Introduction

If a person does not respond to the sound of your voice or to gentle pressure applied to their body, it is likely they are unconscious.

Recognition and treatment

Step 1 of 10: Look for

To confirm if someone is unconscious and not breathing complete the steps of the primary survey - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing (DRAB).

Step 2 of 10: Check for danger

• Are you or they in any danger?
• If you have not already done so make the area safe and then assess them
• If a person is drowning, only enter the water to rescue them if it is safe to do so, you have been trained to so, and they are unconscious. Dial 999/112 for emegency help immediately for drowning victims.

Step 3 of 10: Check for a response

• Shout a command at them:
  • 'Can you hear me?'
  • 'Open your eyes'
• Gently shake their shoulders
• If they respond, refer to the treatment for someone unconscious but breathing - children and adults
• Shout for help.

Step 4 of 10: Open the airway

• Help them to breath by opening their airway
• To do this, place one hand on the forehead and using two fingers lift the chin

Step 5 of 10: Check breathing

• Position your cheek close to their mouth
• Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
  • look to see if the chest is rising and falling
  • listen for breathing
  • feel the breath against your cheek
• If they are not breathing commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Step 6 of 10: Call for help

• If you have someone with you, send them to dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately
• If unconsciousness is due to drowning, you should give five initial rescue breaths and perform CPR for one minute before making the call
• If you are on your own, carry out CPR for one minute before dialling 999 (or 112) for an ambulance.

Step 7 of 10: Position the AED beside them

Remove medication patches and metal jewellery from the unconscious person. This should not delay the application of the AED.

Step 8 of 10: Turn on the AED and follow the voice prompts

• Remove the electrode pads from their sealed packets
• Place them on the unconscious person's bare chest following the instructions given with the pads.

Step 9 of 10: Shock if required

• The voice prompts will instruct you not to touch the unconscious person
• Instruct everyone to stand clear
• Any CPR being performed should stop
• Check that no one is touching the unconscious person.
• The AED now analyses their heart rhythm
• If they need to have shocks, the AED will charge and issue a voice prompt:
  • before giving the shock, double check that everyone is clear of the unconscious person by giving a second command to 'stand clear'
  • look to make sure everyone is clear
  • press the 'Shock' button on the AED
  • when the shock is delivered the unconscious person will jump - this is normal.

Step 10 of 10: Continue

• Keep following the voice prompts issued by the AED
• Do not give up if the first shock seems ineffective.
• Do not stop unless:
  • emergency help arrives and takes over
  • they show signs of recovery such as coughing, opening eyes, speaking or moving purposefully and breathing normally
  • you become so exhausted that you cannot carry on.

More information using an automated external defib (AED)

An automated external defibrillator (AED) detects and analyses life threatening heart rhythms. If such a rhythm is detected it is capable of delivering a shock to defibrilate the heart, allowing the heart to restart a normal rhythm.

AEDs are designed to be used by both trained and untrained people using voice prompts to advise what steps to take.

Combining an AED with chest compressions and rescue breaths (together known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is the most effective treatment for an unconscious not breathing person.

Unable, unwilling or untrained to give rescue breaths

• Give chest compressions only and continue at a rate of 100-120 per minute (about the speed of the song 'Nelly the Elephant').

Two trained rescuers

• Change every two minutes with minimal disruption.

Agonal breathing

This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths should be started without hesitation.

Introduction

If a person does not respond to the sound of your voice or to gentle pressure applied to their body, it is likely they are unconscious.

In this context, anyone over the age of one year old for the purpose of these instructions.
Recognition and treatment

Step 1 of 7: Look for

• To confirm if someone is unconscious but breathing complete the steps of the primary survey - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing (DRAB)

• If an AED is available refer to the steps for using a AED.

Step 2 of 7: Check for danger

• Are you or they in any danger?
• If you have not already done so make the area safe and then assess them
• If a person is drowning, only enter the water to rescue them if it is safe to do so, you have been trainer to so and they are unconscious. Dial 999/112 for emegency help immediately for drowning victims.

Step 3 of 7: Check for a response

• Shout a command at them:
  • 'Can you hear me?'
  • 'Open your eyes'
• Gently shake their shoulders
• If they respond, check for severe bleeding and other injuiries
• Shout for help.

Step 4 of 7: Open the airway

• Help them to breath by opening their airway
• To do this, place one hand on the forehead and using two fingers lift the chin.

