If you see a teen or adult suddenly collapse: call 9-1-1.
1 Call (or tell someone else to call) 9-1-1.
2 Check to ensure they are breathing. If they are not breathing commence CPR.
3 Turn victim on their back and push hard and fast 30 times in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute.
4 Tilt the head back, pinch the nose and blow into the victims mouth for 2 breaths. Repeat until help arrives.
CPR can more than double a person’s chances of survival.
Body substance isolation
Body substance isolation refers to the practice of wearing or using barriers such as medical gloves or a CPR mouth-to-mouth barrier device to reduce the risk of transmitting an infection. Some infections can be transferred by a victim’s bodily fluids. While intact skin is a generally effective barrier against outside contagions, it is recommended that any bystander avoid contact with the body substances of another person. Keep in mind that you can be exposed by touching, splashing, spraying (i.e. a sneeze or cough), and that exposure may occur by skin contact or contamination in the eyes, mouth or nose.
Positioning the victim
It is best to allow only trained rescuers to move a victim, for a victim that may have a spinal injury could be paralyzed if moved improperly. There are, however, a few notable exceptions:
1 If there is immediate peril to you and the victim, it may be necessary to relocate the victim to a safer place. Disconnect any electric power source if needed before moving the victim.
2 If you need to perform CPR, it may be necessary to roll the victim onto their back.
Source: HSA
TIP
The Cayman Islands Red Cross offers classes on CPR and infant first aid for choking. For more information, contact the Red Cross at redcross.org.ky.
Disclaimer: The Emergency Guide is provided as a reference only. Every effort has been taken to acquire and publish accurate information provided by medical authorities. In case of emergency, always call or have someone CALL 9-1-1.
