To make learning CPR easier, a system was devised that makes remembering
it as simple as **A-B-C:**

-   **[A]{.underline}irway**

-   **[B]{.underline}reathing**

-   **[C]{.underline}irculation**

If someone besides you is present, they should dial 911 immediately. If
you're alone with the victim, try to call for help **prior to starting
CPR on an adult** and **after a minute on a child**. Before we learn
what to do in an emergency, we must first emphasize what
[not]{.underline} to do:

-   DO NOT leave the victim alone.

-   DO NOT try make the victim drink water.

-   DO NOT throw water on the victim\'s face.

-   DO NOT prompt the victim into a sitting position.

-   DO NOT try to revive the victim by slapping his face.

Before you start any rescue efforts, you must remember to check the
victim for **responsiveness**.

If you suspect that the victim has sustained spinal or neck injury, do
not move or shake him. Otherwise, shake the victim gently and shout
\"Are you okay?\" to see if there is any response. If the victim is
someone you know, call out his name as you shake him.

If there is no response, immediately dial 9-1-1 and check the
[**[airway]{.underline}**](http://www.firstaidweb.com/adult1.php)

**AIRWAY**

**\"A\"** is for AIRWAY. If the victim is unconscious and is
unresponsive, you need to make sure that his airway is clear of any
obstructions. The breaths may be faint and shallow - **look, listen**
and **feel** for any signs of breathing. If you determine that the
victim is not breathing, then something may be blocking his air passage.
The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious
person.

With the victim lying flat on his back, place your hand on his forehead
and your other hand under the tip of the chin (Figure 1). Gently tilt
the victim\'s head backward. In this position the weight of the tongue
will force it to shift away from the back of the throat, opening the
airway (Figure 2).

If the person is still not breathing on his own after the airway has
been cleared, you will have to assist him
[**[breathing]{.underline}**](http://www.firstaidweb.com/adult2.php)

**BREATHING**

**\"B\"** is for BREATHING. With the victim\'s airway clear of any
obstructions, gently support his chin so as to keep it lifted up and the
head tilted back. Pinch his nose with your fingertips to prevent air
from escaping once you begin to ventilate and place your mouth over the
victim\'s, creating a tight seal (Figure 1).

As you assist the person in breathing, keep an eye on his chest. Try not
to over-inflate the victim\'s lungs as this may force air into the
stomach, causing him to vomit. If this happens, turn the person\'s head
to the side and sweep any obstructions out of the mouth before
proceeding.

Give **two** full breaths. Between each breath allow the victim\'s lungs
to relax - place your ear near his mouth and listen for air to escape
and watch the chest fall as the victim exhales (Figure 2).

If the victim remains unresponsive (no breathing, coughing or moving),
check his
[**[circulation]{.underline}**![](media/image1.png){width="9.375e-2in"
height="9.375e-2in"}](http://www.firstaidweb.com/adult3.php)

**CIRCULATION**

**\"C\"** is for CIRCULATION. In order to determine if the victim\'s
heart is beating, place two fingertips on his carotid artery, located in
the depression between the windpipe and the neck muscles (Figure 1), and
apply slight pressure for several seconds.

If there is no pulse then the victim\'s heart is not beating, and you
will have to perform chest
[**[compressions]{.underline}**![](media/image1.png){width="9.375e-2in"
height="9.375e-2in"}](http://www.firstaidweb.com/adult4.php)

**COMPRESSIONS**

When performing chest compressions, proper hand placement is very
important. To locate the correct hand position place two fingers at the
sternum (the spot where the lower ribs meet) then put the heel of your
other hand next to your fingers (Figure 1).

Place one hand on top of the other and interlace the fingers (Figure 2).
Lock your elbows and using your body\'s weight, compress the victim's
chest. The depth of compressions should be approximately 1½ to 2
inches - remember: **2 hands, 2 inches** (Figure 3). If you feel or hear
slight cracking sound, you may be pressing too hard. Do not become
alarmed and do not stop your rescue efforts! Damaged cartilage or
cracked ribs are far less serious then a lost life. Simply apply less
pressure as you continue compressions.

Count aloud as you compress **15** times at the rate of about 3
compressions for every 2 seconds. Finish the cycle by giving the victim
**2** breaths. This process should be performed four times - 15
compressions and 2 breaths - after which remember to check the victim\'s
carotid artery for pulse and any signs of consciousness.

If there is no pulse, continue performing 15 compressions/2 breaths,
checking for pulse after every 4 cycles until help arrives.

If you feel a pulse (i.e. the victim\'s heart is beating) but the victim
is still not breathing, **rescue breaths** should be administered, one
rescue breath every five seconds (remember to pinch the nose to prevent
air from escaping). After the first rescue breath, count five seconds
and if the victim does not take a breath on his own, give another rescue
breath.

In case of an emergency you may be the victim\'s only chance of
survival. Until an ambulance arrives and professional assistance is
available, you can increase that chance by 40% simply by remembering and
effectively administering Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation.

1\. Check for responsiveness by shouting and shaking the victim. Do
[not]{.underline} shake or move the victim if you suspect he may have
sustained spinal injury.

2\. Call 9-1-1.

3\. Remember your A-B-C:

-   [A]{.underline}irway: tilt the head back and lift the neck to clear
    the airway.

-   [B]{.underline}reathing: pinch the victim\'s nose and give 2
    breaths, watching for the chest to rise with each breath.

-   [C]{.underline}irculation: if there is no pulse, perform 15 chest
    compressions - 2 hands, 2 inches.

4\. Check for pulse and if necessary perform the cycle again.

Congratulations!