Hygiene Atlas

Atlas · Plate XIII · Medical Emergencies · 09

Basic life support

For an adult in cardiac arrest, recognize it and call EMS, then compress at least 2 inches deep at 100-120 per minute with full recoil, giving 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Children and infants switch to 15:2 when two rescuers are present. Check breathing and pulse for no more than 10 seconds, use the AED as soon as it arrives and keep pauses under 10 seconds.

High-yield facts · 9

  1. Adult CPR: compressions at 100-120 per minute, at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) deep, allowing full recoil.S26
  2. Adult ratio: 30 compressions to 2 breaths without an advanced airway, for one or two rescuers.S26
  3. Child (1 year to puberty): depth about 2 inches (5 cm, one-third of chest depth); 30:2 one rescuer, 15:2 two rescuers.S26
  4. Infant (under 1 year): depth about 1.5 inches (4 cm); 30:2 one rescuer, 15:2 two rescuers.S26
  5. Check breathing and pulse together for no more than 10 seconds.S26
  6. Rescue breathing with a pulse: adults 1 breath every 6 seconds; infants and children 1 breath every 2-3 seconds.S26
  7. Use the AED as soon as it arrives; resume compressions immediately after a shock.S26
  8. Minimize interruptions in compressions to under 10 seconds.S26
  9. Adult chain of survival starts with recognizing cardiac arrest and calling EMS.S26

Facts are written in our own words; each tag links to its source. Values marked "sources vary" differ between references, so check the one your program uses.