First Aid Glossary / First Aid Glossary

CPR Flowchart

TL;DR

Diagram showing the steps involved in performing CPR.

What is the CPR Flowchart?

The CPR flowchart outlines the essential steps for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency. The primary goal is to maintain blood circulation and oxygenation until advanced medical help arrives.

The process begins with checking for danger to ensure the safety of the rescuer and the casualty. Once safety is assured, the responder should check the casualty for responsiveness by tapping their shoulders and shouting. If there is no response, the next step is to call for emergency assistance and request an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available. Ensuring the airway is clear is crucial; this involves performing the head-tilt and chin-lift manoeuvre to open the airway and checking for breathing.

If the casualty is not breathing normally, the responder should begin chest compressions immediately. The standard method involves giving 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths, continuing at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

If an AED is available, it should be applied as soon as possible, following the device's prompts to deliver shocks if necessary.

CPR should be continued without interruption until professional medical help arrives or the casualty starts breathing normally.

Special considerations include minimizing interruptions to compressions, ensuring proper depth and rate, and using a barrier device for rescue breaths to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

CPR Flowchart</dfn>

Visual representation of steps to perform CPR effectively.

Components of a CPR Flowchart

  • Assess the Situation: Check for danger and responsiveness.
  • Call for Help: Dial emergency services.
  • Begin CPR: Perform chest compressions and rescue breaths.
  • Use an AED: Apply and follow the prompts of an Automated External Defibrillator.
  • Continue Care: Keep performing CPR until professional help arrives.

Takeaway to remember

A CPR flowchart provides a visual guide to the steps involved in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It includes the sequence of actions to be taken in an emergency.

Reference