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In an Emergency Situation, Would you Know What to Do?

posted by TrueNorth Risk Management on Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Would you know what to do in an emergency? 

• Before starting CPR, check if the person is conscious.
• Check for normal breathing, waiting no more than 10 seconds
• If there is no response, call 911. The operator will assist you with CPR administration 

If CPR is needed, put the person on his or her back on a solid surface and remember CAB: 

• Chest compression - Place the heel of one hand over the center of his or her chest, with the other hand on top and fingers entwined. Push straight down and compress the chest 2 inches. Give compressions at a rate of 100 per minute, or 1 1/2 per second.

After 30 compressions, tilt the head back and give 2 breaths. Continue with 30 pumps and 2 breaths five times before checking again for breathing.  Continue until help arrives. 

• Airway - Open the airway by gently pushing the forehead down and tilting the chin up. 
• Breathing - Pinch the nostrils shut and cover the person's mouth with yours. Give a 1-second breath and watch to see if the chest rises. If not, give a second breath. 

If someone is choking: 

Choking due to an obstructed airway is a serious situation that can lead to death. If you notice someone who is choking but not coughing or able to speak, call or instruct someone near you to call 911 immediately. Then you should perform the Heimlich maneuver.  

Here's how:

• Have the choking victim stand. 
• Place yourself slightly behind the victim and place your arms around his or her waist. 
• Make a fist with one hand, placing your thumb toward the victim, just above his or her navel. 
• Grab your fist with your other hand and deliver five upward thrusts into the victim's abdomen. 
• Your thrusts may move air out of the victim's lungs and create an artificial cough. 
• Repeat the Heimlich maneuver until the food is dislodged. 

It's important to call for emergency assistance BEFORE performing the Heimlich maneuver. Even if you are successful in dislodging the obstruction, the victim should still be checked out by medical personnel.

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