Between 4 and 6 Minutes Time to irreversible brain damage and organ failure when the body
goes without oxygen
The Sustaining Chain 1. Early Recognition and call for help (to prevent cardiac arrest)
2. Early fast-n-hard CPR (to buy time)
3. Early Defibrillation with AED/defibrillator (restart heart)
4. Early and advanced life support by EMS and the fire department Purpose of Fast-n-Hard
CPR
Although CPR alone is unlikely to restart a victim's heart, it is highly effective at keeping
some oxygenated blood flowing to the body's organs and tissues until an AED can be used
or final medical care is initiated. Typical Warning Signs of a Heart Attack - Pain or discomfort
in the chest - Pain or discomfort in the upper body - Shortness or loss of breath
- Other symptoms include trembling, nausea, and vomiting. Consent to Render Medical
Care
- Informed Consent (from victim)
- Implied Consent (a victim who was unresponsive) - Parental Consent (for minor victims,
parental consent) Assault
The act of causing fear, apprehension, or intentional harm to another person
Battery
The unlawful touching of another person without their consent
Universal CPR Precautions
- Protective Equipment: breathing barriers, goggles, and gloves - Proper disposal of
hazardous material (bandages)
- Always use alcohol-based soap or hand sanitizer to wash exposed skin and hands. Rate
of compression for all age groups 120-100 per minute Depth of Adult Compression 2 - 2.4 in.
Child Compression Depth
Two inches Depth of compression for infants 1.5 inches
Emergency Action Steps (C,P,R)
VERIFY: the victims' level of conscience and the safety of the location PHONE: dial 911 or
immediately contact emergency medical services. Respond to the cardiac arrest by
administering prompt, high-quality chest compressions. Emergency Action Steps (C,A,B,D)
Step 1: Check the Scene and Victim
Second Step: Compressions Step 3: Ventilation Step 4: Taking a breath Fifth Step:
Defibrillation Stopping chest compressions is advised when - The victim shows obvious
signs of life such as breathing/moving
- EMS arrives to take over care of the victim
- An AED is attached and ready to shock or analyze the victim. - It becomes too risky to
continue the scene. - Complete exhaustion prevents ongoing treatment - It is appropriate to
place the victim in the recovery position until assistance arrives if the victim begins to
breathe on their own. Recovery Position
the preferred position for monitoring victims who are unconscious but breathing but are not
believed to have suffered a spinal or head injury Recovery Position Steps