b'Chapter hapterC DCardiopulmonary ResuscitationD R S A B Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is the combination of applying chest compressions and rescue breathing to a patient whose heart has stopped and is not breathing. CPR helps maintain life by oxygenating the blood and providing artificial circulation until professional help arrives. CPR is applied when the patient is unconscious and not breathing normally. Causes include heart attack, electric shock, drug overdose, poisoning and advanced stagesof shock.A first aider must start chest compressions if the patient is unconscious and not breathing normallyIf the patient is unconscious and not breathing normally:Give 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.Continue 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until Ambulance arrives, or untilresponsiveness or normal breathing returns.If a first aider is unable or unwilling to perform rescue breathing, it is advised that chest compressions only be performed.Compressions should be continuous at a rate of approximately 100-120 per minute.Chest CompressionsHow to Perform Chest Compressions Ensure the patient is on their back, preferably on a firm flat surface such as the floor and not on a soft surface like a bed. Kneel beside the patient with one knee level with the neck/head and the other level with the lower chest.The recommended compression point is the lower half of the sternum or in the centre of the chest in all age groups. Direct visualisation may be used to locate the compression point.Note: Compressions applied too high are ineffective and if applied too low may causeregurgitation and/or damage to internal organs.Compression ReleaseThe heart is rhythmically compressed between the breastbone (sternum) and back bone (spine).Resuscitation 43'