BASIC LIFE SUPPORT NOTES
How long with no oxygen to the brain before brain damage - ANS-0 - 4 mins: No BD
4 - 6 mins: Maybe BD
6 - 10 mins: Expected BD
10+ mins: Death likely.
Reasons to stop or avoid CPR - ANS-If area is unsafe or patient has a pulse.
If there is a major injury (lots of bleeding, sliced open, puncture, fracture) to the chest that may
have caused damage to ribs, heart, lungs.
If 30 mins have passed. CPR shouldn't be performed longer than 30 mins.
CPR vs AED - ANS-CPR always comes first, then use AED. If patient doesn't regain pulse then
perform CPR again.
Max length of CPR - ANS-30 mins
Priority: 911 or CPR? - ANS-If you SEE the person collapse, 911 is priority. If more than one
person is present, one can call while the other does CPR.
If you DON'T see them collapse (find them laying there):
Adults - 911, then CPR.
Infants/Children - CPR for 2 mins, then 911.
Order of CPR steps - ANS-C ompressions
A irway check
B reathing.
How to do compressions - ANS-Interlock fingers and lock elbows, use body weight to press
down.
If adult, press 2 inches on place where ribs meet.
If infant, use 2 fingers to press down 1.5 inches on center of chest just below nipple line.
30 compressions followed by 2 second-long breaths.
, Adult compression placement - ANS-Adult - place where ribs meet
How far to press down for compressions, adult vs. infant - ANS-Adult. 2 inches
Infant. 1.5 inches
(Or: 1/3 down chest depth for all)
Infant CPR with 2 rescuers - ANS-One holds baby's chest and compresses with 2 thumbs, while
the other gives breaths through a valve.
Adult and Infant Compression to Breath ratio - ANS-30:2 for both if sole rescuer.
If 2 rescuer infant CPR, 15:2.
Compression Tempo - ANS-Stayin' Alive
CPR for pregnant women - ANS-
How to check airway - ANS-With one hand, press down on forehead to tilt head back. With
other hand, lift chin. Clear airway of any obstructions including tongue if blocking throat. If
foreign object is present, turn person on their side and use hooking motion w/ finger entering
from side of mouth.
How to check for breathing - ANS-Look for chest rising and falling, listen, put cheek close to
nose and mouth to feel breath.
Where should patient be for CPR - ANS-On a HARD surface, not a couch or bed.
How to give breaths - ANS-Pinch nose shut, give second-long breath, and watch to make sure
chest inflates.
When does ANYONE need CPR - ANS-10 second check and no definite pulse, gasping or no
breathing.
Hand placement for infant CPR - ANS-2 fingers in center of chest just below nipple line.
Rescuers should NEVER - ANS-Compress slower than 100/min or faster than 120/min
Compress in depth less than 2 inches (5 cm) or more than 2.4 (6 cm)
Lean on victim's chest during compressions
Allow interruption during compressions more than 10 seconds
Provide excessive ventilation during breathing task, ie: excessive breathing with force or too
many breaths
How long with no oxygen to the brain before brain damage - ANS-0 - 4 mins: No BD
4 - 6 mins: Maybe BD
6 - 10 mins: Expected BD
10+ mins: Death likely.
Reasons to stop or avoid CPR - ANS-If area is unsafe or patient has a pulse.
If there is a major injury (lots of bleeding, sliced open, puncture, fracture) to the chest that may
have caused damage to ribs, heart, lungs.
If 30 mins have passed. CPR shouldn't be performed longer than 30 mins.
CPR vs AED - ANS-CPR always comes first, then use AED. If patient doesn't regain pulse then
perform CPR again.
Max length of CPR - ANS-30 mins
Priority: 911 or CPR? - ANS-If you SEE the person collapse, 911 is priority. If more than one
person is present, one can call while the other does CPR.
If you DON'T see them collapse (find them laying there):
Adults - 911, then CPR.
Infants/Children - CPR for 2 mins, then 911.
Order of CPR steps - ANS-C ompressions
A irway check
B reathing.
How to do compressions - ANS-Interlock fingers and lock elbows, use body weight to press
down.
If adult, press 2 inches on place where ribs meet.
If infant, use 2 fingers to press down 1.5 inches on center of chest just below nipple line.
30 compressions followed by 2 second-long breaths.
, Adult compression placement - ANS-Adult - place where ribs meet
How far to press down for compressions, adult vs. infant - ANS-Adult. 2 inches
Infant. 1.5 inches
(Or: 1/3 down chest depth for all)
Infant CPR with 2 rescuers - ANS-One holds baby's chest and compresses with 2 thumbs, while
the other gives breaths through a valve.
Adult and Infant Compression to Breath ratio - ANS-30:2 for both if sole rescuer.
If 2 rescuer infant CPR, 15:2.
Compression Tempo - ANS-Stayin' Alive
CPR for pregnant women - ANS-
How to check airway - ANS-With one hand, press down on forehead to tilt head back. With
other hand, lift chin. Clear airway of any obstructions including tongue if blocking throat. If
foreign object is present, turn person on their side and use hooking motion w/ finger entering
from side of mouth.
How to check for breathing - ANS-Look for chest rising and falling, listen, put cheek close to
nose and mouth to feel breath.
Where should patient be for CPR - ANS-On a HARD surface, not a couch or bed.
How to give breaths - ANS-Pinch nose shut, give second-long breath, and watch to make sure
chest inflates.
When does ANYONE need CPR - ANS-10 second check and no definite pulse, gasping or no
breathing.
Hand placement for infant CPR - ANS-2 fingers in center of chest just below nipple line.
Rescuers should NEVER - ANS-Compress slower than 100/min or faster than 120/min
Compress in depth less than 2 inches (5 cm) or more than 2.4 (6 cm)
Lean on victim's chest during compressions
Allow interruption during compressions more than 10 seconds
Provide excessive ventilation during breathing task, ie: excessive breathing with force or too
many breaths
