CPR & AED Training Information

WHAT IS CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, (CPR) saves the lives of individuals who may have experienced a heart attack or anything that made breathing stop. CPR allows the continuation of oxygenated blood flow throughout the body to vital organs until medical treatment can correct the heart to its normal rhythm.

When is CPR necessary?

• Unexpected collapse
• No breathing
• Unresponsive
• No pulse

Before Beginning CPR

Ask the following questions before starting CPR:

• Is the environment safe for you and the person?
• Is the person unconscious?
• If the person appears unconscious, ask loudly, “are you ok?’
• If no response is found call 911 or assign a specific bystander to call 911

HOW TO PERFORM CPR

If you are untrained:
Provide hand only CPR, give chest compressions of 100 to 120 a minute.
To do this, place heel of your hand on the breastbone or the middle of the person’s chest. Entwine your fingers on top of your first hand. Position yourself above the person so you may use your body weight to press down about 2 to 2.5 inches onto their chest. Remain with your hands upon their chest but allow the chest to return to its normal position. Continue these up down compression at 100 to 120 times per minute until emergency personnel arrive or you exhaust yourself.

If trained begin CPR with rescue breaths:
Begin with the heel of your hand on the center, or breastbone of the person’s chest and place other hand on top and being normal compressions pressing down 2-2.5 inches at 100-120 compressions per minute. After 30 compressions give two rescue breaths. To do this tilt the person’s head carefully, pinch the person’s nose and lift the chin with two fingers. Place the entirety of your mouth over theirs and blow air steadily into their mouth for a second. Do this twice. Continue on with 30 chest compressions then two rescue breaths until recovery or emergency help arrives.

WHAT'S AN AED?

Automated External Defibrillator, (AED) are devices used to treat for sudden cardiac arrest, (SAC). AED's are devices that send electrical shocks to the heart in order to return the heart to its normal rhythm.

WHO CAN USE AN AED?

Formal training is not required to use an AED but is rather recommended to help the rescuer increase their confidence in use. AED's are made for general use for the public. Most AED's come with audible voice prompts to guide the user with ease through the process.

Where are AEDs found?

• around campus one found in each building typically on the first floor

WHEN should an AED be used?

Someone who’s suffering from a sudden cardiac arrest. Signs of cardiac arrest include sudden collapse or loss of consciousness, spasms, or no pulse. Just because a person is unconscious without a pulse does not mean the AED will always deliver a shock. AED’s are meant to assess a person for a shockable heart rhythm. If one is not detected the AED will not produce a shock.

Before using an AED

• Call 911
• check for any water near the unconscious individual if so remove them from the wetness before delivering shocks
• ensure person’s chest is dry and free of clothing and excess hair
• Razor and scissors is included in AED kit in order to do this
• remove all metal as it may conduct electricity and cause burns
  • Remove metal necklaces, underwire bras or anything else you may find

TO BEGIN USING AN AED

• Turn on AED it will contain written instructions along with voice prompts
• place pads one on the right side of the persons chest above the nipple. The other slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the rib cage.
• Make sure you and others are not touching the unconscious individual
• When clear Press AED’s “analyze” so it may check the person’s heart rhythm
• The AED will tell you if a shock is needed. Press the “shock” button when and if indicted by the voice prompts
• Make sure you and others are clear before pressing the “shock” button
• Begin CPR after delivering a shock. If a shock is not advised start CPR for 2 minutes and continue to listen to the AED’s prompts. If the person regains noticeable breathing discontinue CPR