Finding a pulse before starting CPR is no longer considered necessary. It can be difficult to find a pulse in a stressful situation and doing so can waste vital time. Recognising if the person is unconscious and not breathing normally is far more reliable.
Our science guidelines state that checking for a pulse is often inaccurate and delays the start of vital chest compressions in lay populations. Therefore, it is not recommended for those that are not healthcare professionals to take the time to check for a pulse.
The physicians and scientists at the Sarver Heart Center, have found that the old saying "Never perform CPR on beating heart" is not valid. According to these professionals, the chances that a bystander could harm a person by pressing on their chest are slim to none, even if the heart is working normally.
If they do have a pulse but aren't breathing, give them CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) until help arrives. CPR chest compressions are important because they provide oxygenated blood flow to all parts of the body and keep organs alive until medical personnel arrive on scene.
Check the carotid pulse of the victim. The carotid pulse is located between the stenocleidomastoid (muscle on the side of the neck) and the trachea (windpipe). Press with 2-3 fingers and feel for a pulse on the side of the neck closer to the rescuer.
If you cannot feel a pulse (or if you are unsure), begin CPR by doing 30 compressions followed by two breaths. If you can feel a pulse but the pulse rate is less than 60 beats per minute, you should begin CPR.
What happens if you come upon a patient who has a strong, regular pulse, but is not breathing? This person is in respiratory arrest, and while it is similar to cardiac arrest, it is managed slightly differently and therefore deserves to be discussed separately.
A: If there is no rhythm change and the same waveform of VT continues, you would not need to perform a pulse check. Performing the pulse check would delay the continuation of chest compressions. Once VT is pulseless it is very unlikely that any VT will be able to produce life-sustaining cardiac contractions.
Check if the person is breathing abnormally or not breathing at all after 10 seconds. If they are breathing normally, place them in the recovery position and stay with them. If they are still not breathing normally, start CPR. Chest compressions are the most important part of CPR.
Leaning or keeping even a little bit of pressure on the chest between each compression will seriously reduce the effectiveness of CPR. The rescuer needs to take his or her full weight off the patient's chest between each compression so the chest fully recoils.
CPR with rescue breaths
Place the heel of your hand on the centre of the person's chest, then place the palm of your other hand on top and press down by 5 to 6cm (2 to 2.5 inches) at a steady rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute. After every 30 chest compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
No, although it is recommended. Sometimes an AED will tell you not to shock a victim. At that time, check the victim's pulse. If the victim has no pulse, proceed with CPR if you are trained.
Measuring the pulse gives important information about your health. Any change from your normal heart rate can indicate a health problem. Fast pulse may signal an infection or dehydration. In emergency situations, the pulse rate can help determine if the person's heart is pumping.
If your casualty is unconscious then they will be unable to tell you how they feel therefore a pulse check can indicate if their condition is getting better or worse. It can also help you as part of the diagnosis procedure to establish what could be wrong with them.
In an unconscious/unresponsive adult, the preferred pulse point is the carotid artery.
Why not shock a PEA Arrest? In a PEA arrest, similar to Asystole, the heart doesn't have the means to use the shock you're sending it because the primary cause has yet to be corrected. Shocking a heart in PEA arrest is like kicking a comatose patient in the abdomen (which we do not recommend).
Shocks should only be delivered for pulseless VT and VF. Likewise, antiarrhythmic drugs and drugs to support blood pressure may be used.
If someone is breathing normally, you usually do not need to perform CPR. Oxygen is still getting to the brain and the heart is obviously functioning for the time being. In this case, call 911 and wait. Keep an eye on the person to note any changes and to start CPR if their condition worsens.
This can occur with obstructive sleep apnea, for example. Prolonged apnea means a person has stopped breathing. If the heart is still active, the condition is known as respiratory arrest. This is a life-threatening event that requires immediate medical attention and first aid.
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is the sudden loss of all heart activity due to an irregular heart rhythm. Breathing stops. The person becomes unconscious.
One cycle of CPR consists of 30 compressions + 2 rescue breaths. Keep repeating this process and aim to do 5 cycles of CPR in roughly 2 minutes. Giving life-saving CPR is tiring. If you have another person to help you, swap with minimal interruption, so they give compressions and rescue breaths every 5 cycles.
CPR is the action of giving 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths. Try to achieve 5 sets of 30:2 in about 2 minutes (or 100–120 compressions/ minute). If unwilling or unable to give breaths, giving compressions only is better than not doing CPR at all.
Do I need to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation when doing CPR? The current Australian Resuscitation Council guidelines for CPR is 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. If a responder is not willing or able to perform rescue breaths, chest compressions only or hands-only CPR should still be performed.