NO MATTER WHAT

THE CAUSE
When the heart has stopped and the victim is not
breathing, CPR is the answer.
Without a constant supply of blood, cells of the
body will start to die. Brain damage begins within
4 to 6 minutes after cardiac arrest. Within 8 to 10
minutes, the damage may be irreversible.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation will help to
circulate oxygenated blood until more advanced
medical care can be performed.

CPR
CPR by itself cannot sustain life
indefinitely.
It should be started as soon as
possible to give the patient the best
chance for survival.
Many patients will need defibrillation
and medication to be successfully
resuscitated.
Its all part of the process.

The Chain of Survival

Source: American Heart Association

The Chain of Survival

The links in the Chain of Survival include:
Early recognition of cardiac arrest and

activation of the emergency calling system

Early CPR
Early defibrillation
Early advanced care by paramedics and

hospital personnel

New Sequence

AHA 2010
Recommendations
Adult (HS 1 Rescuer)
Unresponsive?

Call for help & AED

Not breathing or only

gasping (Agonal
breaths)
Start compressions in
the center of the chest
between the nipples, at
a rate of 100/min and a
depth of at least 2
inches, allowing for
chest recoil

30:2 Ratio of compressions

to breaths

After 30 compressions,

open the airway with a

head tilt-chin lift and
deliver 2 breaths
When rescuers are
untrained or not
proficient, compressions
only can be performed
PUSH HARD & FAST

AHA 2010
Recommendations
Children (HS 1 Rescuer) 30:2 Ratio of compressions to
breaths
Unresponsive?
After 30 compressions, open
Not breathing or only
the airway with a head tiltgasping
chin lift and deliver 2 breaths
Start compressions in
After 5 cycles or 2 minutes,
call for help, continue cycles
the center of the chest
between the nipples, at When rescuers are untrained
or not proficient,
a rate of at least
compressions only can be
100/min
performed
and a depth of 2 inches
or 1/3 chest diameter,
allowing for chest recoil
PUSH HARD & FAST

Check the pulse < 10 sec

(carotid for adult and brachial for infant)

AHA 2010
Recommendations
Infant (HS 1 Rescuer)
Unresponsive?
Not breathing or only
gasping
Start compressions in
the center of the chest
between the nipples, at
a rate of at least
100/min
and a depth of 1 1/2
inches or 1/3 chest
diameter, allowing for
chest recoil

30:2 Ratio of compressions to

breaths

After 30 compressions, open

the airway with a head tiltchin lift and deliver 2 breaths

After 5 cycles or 2 minutes,
call for help, continue cycles
When rescuers are untrained
or not proficient,
compressions only can be
performed
PUSH HARD & FAST

GENERAL INFO
Make sure victim is on a firm, flat surface
Minimize interruptions to chest compressions,

1o seconds or less
Watch for chest rise with breaths
Attach AED as soon as it is available
Resume compressions immediately after
administering a shock
30 compressions should be given over
approximately 18 seconds

Recovery Position
If the victim is unconscious but breathing:
Roll the patient onto one side, as you support

the patients head.

Place the patients face on his or her side so

any secretions drain out of the mouth and the

tongue wont block the airway.

ADULT CARDIAC ARREST

ALGORITHM

Simplified adult BLS algorithm.

Berg R A et al. Circulation. 2010;122:S685-S705

Copyright American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved.

BLS healthcare provider algorithm.

Berg R A et al. Circulation. 2010;122:S685-S705

Copyright American Heart Association, Inc. All rights reserved.