Artificial respiration

Artifical Respiration One of the most important skills you can learn is Artificial Respiration (AR) and Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). It is the most important of skills because it gives you the ability to save a life. Only by practice and training will you master the skill and have the confidence

to implement it should you come across a situation that requires it.

The most common reason people stop breathing is due to suffocation in water, after an electric shock or after a Road Traf-

fic Accident.

Should you come across a casualty whom you suspect is not breathing you must:Lie the casualty on their back Check to see if the casualty is breathing (check if chest is rising or see if you can fee air coming out of their mouth)

Open the air way Check there are no blockages in the mouth (chewing gum, seaweed, dentures etc).

Rest one hand on the forehead and pinch the nose between your fore finger and thumb.

With the other hand cupped around the chin open the patients mouth

• Send for help immediately and • Start AR as soon as possible

TIP

Foggy says: • Stay Calm • Send for help • Assess the

situation

Artificial Respiration

With you mouth make a seal around the casualty’s mouth and blow a full breath. Turn you head to the side to check if the chest rises and falls. If it doesn’t the airway is still blocked.

Continue with breaths at the rate of one every 5 seconds until the casualty breaths by themselves or you are relived by medical personnel.

Place the casualty in the recovery position. Every year in March the National First Aid and National Artificial Respiration competitions take place. They give you a chance to see how well you know your stuff in a simulated emergency. Ask your Skipper for details.

TIP

You should endeavour

to complete the Royal Life Saving Society’s or the National Safety Associations CPR courses or a first

aid course by one of the first Aid Organisations