Patient Education

Heart Health Library

Our Health Library does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their heart health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

CPR Quick Reference

Overview

First, take a class on how to give CPR. Then use the chart below as a reference.

Quick reference: CPR recommendations for adults and older children, young children, and babies
What to do	Adults and older children who have reached puberty	Young children until the age of puberty	Babies younger than 1 year
When to call for help	Call 911, or ask someone to call, and get an AED, if there is one nearby. A 911 operator can give you instructions on how to do CPR.	Call 911, or ask someone to call, and get an AED, if there is one nearby. A 911 operator can give you instructions on how to do CPR. If you're alone and don't have a phone nearby, start CPR. Do CPR for 2 minutes, and then find a phone to call 911.	Call 911, or ask someone to call, and get an AED, if there is one nearby. A 911 operator can give you instructions on how to do CPR. If you're alone and don't have a phone nearby, start CPR. Do CPR for 2 minutes, and then find a phone to call 911.
If the person is not breathing normally or is gasping, find the spot to do chest compressions.	Place two fingers on the spot where the ribs come together. Put the heel of your other hand just above your fingers on the breastbone. (See a picture of hand placement for chest compressions.)	Place two fingers on the spot where the ribs come together. Put the heel of your other hand just above your fingers on the breastbone.	Place two fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line. (See a picture of hand placement for chest compressions on a baby.)
How do you give chest compressions?	Use the heel of one hand with the other hand stacked on top of it. Lace your fingers together.	Use the heel of one hand. If you need more force for a larger child, use both hands as you would for an adult.	Use two fingers.
How fast should you do compressions?	Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second).	Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second).	Do at least 100 compressions per minute (between 1 and 2 per second).
How far down should you press the chest?	Press the chest down at least 2 inches (5 cm).	Press the chest down at least one-third of the depth of the child's chest [about 2 in. (5 cm)].	Press the chest down at least one-third of the depth of the baby's chest.
If you are trained in CPR, how many compressions and breaths do you give?	30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or person breathes on their own. Note: If you are not trained in CPR with rescue breathing, it is important to continue doing chest compressions.	30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or child breathes on their own.	30 compressions, 2 breaths. Repeat this 30/2 cycle until help arrives or baby breathes on their own. (See a picture of rescue breathing for babies.)

Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are machines that are programmed to safely deliver an electrical shock to a person who is in cardiac arrest. In cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops beating. The AED checks the heart. Then a shock may be given to help the heart start beating normally again. Each AED has instructions for that machine.

AEDs are in many public places. Before you use one, follow all the steps for CPR. To use an AED, place it next to the person who has collapsed and turn it on. The AED has a computer inside that will tell you what to do next.

Related Information

Credits

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

Top of the page

Next Section:

Related Information

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.