United Provider Network, Inc.
MUST complete the Emergency Planning Course before completing this course!
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - This system of assistance helps circulate blood containing oxygen to vital organs in the body until emergency personnel arrive and take over for the lay responder.
Adult CPR is for individuals age 12 or older.
First Aid Kits, Breathing Barriers & Gloves
Always keep a First Aid kit available in your automobile and your home. Remember to rotate supplies in it, so they are fresh and useable. First Aid kits should include gloves and breathing barriers. There are many different types of breathing barriers, but their purposes are the same:
To protect you by providing a barrier between you and the victim.
If a breathing barrier or disposable gloves are not available, be creative and use the following:
Cut a small hole in the plastic bag or plastic wrap you are using in order to be able to give breaths to the victim during CPR. Breathing barriers may also be purchased at drug stores and the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
You have just come across an accident scene and you see that there is an unconscious
victim. What are the steps that should be taken to be an effective rescuer?
The victim is face down when you arrive on the scene:
1. CHECK the scene for safety for yourself and the victim.
2. CALL 911 or CARE FIRST for the victim? You must decide whether the victim
has been without air and you need to CARE FIRST or if you have time to
Change the position of the victim VERY carefully by rolling him/her onto the back while supporting the head, neck and back.
Checking the victim:
CHECK the victim’s breathing for only 5-10 seconds by opening the victim’s airway
by tilting the head back (with your hand on the forehead) and lifting the chin. If you
suspect a head or neck injury, use the “jaw thrust” method ( place your fingers under
the jaw bones and lift) to open the airway to minimize movement.
LOOK, LISTEN and FEEL:
With the victim's head tilted back (your hand on their forehead) and chin lifted, place your ear over the victim's mouth and nose while looking at the chest.
LOOK for the chest rising,
LISTEN for air exchanging through the mouth or nose, and
FEEL breath on your ear from the victim.
- If the victim is breathing and has circulation, place victim in the recovery position.
(On side with arm or soft item under head.)
- If the victim is NOT breathing or you are having difficulty determining if he/she
is breathing, check for signs of circulation. Signs of circulation may include a pulse,
coughing, movement or normal breathing may even resume.
Two Steps of CPR:
After checking the victim, the victim is not breathing, but has a pulse
Step One - Perform RESCUE BREATHING:
With the victim's head tilted back (your hand on their forehead) and chin lifted, give
2 rescue breaths by placing your mouth (using breathing barrier if possible) over the victim's mouth, sealing the airway and breath into the victim 2 times.
After breaths go in successfully, continue performing RESCUE BREATHING at the
rate of 1 breath every 5 seconds for about 1 minute.
Recheck for signs of circulation and breathing every minute, continuing until help
After checking the victim, the victim is not breathing and has no pulse:
Step Two - Perform Adult CPR:
give 2 rescue breaths by placing your mouth (using breathing barrier if possible)
over the victim's mouth, sealing the airway and breath into the victim 2 times.
Locate victim's breastbone.
Place the heel of one hand just above the notch at the lower end of
Put your other hand on top of your first hand.
Position your shoulders over your hands locking elbows and keeping your
fingers off the victim's chest.
Pushstraight down comp[ressing the chest about 2 inches for a count of 30
in about 18 seconds (=1 cycle). Be sure to release the pressure between
compressions while keeping contact with the chest.
Repeat this cycle of 2 rescue breaths and 30 compressions rechecking for
signs of life every 2 minutes or until:
1.) the scene becomes unsafe
2.) the victim shows signs of life
3.) an AED is available to use
4.) you are too exhausted to continue
5.) another trained responder arrives to help
It is important to remember that once CPR is started, you cannot discontinue performing CPR unless one of the above 5 reasons becomes true.
Surviving a Heart Attack
The most common reason for the heart to stop beating is a Heart Attack. Recognizing the signs of a heart attack and calling 911 before the victim's heart stops beating are crucial elements in saving lives. The BEST hope for surviving a Heart Attack include:
Quickly recognizing the warning signs of a Heart Attack.
Beginning CPR quickly.
Quick defibrillation by AED or EMS support.
Receiving advanced life support quickly.
One easy way to remember what you should do when you are caring for a victim is to think of your ABC’s:
A - Airway - open the airway
B - Breathing - Look, listen and feel for breaths
C - Circulation - Check for circulation signs on
the side of the neck closest to you. Look for the
Conscious Choking Adult (Heimlich)
A. First, CHECK the scene for safety for yourself and the victim.
B. Ask the victim if he/she is choking.
C. Identify yourself, explain that you are there to help. Ask if they will let you help.
D. If the victim is coughing forcefully, DO NOT attempt to do anything other than encourage
them to continue coughing. (NEVER do back blows or abdominal thrusts to a person who
is not choking!)
E. If the victim cannot speak, cough or breathe, an alternating combination of 5 back blows
and 5 abdominal thrusts is an effective way to clear an obstructed airway.
It is important to understand that once CPR is started, you cannot discontinue performing
CPR unless one of the five reasons given above becomes true.
Use the heel of your hands.
Compress in just above the breastbone.
Keep your shoulders over your hands.
Compress straight down with your elbows locked.
You are now ready to test your skills!
Click on the link below to begin the Adult CPR test. You must answer ALL of the questions in order for the test to be processed. Tests cannot be saved and must be completed in one sitting. Once the test is submitted, no answers may be changed. Tests can take up to 3 buisness days to process. If you would like to know the results of your test once submitted, please call the office at 704-841-3544 and request to speak with Michelle from United Provider Network. Please allow at least 3 buisness days for processing before calling.