5. Dealing with someone who isn't breathing
Life lost
When Gary had a motorbike accident and couldn't breathe, all he
needed was someone to open his airways. But no one knew this was
the one thing that could save his life.
Read Gary Edwards's story
Life saved
When he collapsed on a London street, the first aid training of
a nearby stranger made the difference between life and death
for Keith Lawrenz.
Read Keith Lawrenz's story
How to be the difference for someone not breathing
OPEN AIRWAY
If they are
unconscious, check their airway is open and clear
TILT HEAD
Tilt the head and
lift the chin to open the airway
CHECK FOR BREATHING
Look along the chest,
and listen and feel for breaths- If they are not breathing, their heart will stop.
CPR
must be started
immediately.
999
Call for help
PUMP
Place one hand on
the centre of their chest. Place the heel of your other hand on top
of the first and interlock your fingers, but keep your fingers off
the ribs- L
ean directly over
their chest and press down vertically about 4-5 cm (1 ½ -2 inches).
Release the pressure, but don’t remove your hands
- Give 30 compressions at a rate of 100 per minute
BREATHE
Tilt their head back with one hand and lift the chin
with two fingers of your other hand to ensure the airway is
open
Pinch their nose to
close the nostrils. Take a breath and seal your lips over their
mouth until the chest rises- Maintaining the head
tilt and chin lift, take your mouth away from theirs. Look along
the chest and watch it fall
- Repeat to give two rescue breaths. Repeat 30 chest compressions
followed by two rescue breaths
CONTINUE
- Continue
CPR
until emergency help
arrives, they start to breathe normally or you’re too exhausted to
continue.
NB. Advice refers to adult CPR