Last Updated: July 15, 2025
CPR (Adult)
1. Check responsivenessTap shoulder, shout "Are you OK?" — if no response, call 911
2. Chest compressionsCenter of chest, 2-2.4 inches deep, 100-120/min. Sing "Stayin' Alive" for rhythm.
3. Rescue breaths30 compressions → 2 breaths (tilt head back, pinch nose, 1 sec each)
4. ContinueDon't stop until help arrives or person responds
Choking Response
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Ask | "Are you choking?" — if they can cough or speak, encourage coughing |
| 2. Heimlich | Stand behind, fist above navel, thrust inward and upward |
| 3. Repeat | 5 back blows → 5 abdominal thrusts → repeat until object dislodged |
| 4. If alone | Call 911 first, then use a chair back to self-administer thrusts |
Bleeding Control
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Direct pressure | Clean cloth/gauze directly on wound — press firmly for 10-15 min |
| Elevate | Raise wound above heart if possible |
| Tourniquet | Last resort for life-threatening limb bleeding — 2-3 inches above wound |
Burns
| Degree | Symptoms | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Red, painful, no blisters | Cool water 10 min, aloe vera, OTC pain relief |
| 2nd | Blisters, severe pain | Cool water, DON'T pop blisters, sterile dressing — seek medical if >3 inches |
| 3rd | White/charred, may be painless | Call 911 — do NOT apply water or creams. Cover loosely with sterile cloth. |
Pro Tip: Hands-only CPR (compressions without breaths) is nearly as effective as full CPR for adults and much easier for bystanders. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest — 100-120 beats per minute. You can't make things worse; doing nothing is the only wrong choice.