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CPR Basics

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 18, 2007

Someone loses consciousness and doesn't appear to be breathing. What do you do?

Gently tap on the person's shoulder and ask "Are you OK?" to see if there are signs of life.

If there is no response, call 911and immediately use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if available.

If no AED is available, tilt the victim's head back by lifting the chin, thereby opening the mouth and airway, and briefly check for breaths.

Pinch the nostrils closed, put your mouth over the victim's mouth, take a normal breath and blow into the victim's mouth for one second, watching to see if the chest rises. Immediately give a second rescue breath.

If there is no response, begin chest compressions by placing your hands on the breastbone, between the nipples and just above where the ribs meet. Keep your elbows straight and your hands directly below your shoulders. Push down to about 1/3rd of the body's depth, at a rate of about 100 beats per minute. Do five cycles of 30-compressions-to-2 breaths before briefly checking for signs of life. If there is no response, continue CPR until medical help arrives or until an AED is available.

Charles Sand, emergency physician at St. Joseph's Hospital

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