Age Classification

Adults:
For purposes of CPR & First Aid, adults are considered to have reached the "age of puberty."

Children:
For purposes of CPR & First Aid children are considered to be older than one year but have not reached the "age of puberty."

Infants:
For purposes of CPR & First Aid, infants are considered to be under one year of age.


Determine Responsiveness/Activate 9-1-1

Is the Patient Responsive? If not, attempt to awaken the patient by shouting his or her name and taping him or her on the shoulder. If this does not work, follow the steps below:

ACTIVATE 9-1-1
The person should be placed on their back and on a firm surface whenever possible. BE SPECIFIC - DIRECT A SINGLE PERSON TO CALL 9-1-1 For example, don't ask, "Can someone call 9-1-1?" Instead say "You, call 9-1-1!"


Know your ABC's

A=Airway
  • Open the Airway - Use the Head-Tilt Chin-Lift Maneuver
  • If the Patient is Suspected to be a Trauma Victim - They May Have a Neck Injury - It is Advised to Use the Jaw Thrust Maneuver


    • B=Breathing
  • Check for Breathing by Looking for Chest Rise and fall, Listening for Air Exchange and Feeling for Air Movement
  • If No Breathing is found, Start CPR
  • If Breathing is found, place the patient in the HAINES Recovery Position
  • Note the breathing pattern
  • Is it faster than normal?
  • Is it irregular?
  • Are there occasional "gasps" for air (also Called Agonal Respirations) - if so, this is not adequate - start CPR


    • Video Resource

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    Haines Recovery Position Video

    An unconscious but breathing person should be placed in the HAINES Recovery Position. This position affords better protection to the spine when compared to other positions. At the same time, the position is able to afford protection to the airway by reducing the chance of the person choking on secretions, vomit or other foreign material which may be present in their mouth.

    Haines Recovery Position Video

    The player will show in this paragraph


    ABC's Continued

    C=Circulation
  • Blood is full of necessary oxygen and nutrients that every organ in the body constantly needs
  • Circulation is the Body's Ability to Pump Blood and get it to all of the organs of the body..
  • Check for Life Threatening Bleeding, including Large Quantities of Blood Loss.
  • Stop the Bleeding Immediately by Using Direct Pressure (use gloves if possible).
  • Check for Signs of Poor Circulation
  • Skin Color - Pale or Bluish
  • Skin Condition - Sweaty
  • Skin Temperature - Cool or Cold
    •


    Pulse Locations



    Above there are two sets of pictures. The picture on the left displays acceptable places to check for a pulse. The picture on the right shows the major arteries which are means of bloodflow for the body.

    Carotid Pulse
    Located to the left and right of the "throat". You can check your carotid pulse now to get a feel for what its like.

    Brachial Pulse
    Located underneath your upper arm just below your armpit. Locate your brachial pulse now.

    Radial Pulse
    Located on the underside of your arm, Thumb side just above your wrist. Locate your radial pulse now.

    Femoral pulse
    Located both to the left and right of the groin. This is an acceptable location, however it may be easier to check a carotid pulse instead.

    The picture on the right demonstrates acceptable pressure points to minimize blood loss.

    You may use the Brachial, Radial, or Femoral sites as pressure points. Do not use the Carotid! Only use the carotid pulse to quickly check for the presence or absence of pulses.

    The injury must be further down the extremity for a pressure point to work. An example would be a laceration to the knee that will not stop bleeding. You can help to stop the bleeding by using the Femoral pressure point.