The Ultimate Cheat Sheet on CPR

CPRNM® is a comprehensive directory designed to connect individuals and employers with top-tier training providers including the AHA®, Red Cross®, and other training providers.*

July 15, 2019

CPR

Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be as easy as its more commonly used acronym, CPR.  Once training in CPR is complete it can seem like second nature to carry out if and when it is needed.  Over time though, it helps to brush up on the methods and techniques.  Let this ultimate cheat sheet on CPR be your guide to keeping up with this life saving skill.

Terms

CPR is a well-known acronym that fittingly comprises more helpful acronyms within its methods.  Some popular ones include CCC (check, call, care), ACT (assess, call, treat), ABC (airway, breathing, compressions), CAB (compressions, airway, breathing), and AED (automated external defibrillator).  In the event these sound a little unfamiliar, below is an ultimate cheat sheet on CPR terms to help clarify the alphabet soup of CPR.

1 second—length of time to give rescue breath

2—number of rescue breaths between compression cycles

30—compression count between rescue breaths

100-120—rate or speed of compressions per minute

911—emergency service number to call right away when determining medical response is necessary

Adult—grown person over 18 years

AED—automated external defibrillator, electric medical device used to detect arrhythmic heart rates and administer shock if needed

Airway—open using the head tilt/chin lift method to deliver rescue breaths

ACT—assess the situation, call 911, treat the victim by beginning CPR

BPM—beats per minute in a song that can help keep track of the 100-120 compressions needed per minute, examples: Staying Alive, Walk The Line, Crazy in Love etc

Call—for help, for and AED and 911 to receive emergency services

Cardiac arrest—heart ceases to function

Care—begin providing care to the victim such as CPR or first aid

Center of chest—between the nipples along breast bone

Check—view the scene for safety hazards

Chest rise—successful rescue breaths should inflate the chest slightly

Child—1-8 years old

Circulation—CPR circulates oxygenated blood through the body when the body is not doing so

Compressions—thrusts 1 ½ to 2 inches in depth into the center of the chest to promote oxygenated blood flow to vital organs

CPR—cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Hands-only CPR—CPR with compressions only and omitting rescue breaths, usually used by those untrained

Head tilt/Chin lift—maneuver to open the airway and deliver rescue breaths

Inches—1 ½ inch compression depth for infants, 2 inches compression depth for children through adults

Infant—up to one year old

Mask—CPR mask can be used to provide a barrier for delivering rescue breaths

Medical assistance—emergency services arriving as a result of calling 911

Mouth to mouth—method for delivering ventilation via rescue breaths from the rescuer’s mouth to the victim’s

Pulse—pattern of blood pumping through the body

Recovery position—left arm raised, rolled onto left side

Rescue breaths—given commonly from mouth-to-mouth method to breathe for the victim and deliver oxygen to lungs during CPR

Rocking motion—used to propel rescuer’s body into the victim’s for best compression delivery

Solid surface—victim should be moved to a solid surface (floor) if able to be done safely, for optimum positioning and support for CPR

Stack hands—both hands interlaced on top of each other in the center of the chest with heel of hand as base to deliver compressions

Teen—8-18 years of age

Emergency Response Scenario

With CPR terms above refreshed, it can help to visualize a CPR scenario to imprint these life saving steps.  The more familiar with the procedure, the more likely to be used swiftly when needed.

When a person is found to suddenly collapse or be unresponsive, ACT:

1. Assess the scene and the victim
   1. Is it free of surrounding hazards
   2. Is the victim responsive
      1. Tap them and ask “Are you ok” or “Can you hear me”
      2. Inform then you are here to help
   3. Is the victim breathing
   4. Is the victim on a hard flat surface
2. Call for help
   1. Call 911
      1. Send someone to call 911 or call yourself, stay with the victim if possible
      2. Send someone to retrieve an AED if available
      3. Remain on the phone and follow 911 operator’s instructions
3.  Treat
   1. Begin CPR if victim is unresponsive and not breathing

CPR Run Through For Teens/Adults 8 Years and Up

Now that the ACT steps have a base line, time to refresh those CPR steps.  Keep in mind the compression only option is available for teens through adults if the rescuer is untrained, out of practice, or uncertain.

1. Give 30 Compressions
   1. Place heel of your hand in center of chest
   2. Interlock fingers of other hand on top
   3. Use your body weight to rock and push into chest
   4. Push hard and fast
      1. 2 inch depth
      2. 2 per second to reach 120 BPM
2. Allow chest to return before compressing each time
3. Give 2 Rescue Breaths (option for compressions only if untrained/uncertain)
   1. Head tilt/chin lift
      1. One had on top of forehead
      2. Other hand under chin
4. Push forehead back
5. Lift chin
6. Pinch nose shut
7. Cover mouth completely with yours to seal
8. Breathe for 1 second
   1. Watch for victim’s chest to rise
   2. If it does, continue to 2 breaths total
9. If it does not, conduct head tilt/chin lift again
10. Return to compressions
11. Continue Compression/Breath Cycle
    1. Trading out with another rescuer every couple minutes
    2. Until medical help arrives
    3. You are too exhausted to continue

CPR Run Through For Children 1-8 Years

CPR has some slight differences for younger victims.  The combination of compressions and breaths is required for thorough CPR on child victims.

1. Give 30 Compressions
   1. Place heel of your hand in center of chest
   2. Interlock fingers of other hand on top (one handed option for children)
   3. Use your body weight to rock and push into chest
   4. Push hard and fast
      1. 2 inch depth
      2. Nearly 2 per second, minimum 100 per minute
2. Allow chest to return before compressing each time
3. Give 2 Rescue Breaths
   1. Head tilt/chin lift
      1. One had on top of forehead
      2. Other hand under chin
4. Push forehead back
5. Lift chin
6. Cover nose/mouth completely with yours to seal
   1. Option to pinch nose closed
7. Breathe for 1 second
   1. Watch for victim’s chest to rise
   2. If it does, continue to 2 breaths total
8. If it does not, conduct head tilt/chin lift and try again
9. Return to compressions
10. Continue Compression/Breath Cycle
    1. Trading out with another rescuer every couple minutes
    2. Until medical help arrives
    3. You are too exhausted to continue

CPR Run Through For Infants Up to 1 Year

CPR has some additional differences for the youngest of victims.  The combination of compressions and breaths is vital for this age group as well, along with smaller compression depth and use of fingers for compressions due to their size.

1. Give 30 Compressions
   1. Place 2-3 fingers in center of chest
   2. Use your body weight to rock and push into chest
   3. Push hard and fast
      1. 1 ½ inch depth
      2. Nearly 2 per second, minimum 100 per minute
2. Allow chest to return before compressing each time
3. Give 2 Rescue Breaths
   1. Head tilt/chin lift
      1. One had on top of forehead
      2. Other hand under chin
4. Push forehead back
5. Lift chin
6. Cover nose/mouth completely with yours to seal
7. Breathe for 1 second
   1. Watch for victim’s chest to rise
      1. Infant lungs are smaller so less force is needed to fill them
   2. If it does, continue to 2 breaths total
8. If it does not, conduct head tilt/chin lift and try again
9. Return to compressions
10. Continue Compression/Breath Cycle
    1. Trading out with another rescuer every couple minutes
    2. Until medical help arrives
    3. You are too exhausted to continue

This ultimate cheat sheet on CPR is a great tool for CPR emergency readiness.  Recurrent training in CPR is strongly suggested to keep terms and skills sharp and up to date.

Can I use this info to become CPR certified?

We offer free online CPR classes and you only pay if you would like to purchase the certificate after you pass the test: