The radial pulse is located on your wrist just under the base of the thumb/palm. Feel around the person’s wrist, using your index (first finger) and middle finger on one hand until you find the pulse. If you can’t feel a beating pattern than there is no pulse. The carotid pulse is located on the neck. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The carotid arteries are just underneath the jaw on both sides of the neck. Press the same two fingers on one side of the neck in the soft hollow area just beside the person’s Adam’s apple. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
The radial pulse is located on your wrist just under the base of the thumb/palm. Feel around the person’s wrist, using your index (first finger) and middle finger on one hand until you find the pulse. If you can’t feel a beating pattern than there is no pulse. The carotid pulse is located on the neck. [5] X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlus Collection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source The carotid arteries are just underneath the jaw on both sides of the neck. Press the same two fingers on one side of the neck in the soft hollow area just beside the person’s Adam’s apple. [6] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Place your hands, palms down, on the person’s chest. Then, check to see if you can feel or see a rise and fall of the chest indicating breathing. An alternative method is to listen for breathing by placing your ear close to the person’s mouth.
Medical practitioners and first-responce assistants suggest using the C. O. W. S system: Can you hear me? Open your eyes! What’s your name? Squeeze my hand (gently place your hand on their palm)![9] X Research source
Do not just shout for anyone to call 911. If there are other people around, select one person, look him in the eye, and tell him to contact emergency services. Say something like, “You, the man in the red shirt! Call 911 now!”
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation allows manual compression of the heart to pump blood and manual assisted breathing to get oxygen to the person. Those who have no pulse and/or are not able to breath on their own require immediate CPR.
If you suspect head and/or neck injury, do not move the person. This may result in paralysis or other serious complications. Provide as much aid as you can without moving the person. [13] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Your pace should be such that you are delivering about 100 compressions per minute. An easy way to keep this pace is to deliver compressions to the beat of the song “Stayin’ Alive. “[16] X Trustworthy Source American Heart Association Leading nonprofit that funds medical research and public education Go to source
After completing 30 compressions, deliver the two breaths and then deliver 30 more compressions. Keep repeating the cycle until help or an AED arrives. If you are not certified in CPR, you can skip the breaths. The emphasis for a bystander is on delivering chest compressions. [18] X Research source CPR is exhausting and can be intense (you may break the person’s ribs while delivering compressions). It’s okay to trade off with someone else if you become exhausted — it doesn’t help if you are too tired to deliver CRP properly. If you suspect head or neck trauma it is best not to perform the tilt technique, instead a jaw thrust should be performed so as not to aggravate the neck. Place the palms of your hand over the person’s cheek bone and place fingers under the angle of the jaw and lift the jaw upward. [19] X Research source
If an AED is available, then use it immediately! If it is not available, then continue CPR until it is or until help arrives. It is safe to use an AED on a pregnant woman. Defibrillation does not transfer any significant electrical current to a fetus. The AED machine only delivers a shock once it has analyzed the heart rhythm and determines if it is needed. If so, it will prompt everyone to stand clear of the person receiving the shock and not to touch them. However, you should still screen to make sure no one is in contact with the person before pressing the “shock” button by yelling “Clear!”
A 911 operator may also be able to help guide you as you use the device. If you are not sure how to work the AED and no one else is around, call 911 and ask for guidance.
Place one pad on the right center of the person’s chest above the nipple. Place the other pad slightly below the other nipple and to the left of the rib cage.
Repeat this process until help arrives or pulse returns.
