5. Integrated Approach: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
When a person has no pulse and is not breathing, artificial respiration must be combined with chest compressions in the form of CPR. This integrated approach is critical because rescue breaths provide oxygen, while chest compressions circulate that oxygenated blood to the brain and other organs.
- CPR Cycle: The standard protocol is a continuous cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
- Chest Compression Technique (Adults):
- Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), with the other hand interlocked on top.
- Keep your arms straight and shoulders positioned directly over your hands.
- Push down to a depth of 5-6 cm at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
- Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions to let the heart refill with blood.
- Continuation: This 30:2 cycle should be performed without interruption until professional help arrives, an AED is available, or the person shows signs of life.