Step 5 of 7: Check breathing

• Position your cheek close to their mouth
• Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
  • look to see if the chest is rising and falling
  • listen for breathing
  • feel the breath against your chee
• If they are not breathing refer to the treatment for someone unconscious and not breathing - adults, children or infants.
• If they are not breathing commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Step 6 of 7: Put them in the recovery position

• Turn them onto their side
• Lift chin forward in open airway position and adjust hand under the cheek as necessary
• Check they cannot roll forwards or backwards
• Monitor breathing continuously
• If injuries allow, turn them to the other side after 30 minutes.

Step 7 of 7: Call for help

Call 999/112 for emergency help.

More information about unconscious but breathing children and adults

If you suspect spinal injury, use the jaw thrust technique. Place your hands on either side of their face. With your fingertips gently lift the jaw to open the airway. Take care not to tilt their neck.
Agonal breathing

This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started without hesitation.

 

Introduction

If an infant does not respond to the sound of your voice or to gentle pressure, it is likely they are unconscious.

In this context, 'infant' refers to a child less than one year old.

Recogntion and treatment

Step 1 of 9: Look for

To confirm if the infant is unconscious and not breathing complete the steps of the primary survey - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing (DRAB).

Step 2 of 9: Check for danger

Are you or they in any danger?
If you have not already done so make the area safe and then assess them.

Step 3 of 9: Check for a response

• Tap or flick the sole of an infant's foot to try to elicit a response
• Do not shake an infant
• If they respond, refer to the treatment for someone unconscious but breathing - infants
• Shout for help.

Step 4 of 9: Open the airway

• Help them to breath by opening their airway
• To do this, place one hand on the forehead and using one finger lift the chin.

Step 5 of 9: Check breathing

• Position your cheek close to their mouth
• Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
  • look to see if the chest is rising and falling
  • listen for breathing
  • feel the breath against your cheek
• If they are not breathing commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Step 6 of 9: Call for help

• If you have someone with you, send them to dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately
• If you are on your own carry out CPR for one minute before dialling 999 (or 112) for an ambulance.

Step 7 of 9: Give 5 rescue breaths

• Ensure the airway is open
• Seal your lips around the infant's mouth and nose
• Blow gently into the lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe.
• Fill your cheeks with air and use this amount each time
• As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall
• Repeat this five times.

Step 8 of 9: Give 30 compressions

• Place the baby on a firm surface
• Locate a position in centre of the chest, it is possible to identify the correct hand position without removing the infant's clothes.
• Using two fingers, press down sharply to a third of the depth of the chest
• Press 30 times, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute
• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

Step 9 of 9: Continue CPR

• Continue resuscitation, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• Do not stop unless:
  • emergency help arrives and takes over
  • they show signs of recovery such as coughing, opening eyes, speaking or moving purposefully and breathing normally
  • you become so exhausted that you cannot carry on.

 

More information about unconscious not breathing infants

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique whereby oxygen is pumped around the body using a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Unable, unwilling or untrained to give rescue breaths

Give chest compressions only and continue at a rate of 100-120 per minute (about the speed of the song 'Nelly the Elephant').

Two trained rescuers

Change every two minutes with minimal disruption.

Agonal breathing

This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started without hesitation.

 

 

 

Introduction

If a child does not respond to the sound of your voice or to gentle pressure applied to their body, it is likely they are unconscious.

In this context, 'child' refers to anyone between the age of one and puberty. It is neither necessary nor appropriate to check if a child has reached puberty.

Recogntion and treatment

Step 1 of 9: Look for

• To confirm if the child is unconscious and not breathing complete the steps of the primary survey - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing (DRAB)
• If an AED is available refer to the steps for using an AED.

Step 2 of 9: Check for danger

• Are you or they in any danger?
• If you have not already done so make the area safe and then assess them
• If a child is drowning, only enter the water to rescue them if it is safe to do so, you have been trained to do so, and they are unconscious. Dial 999/112 for emegency help immediately for drowning victims.

Step 3 of 9: Check for a response

• Shout a command at them:
  • 'Can you hear me?'
  • 'Open your eyes'
• Gently shake their shoulders
• If they respond, refer to the treatment for someone unconscious but breathing - children and adults
• Shout for help.

Step 4 of 9: Open the airway

• Help them to breath by opening their airway
• To do this, place one hand on the forehead and using two fingers lift the chin.

