CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION IN PROGRESS
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is being performed by one lay person, and two
professional rescuers arrive at the same time. The rescuers enter the process just after
the one rescuer has completed a cycle of 15 compressions and two breaths.
(REMEMBER: One person doing CPR will perform fifteen external chest compressions
then two full breaths. Two persons doing CPR will perform five external chest
compressions then two full breaths.) Two rescuers follow this sequence of steps:
a. One rescuer (the ventilator) positions himself at the casualty's head. That
rescuer (1) opens the airway and (2) checks for a pulse.
b. At the same time, the other rescuer (the compressor) positions himself at the
casualty's side. This rescuer (1) locates the site for external chest compressions and
(2) finds the proper hand position. Both the ventilator and the compressor's actions
should take about 5 seconds.
c. If the ventilator finds no pulse, the compressor should begin external chest
compressions at the rate of 80 to 100 per minute. The ventilator counts "one-and, two-
and, three-and, four-and, five."
d. The compressor pauses at the end of five. The ventilator gives two full
breaths.
NOTE: The pause for two full breaths may be shorter if a tube has been inserted to
open the casualty's airway.
1-18. TWO-RESCUER CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION: NO
CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION IN PROGRESS
When both rescuers arrive at the same time and no CPR is in progress, some
decisions must be made. Both rescuers must decide what to do and start right away.
They should follow this procedure:
a. Determine that the casualty is unresponsive.
b. Position the casualty.
c. One rescuer (the ventilator) should:
(1)
Position himself at the casualty's head.
(2)
Open the air-way.
(3)
Check for breathing.
MD0571
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