Figure 10-7.--Position for standing chest thrust.
Figure 10-8.--Procedure for self-help.
CHEST THRUSTS RECLINING
heart will soon stop beating. In such instances, be
TECHNIQUE
prepared to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
The signs of respiratory arrest are an absence of
This technique is performed with the victim lying
respiratory effort, a lack of detectable air movement
flat, faceup.
through the nose or mouth, unconsciousness, and a
1. kneel at the victim's side.
bluish discoloration of the lips and nail beds.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the middle of the
sternum and cover with the other hand, keeping your
ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION
fingers off the chest.
The purpose of artificial ventilation is to provide a
3. Give four downward thrusts.
method of air exchange until natural breathing is
4. Repeat cycles of chest thrusts and finger sweeps,
reestablished. Artificial ventilation should be given only
following the same technique you would use with
when natural breathing has stopped; it must not be given
abdominal thrusts.
to any person who is breathing naturally. Do not assume
that a person's breathing has stopped merely because the
SELF-HELP FOR AIRWAY OBSTRUCTION
person is unconscious or has been rescued from the
water, from poisonous gas, or from contact with an
If you are alone and you are the victim of an airway
electric wire. Remember: DO NOT GIVE
obstruction, do not be afraid for you can help yourself.
ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION TO A PERSON WHO
Using your own fist, you can perform the abdominal
IS BREATHING NATURALLY.
thrust standing technique. You may also use the back of
In the last section, we discussed the methods to open
a chair to exert abdominal pressure. (See fig. 10-8.)
the blocked airway. When the victim is not breathing, it
is essential for the airway to be open so the rescuer can
BREATHING
begin respiratory life support. When the victim does not
begin spontaneous breathing after opening the airway,
The second aspect of basic life support is to restore
begin artificial ventilation immediately. When
breathing in cases of respiratory arrest (the victim has
ventilation is inadequate, readjust the head, using one of
stopped breathing). Failure of the breathing mechanism
the methods described earlier and attempt to ventilate
may be caused by various factors. They include
again. If the airway is obstructed, use the thrust
complete airway obstruction, acute trauma, suffocation,
electric shock drowning, and drug overdose. Unless
techniques discussed previously, followed by another
something is done when the victim is not breathing, the
attempt at artificial ventilation.
10-5
