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Bystander CPR
Your action could help save a life

In a recent email from Thames Valley Air Ambulance they highlighted a situation anyone could meet:

Someone has collapsed in front of you clutching their chest. As you race to help, you discover the person isn’t breathing. You dial 999 and the operator instructs you to perform lifesaving CPR. You put you phone down alongside the casualty with the speaker on so you can hear the instructions.

Possibly a defibrillator is brought from nearby. As the device is switched on, it instructs you to remove the person’s clothing and apply defibrillator pads to their bare chest. Now, ask yourself honestly. If this was a woman, would you do anything differently?

Thames Valley Air Ambulance add "We’re not trying to catch you out. We’re trying to direct your attention to an uncomfortable reality. Women are less likely to receive bystander CPR. In fact, one in three female cardiac arrest patients receive no CPR until ambulance crews arrive on scene". TVAA add "We’re releasing this CPR data following International Women’s Day, to urge more people to step forward if they witness a woman in cardiac arrest".

See their graphic guides to CPR and AED Defib support via the links alongside.

Make a donation to support Thames Valley Air Ambulance. Link

Thames Valley Air Ambulance Mission Map of call outs. Link

Posted: 260312

How to perform hands-only CPR
When someone suffers a cardiac arrest and their heart stops beating normally, every minute matters.

Step One: Call for help
If you find someone collapsed, make sure it’s safe to approach. If they are unresponsive or not breathing normally, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

Step Two: Start CPR
Use the hands-free speaker on your phone, so that you can start CPR whilst speaking to ambulance control. If someone else is nearby, ask them to find and bring a defibrillator if one is available.

Step Three: Interlock your fingers
Kneel next to the casualty and place your hand in the centre of their chest. Place the palm of your other hand on top of the first hand and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight and lean over the casualty.

Step Four: Give chest compressions
Push down hard then release fully twice per second. Don’t stop. Do this at a rate of 100 – 120 times a minute.

Step Five: Continue CPR
Continue to perform CPR until emergency help arrives and takes over, a defibrillator is ready to be used, or the person starts showing signs of life and begins to breathe normally.

See Thames Valley Air Ambulance CPR guide Link

"Doing something is better than nothing. Without CPR or defibrillation, a person in cardiac arrest will not survive."
Tracey, Critical Care Paramedic

How to use an AED (Defibrillator)
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a small, portable device that can save someone whose heart has stopped. It works by delivering a controlled electric shock to help the heart start beating normally again. AEDs are designed for anyone to use, even without training, and they guide you step by step.

Step One: Turn on the AED
Switch the device on and follow the spoken instructions. The AED will guide you through each step.

Step TWO: Expose and prepare the chest
Cut or remove clothing so that pads can stick to bare skin. This includes any bras if necessary. If the chest is wet, wipe it dry. Some AED packs include a small razor, use it to shave any chest hair where the pads will be applied – this will help them stick properly and work effectively.

Step Three: Attach the pads
Place the pads exactly where the pictures on the AED show. One pad usually goes on the upper right chest, and other on the lower left side.

Step Four: Stand clear
The AED will analyse the heart rhythm and tell you if a shock is needed. Make sure no one is touching the person when the shock is delivered.

Step Five: Continue CPR
After a shock, or if no shock is advised, continue CPR as instructed by the AED until the ambulance arrives or the person shows signs of life. You can give someone the best chance of survival, simply by following instructions from the AED. Don’t be afraid to take action. Without CPR and defibrillation, a person in cardiac arrest will die.

See Thames Valley Air Ambulance AED Defib guide Link