Even if an individual is not completely certified in CPR, the American Heart Association generally recommends that bystanders nonetheless perform certain actions to help a victim.
For example, if the bystander is completely untrained, they can nonetheless apply hands-only CPR – repeated and uninterrupted chest compressions of approximately 100 per minute until emergency personnel arrive. For these untrained bystanders, rescue breathing is not necessary.
For individuals who are trained but have not employed full-scale CPR and rescue breathing, simply follow the recommended course of action above – chest compressions will suffice until paramedics arrive.
And if, of course, the bystander is fully trained in CPR, they should start CPR along with 30 chest compressions, prior to checking the airway or administering rescue breaths.
Please note that the aforementioned advice, as stipulated by the American Heart Association, applies to adults and not infants.
For those looking for Orange County CPR Classes, we offer onsite and regular CPR training that can help you save a life.
