We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some CPR basics. There are two types of CPR: Hands-only CPR & CPR with Rescue Breaths. It is advised that those who have not been trained in resuscitation should use the Hands-only method. Rescue Breaths are best used when the individual is trained, confident and comfortable to do so. In any scenario if you are not confident, attempt hands-only CPR instead.

1. Place the heel of your hand on the breastbone at the centre of the person’s chest. Place your other hand on top of your first hand and interlock your fingers.

2. Position yourself with your shoulders above your hands.

3. Using your body weight (not just your arms), press straight down by 5to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) on their chest.

4. Keeping your hands on their chest, release the compression and allow the chest to return to its original position.

5. Repeat these compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 times a minute until an ambulance arrives or you become exhausted.

Remember, if you have not been trained in CPR, you should use the hands-only method.

1. Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person’s chest, then place the other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute.

2. After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

3. Tilt the casualty’s head gently and lift the chin up with 2 fingers. Pinch the person’s nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth, and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth for about 1 second. Check that their chest rises. Give 2 rescue breaths.

4. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

Children are much more delicate than adults, so the methods for using CPR safely are different. Here is how you can use CPR on both children and infants.

1. Open the child’s airway by placing 1 hand on their forehead and gently tilting their head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.

2. Pinch their nose. Seal your mouth over their mouth, and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth, checking that their chest rises. Give 5 initial rescue breaths.

3. Place the heel of 1 hand on the centre of their chest and push down by 5cm (about 2 inches), which is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. The quality (depth) of chest compressions is very important. Use 2 hands if you can’t achieve a depth of 5cm using 1 hand.

4. After every 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute, give 2 breaths.

5. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

1. Open the infant’s airway by placing 1 hand on their forehead and gently tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Remove any visible obstructions from the mouth and nose.

2. Place your mouth over the mouth and nose of the infant and blow steadily and firmly into their mouth, checking that their chest rises. Give 5 initial rescue breaths.

3. Place 2 fingers in the middle of the chest and push down by 4cm (about 1.5 inches), which is approximately one-third of the chest diameter. The quality (depth) of chest compressions is very important. Use the heel of 1 hand if you can’t achieve a depth of 4cm using the tips of 2 fingers.

4. After 30 chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 a minute, give 2 rescue breaths.

5. Continue with cycles of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until they begin to recover or emergency help arrives.

If you would like to learn more about CPR & basic first aid or would be interested in booking on to an Emergency First Aid at training course, please do not hesitate to contact us.