Basic HTML Version
Chapter 42 — 6
Duration of CPR
Continue CPR until:
signs of life return
more qualified help arrives
rescuers are exhausted.
an authorized person pronounces the patient dead.
Recovery checks
Frequent recovery checks (stopping cardiac compressions to feel the pulse) are no longer considered
appropriate. Interruptions to cardiac compressions result in a poor outcome. Lay people often have
difficulty feeling a pulse. Continue CPR until there are signs of life.
D – AUTOMATIC
DEFIBRILLATION
If an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is available
attach it and follow the prompts.
Some causes of cardiac arrest (e.g. ventricular fibrillation) can be fixed by giving an electrical shock
through the chest.
An AED can analyse the cardiac electrical activity and automatically give a shock if appropriate.
If required, the AED should be used as soon as possible after initial CPR.
CPR should be continued until the AED is attached.
If the device detects a shockable rhythm and delivers a shock, CPR should be continued for a further
two minutes - the heart takes a few minutes to recover its strength. The machine should then be used
to recheck the rhythm.