priority over a neck injury. This is known as the jaw thrust technique. If they're breathing normally, place them in the recovery position so their airway remains clear of obstructions, and continue to monitor normal breathing.

If the casualty isn't breathing, call or for an ambulance and then begin CPR. Agonal breathing is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest when the heart stops beating. Agonal breathing is sudden, irregular gasps of breath. This shouldn't be mistaken for normal breathing and CPR should be given straight away. These pages provide information and guidance about common first aid situations. But they aren't a replacement for taking a first aid training course.

Basic first aid courses are run regularly in most areas around the UK. Page last reviewed: 13 November Next review due: 13 November The need for CPR can be prompted by a number of health events, accidents or injuries and it can occur anywhere, at any time, to anyone.

Unfortunately, when it comes to CPR many people have a fear of causing additional damage. There are many reasons why people may hesitate to provide CPR in the case of a health emergency. Some common reasons that may come to mind, but are completely untrue include:. If there is a casualty who is unresponsive and not breathing, always follow DRSABCD and call triple zero for medical assistance immediately. Note: if you are not comfortable providing breaths whilst administering CPR continue with compressions until medical assistance arrives.

In an event where CPR is required it can be stressful and scary. In an instant, you could be the difference between another heartbreaking story of a preventable life lost or an empowering, heroic story of another life saved.