Step 5 of 9: Check breathing

• Position your cheek close to their mouth
• Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
  • look to see if the chest is rising and falling
  • listen for breathing
  • feel the breath against your cheek
• If they are not breathing commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

Step 6 of 9: Call for help

• If you have someone with you, send them to dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately
• If you are on your own carry out CPR for one minute before dialling 999 (or 112) for an ambulance.

Step 7 of 9: Give 5 rescue breaths

• Ensure the airway is open
• Seal your lips around the child's mouth and nose
• Blow gently into their lungs, looking along the chest as you breathe.
• Fill your cheeks with air and use this amount each time
• As the chest rises, stop blowing and allow it to fall
• Repeat this five times.

 

Step 8 of 9: Give 30 compressions

• Place one or two hands in the centre of the chest (depending on the size of the child) - it is possible to identify the correct hand position without removing the child's clothes.
• Use the heel of that hand with arms straight and press down to a third of the depth of the chest
• Press 30 times, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute
• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

Step 9 of 9: Continue CPR

• Continue resuscitation, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• Do not stop unless:
  • emergency help arrives and takes over
  • they show signs of recovery such as coughing, opening eyes, speaking or moving purposefully and breathing normally
  • you become so exhausted that you cannot carry on.

More information about unconscious not breathing children

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique whereby oxygen is pumped around the body using a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths.

If you are familiar with adult CPR and have no knowledge of child CPR, use the adult sequence.

Unable, unwilling or untrained to give rescue breaths

Give chest compressions only and continue at a rate of 100-120 per minute (about the speed of the song 'Nelly the Elephant').

Two trained rescuers

Change every two minutes with minimal disruption.

Agonal breathing

This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started without hesitation.

Step 1 of 9: Look for

• To confirm if someone is unconscious and not breathing complete the steps of the primary survey - Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing (DRAB)
• If an AED is available refer to the steps for using an AED.

Step 2 of 9: Check for danger

• Are you or they in any danger?
• If you have not already done so make the area safe and then assess them
• If a person is drowning, only enter the water to rescue them if it is safe to do so, you have been trained to do so, and they are unconscious. Dial 999/112 for emegency help immediately for drowning victims.

Step 3 of 9: Check for a response

• Shout a command at them:
  • 'Can you hear me?'
  • 'Open your eyes'
• Gently shake their shoulders
• If they respond, refer to the treatment for someone unconscious but breathing - children and adults
• Shout for help.

Step 4 of 9: Open the airway

• Help them to breath by opening their airway
• To do this, place one hand on the forehead and using two fingers lift the chin.

Step 5 of 9: Check breathing

• Position your cheek close to their mouth
• Look, listen and feel for no more than 10 seconds:
  • look to see if the chest is rising and falling
  • listen for breathing
  • feel the breath against your cheek
• If they are not breathing commence cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Step 6 of 9: Call for help

• If you have someone with you, send them to dial 999 (or 112) for an ambulance immediately
• If you are on your own, dial 999 (or 112) immediately and then continue with CPR
• If unconsciousness is due to drowning, you should give five initial rescue breaths and perform CPR for one minute before making the call.

Step 7 of 9: Give 30 compressions

• Place heel of your hand in the centre of the chest
• Place other hand on top and interlock fingers
• Keeping your arms straight and your fingers off the chest, press down by four to five centimetres and release the pressure, keeping your hands in place
• Repeat the compressions 30 times, at a rate of 100-120 per minute (about the speed of the song 'Nelly the Elephant').

Step 8 of 9: Give 2 rescue breaths

• Ensure the airway is open
• Pinch nose firmly closed
• Take a deep breath and seal your lips around their mouth
• Blow into the mouth until the chest rises
• Remove your mouth and allow the chest to fall
• Repeat once more.

Step 9 of 9: Continue CPR

• Continue resuscitation, 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
• Do not stop unless:
  • emergency help arrives and takes over
  • they show signs of recovery such as coughing, opening eyes, speaking or moving purposefully and breathing normally
  • you become so exhausted that you cannot carry on.
  More information about unconscious and not breathing adults Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique whereby oxygen is pumped around the body using a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Unable, unwilling or untrained to give rescue breaths Give chest compressions only and continue at a rate of 100-120 per minute (about the speed of the song 'Nelly the Elephant'). Two trained rescuers Change every two minutes with minimal disruption. Agonal breathing This is common in the first few minutes after a sudden cardiac arrest. It usually takes the form of sudden irregular gasps for breath. It should not be mistaken for normal breathing and if it is present chest compressions and rescue breaths (together called cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR) should be started without hesitation.