7.0 Field Reference: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses common queries encountered during resuscitation efforts.
Q: How long should resuscitation efforts be continued? A: Artificial respiration and/or CPR must be continued without interruption until professional medical help arrives and assumes care, or until the patient begins to breathe normally and shows signs of circulation.
Q: What are the most critical points to ensure effective ventilation? A: To ensure every breath is effective, confirm these three points:
- Open Airway: The head and neck are correctly positioned (head-tilt, chin-lift for adults; neutral “sniffing position” for infants).
- Proper Seal: There are no air leaks around the mouth or resuscitation device.
- Visible Chest Rise: The chest visibly rises with each 1-second breath and falls completely before the next.
Q: When is artificial respiration performed alone versus with CPR? A: Perform artificial respiration alone for a patient who has a pulse but is not breathing or is breathing inadequately. If there is no pulse, you must perform full CPR (compressions and breaths).
Q: How many rescue breaths are given in a CPR cycle? A: Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 chest compressions.