RESTORING THE CIRCUALATION

RESTORING THE CIRCUALATION

If there is no pulse, the heart has stopped. You will have to provide an artificial circulation by performing chest compression, in which will send blood to the brain. To be of any use to the brain, this supply of blood must be oxygenated, therefore chest compression must be combined with artificial ventilation in the way laid out in The Sequence of CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).

CHEST COMPRESSION

1. With the casualty lying flat on his back on a firm surface, kneel beside him, and find one of his lowest ribs using your index and middle fingers. Slide your fingers upwards to the point on the middle where the rib margins join at the breastbone. Place your middle finger over this point (the xiphistemun) and your index finger on the breastbone (stemum) above.

2. Place the heel of your other hand on the breastbone, and then slide it down until it reaches your index finger. This is the point at which you will apply pressure.

3. Place the heel of your first hand on top of the other hand, and interlock the fingers.

4. Leaning well over the casualty, with your arms straight on the chest, and press down vertically on the breastbone to depress it approximately 4 to 5 cm, then release the pressure without removing your hands. 

5. Repeat the compressions, aiming for a rate of approximately 80 compressions per minute. To combine with artificial ventilation, follow the sequence.