Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
From ZombieSquadWiki
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is perhaps the best known and most widely taught first aid technique. CPR is performed to support the respiration and circulation of someone who has stopped breathing and/or has no pulse by using chest compressions and artificial respirationg (mouth-to-mouth). The purpose of CPR is NOT to restart the patient's breathing or pulse, but rather to keeping oxygenated blood flowing to the brain until defibrillation can be performed my medical professionals or an AED.
CPR is currently (post AHA 2005 rules) administered to everyone at a rate of 100/compressions per minute. "No breaths" CPR, where compressions only are given, may be used only if you witness a patient collapse and you do not have a CPR face shield or face mask available to safely give breaths. Before ever starting CPR be sure that the Emergency Medical System (EMS - 911 in the US) is activated.
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CPR during a disaster
During any widespread disaster where the Emergency Medical System (EMS) is overloaded or broken down starting CPR on a lifeless patient found during search and rescue is not advised. Unless you witness the patient collapse, drown, etc. a person is likely to have been lifeless for too long to be brought back by CPR alone. Even with an AED present the patient probably has been without oxygen to the brain for too long to recover. Medical assets, including your time and strength, are better spent caring for patients likely to survive.
