Back to: Basic CPR/AED & First Aid
Assess the scene:
Is there danger for you or the ill or injured person? Proceed with caution. Do not also become a victim. Move an Injured person only if he is in danger or if you need to move him to safely provide first aid or CPR.
Check for response – Tap and Shout:
Lean over the person or kneel at his side. Tap shoulders and ask if he is OK? Tap bottom of the foot for an infant. If the person moves, speaks, blinks, or reacts when you tap him. He is responsive. Ask the person if they need help. If the person doesn’t move, speak, blink, or react when you tap him. He is unresponsive.
Shout for HELP:
In an emergency, the sooner you identify there is a problem and get additional help, the better it is for the person with a cardiac arrest. When more people are helping, you are able to provide better care to the person.
Phone 911 and get an AED:
If someone comes to help and they have a cell phone, ask the person to phone 911 and get an AED. Put the phone on speaker mode to hear the dispatcher’s instructions. If no one comes to help, then you call 911, put phone on speaker mode while you continue providing emergency care. If you are alone and don’t have a cell phone, leave the person to go phone 911 and get an AED if available. Return and continue providing emergency care.
Check for normal breathing:
If the person is unresponsive, check for normal breathing. Scan the chest for at least 5 seconds but not more than 10 seconds while looking for chest rise and fall. If the person is unresponsive and breathing normally then the person does NOT need CPR. Roll him onto his side (if there is no back or neck injury) to keep the airway clear in the event the person vomits. Stay with the person until advanced help arrives. If the person is not breathing normally or is gasping, CPR is needed. Activate EMS (Emergency Medical Services 911) and get or call for an AED. (Automated External Defibrillator). Make sure the person is lying on his back on a firm, flat surface. Begin CPR.
