How can I tell if someone needs CPR?
- Jun 01, 2017
Your friend collapses at the gym and becomes unconscious!
A bunch of people run over, but no one seems to know how to help... Should you begin CPR?
These situations can often be scary. To help you remember what to do, it's best to keep things simple:
No Response + No Regular Breathing = NEEDS CPR
That's it. If you remember that simple equation, you can remember how to act when someone collapses. Let's break this down a bit more:
"Response" means a patient moves, blinks, speaks, or otherwise reacts when you tap on his shoulders and ask if their okay.
"Breathing" means a patient's chest moves up and down smoothly, quietly, and rhythmically.
Warning! "Gasping" is not breathing. If you find someone who is unresponsive, and irregularly gasping - they need CPR.
How do I perform CPR?
If you see someone collapse...
Check Response: Tap-and-Shout on their shoulders to see if they respond. If no response...
Check Breathing: Look at the chest for 10 seconds to see if it rises and falls normally. If no breathing or only gasping...
Call: or send someone else to call 911 and get an AED (defibrillator)
Care: Begin hands only CPR by putting the heel of one hand in the center of the chest between the nipples. Place your second hand on top of the first and lock your fingers together. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest until the patient wakes up or a CPR certified individual arrives and takes over. If an AED (defibrillator) arrives, turn it on and follow the voice and visual prompts - the machine will tell you exactly what to do!
Empower yourself with real knowledge on how to respond to an emergency Take a CPR certification class Today!
