American Heart Association Hands Only CPR American Heart Association

CPR: Q and A Who has heard the term cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating How would you know when someone has had a cardiac arrest? When cardiac arrest occurs, the victim collapses and becomes unresponsive when you tap him and shout. The person stops breathing normally and may be gasping.

Is cardiac arrest different from a heart attack? Sudden cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack!! Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when electrical impulses in the heart become rapid or chaotic, which causes the heart to suddenly stop beating. A heart attack occurs when the blood supply to part of the heart muscle is blocked. A heart attack may cause cardiac arrest.

How do I know if someone needs CPR? When you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse, chances are they need CPR! Tap the person and shout, “Hey, are you okay? Are you okay?” If you do not get a response, begin the steps for “Hands Only” CPR! If the person is gasping for air in spurts, go ahead and perform CPR

Why CPR? 383, 000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital each year 88% of cardiac arrests occur at home

CPR: Q and A What is hands only CPR? Hands only CPR consists of pushing hard and fast on the chest at a rate of at least 100 pushes per minute. How much can CPR improve the chances of survival? CPR can double or even tripe a person’s chance of surviving.

Why “Hands Only” CPR? The #1 reason people give for not performing CPR is because they think they may do it wrong!! REMEMBER!!! Any CPR is better than NO CPR at all! Your actions can only help!

What about giving rescue breaths? When a teen or adult suddenly collapses with cardiac arrest, his or her lungs and blood contain enough oxygen to keep vital organs healthy for the first few minutes, AS LONG AS someone provides high-quality chest compressions with minimal interruption to pump blood to the heart and brain!

STEPS for “Hands Only” CPR After establishing the person needs CPR by tapping the person and asking, “Are you okay?” Assertively tell someone to call 9-1-1 *If you are by yourself, call 9-1-1 before starting CPR Start CPR- (Push hard and fast in the middle of the chest)

Things to remember when giving “Hands Only” CPR Kneel beside the person Put the heal of one hand in the middle of their chest; Put the other hand on top of the first Push down hard (at least 2”) Don’t be afraid of pushing hard! Let the chest rise back up after each compression Continue compressions at a steady beat (“Staying Alive”= 100 beats per minute) Don’t stop CPR until help arrives or the person responds

Helpful Hints Get directly over the top of the person and keep your arms straight. This allows you to use your entire body which will make it easier If you have help, take turns performing CPR without missing a beat if possible It’s important to continue CPR until help arrives

Do you think teaching “Hands Only” CPR will make people feel more comfortable about administering CPR? *Video click on picture

Don’t be afraid!!! Your actions may save a life!