Section outline

    • American Heart Association--Friends and Family--Hands only and AED Portion

      Adult Chain of Survival

      Phone 911/CPR/AED/EMS/Hospital

      You are the first link when you recognize the emergency and call 911!

      Action

      Make sure the scene is safe

      Tap and shout--Are you okay? Are you okay?

      Shout for help

      Phone 911 and get an AED

      ---if someone comes to help, have him/her call 911 and get the AED

      ---if you are alone and have a cell phone, call 911 and get the AED if available

      ---if you do not have a cell phone, leave the person and go call 911 and get the AED if available

      ---use the AED as soon as you have it

      Check for breathing for 5 seconds, no longer than 10 seconds. If not breathing normally or gasping, begin CPR 

      ---IF the person is breathing but NOT responsive, turn on side and wait for EMS to arrive

      Give compressions

      ---make sure the person is lying on a firm flat surface

      ---move shirt out of the way (I did not demonstrate on video---you will understand why)

      ---put the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone and place the other hand on top of the first hand

      ---push straight down at least 2 inches at the rate of 100-120 per minute (hard and fast)

      ---let the chest come back up after each compression

      AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

      Turn on the AED and follow the instructions

      Attach the pads

      ---follow pictures (right upper chest and left lower rib cage area)

      ---pull peeling away and attach

      Let the AED check heart rhythm

      ---do not touch the person and LOOK to make sure no one else is

      Clear and deliver shock if needed

      ---follow prompts to begin CPR if indicated

      Continue CPR until help arrives.  Leave the AED pads in place. If EMS has not arrived yet, the AED will check the rhythm again. Follow prompts.