CPR HCP training provides advanced training to candidates including the use of advanced equipment, trained backup and how to manage victims of suspected spinal injuries. This page will focus on the latest techniques and methods of immobilizing a patients airway while still being able to ventilate. Participants enrolled in CPR HCP will learn more advanced methods outside of the head-tilt-chin-lift method of opening a patient’s airway. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only. To learn to effective open and maintain a patients airway with a suspected spinal injury take a CPR HCP course through the Canadian Red Cross.

Immobilizing

The rescuer(s) main priority when a victim is unresponsive or responsive and with a suspected spinal injury is to establish and maintain an open passage for air to enter and leave the lungs. Without a open passage or inability to recognize a closed airway may be fatal for the patient. In this scenario with the a suspected spinal injury, the rescuer should handle the neck in a method will not cause permanent damage to the spinal cord. In CPR HCP participants will laern airway management with C-spine control. The following is a list of recommended procedures for rescuers to follow when handling patients with suspected spinal injuries:

• The rescuer should approach the victim from the front if possible so as to not startle the patient or have the patient turn his or her head.
• The rescuer should introduce him or herself and reassure the patient.
• If the rescuer finds a mechanism of injury that suggests spinal trauma, the rescuer should manually stabilize the head and neck. The rescuer can do this by approaching the patient from the top of his or her head and firmly placing his or her hands over the patients ears. The rescuer should place both elbows on the ground and stabilize the head and neck. This approach allows for the rescuer to use a jaw thrust manoeuvre to open the patients airway.

The Jaw Thrust

The jaw thrust is the most popular and effective procedure to open the patients airway with a suspected spinal injury. With the rescuer positioned in a immobilizing position, as stated above, the rescuer should place to or three fingers behind the angle of the jaw and thumbs on the cheekbones. The rescuer will lift with the fingers while holding the thumbs on the cheekbones. This process pulls the mandible upward to open the airway without tilting the head.

Candidates wanting to learn the above methods should enrol into a Red Cross CPR “HCP” course. In the course participants will receive hands on training and be able to practise and demonstrate these spinal control techniques on manikins and partners.

In CPR HCP candidates learn to recognize and treat victim that are unconscious and have obstructed airways. The most common first aid and CPR emergency for children involve respiratory emergencies such as obstructed airways. In this post we will go over the steps to recognize and treat victims that have become unconscious due to a obstruction. The material posted in this page is for information purposes only, if you want to learn CPR take a hands on CPR HCP course in Calgary with a credible Canadian provider.

Credible Canadian CPR HCP providers include:

• St. Johns Ambulance
• The Canadian Red Cross
• The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• The Canadian Lifesaving Society

Candidates should be wary of any other providers especially providers that offer on-line courses. On-line courses and other providers may not offer certification that meets legislative standards.

Scenario: A rescuer enters a room and finds a child or adult laying on the floor. The victim is unconscious with no pulse and a obstructed airway.

Step 1: Assess the scene.

The rescuer must assess the scene for any dangers. If dangers are present the rescuer should notify EMS and await further instructions. If no dangers are present continue to step 2.

Step 2: Assess the victim.

The rescuer should assess the level of consciousness of the victim. To do this the rescuer will tap the victim on the shoulder and ask the victim to wake up. If the victim does not wake or become conscious proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Check for breathing.

The rescuer(s) will open the victim(s) airway using a head-tilt chin lift. Do not open the airway through a head tilt chin lift procedure if the rescuer(s) suspect a spinal or head injury. The rescuer(s) will use a the jaw-thrust method, not covered here, if the rescuer(s) suspect a spinal injury. By using a procedure called “look, listen and feel”, the rescuer should check the breathing of the victim by listening and feeling for breathing on his or her ear and looking at the chest and stomach for rising and falling. The rescuer should check for breathing for no more than 5 seconds.

Step 4: Check for pulse. 

The rescuer(s), trained in CPR HCP, will check the pulse of the victim by using two or three fingers on the carotid artery. The rescuer(s) should not check for pulse for more than 5 seconds.

Step 5: Send someone to contact EMS.

The rescuer(s) should someone to contact EMS. The following statements should be mentioned to a bystander as he or she is selected to contact EMS:

• Tell the bystander to contact EMS
• Tell the bystander to report back as soon as possible.
• Tell the bystander the victim is unconscious and not breathing.
• Tell the bystander to find a automated external defibrillator (AED) is bring someone trained to use it.
• Ask the bystander if he or she understands.

If the rescuer(s) is not sure the bystander can complete these responsibilities they can send more bystanders to do the same or to assist.

Step 6: Begin chest compressions.

By land-marking on the center of the victims’ bare chest the rescuer will do 30 chest compression’s to 2 breaths. If their are two rescuers trained in CPR HCP then the compression to breath ratio is 15 to 2 breaths. The chest compressions’ should compress the victims’ chest by 1/3 to 1/2 the depth of the victim.

Step 7. Give 2 breaths.

The rescuer(s) will give the victim two breaths with the use of bag-valve masks or pocket masks if available. In this scenario, since the breath does not go in the rescuer(s) will readjust the victims airway and attempt a second breath. If the second breath still does not go in, the rescuer(s) must assume that the victim has a obstructed airway.

Step 8.

The rescuer(s) will repeat the following steps

1.  Give 30 chest compression’s.
2.  Hook the victim(s) tongue down and out and check for obstruction. Remove obstruction if visible by sweeping.
3. Attempt to ventilate.

The rescuer(s) will repeat steps 1 to 3 until the obstruction is removed in which they will proceed with compression’s and ventilation’s with no “hook and look”.

The rescuer(s) should stop if:

• They are too tired to continue
• The victims vitals change (example: the victim is revived)
• More advanced medical help (EMS) tells the rescuer(s) to stop

To learn to treat unconscious victims with obstructed airways with CPR HCP training take a CPR HCP course through a credible provider such as the Red Cross. The material posted here is for information purposes only, learn to save a life by taking a CPR course today.

Candidates enrolled in CPR HCP and any CPR course provided through the Canadian Red Cross will learn about the causes of and how to prevent airway obstructions, also known as choking. This page will outline the most common causes of airway obstructions. For more information about airway obstructions take a CPR HCP class in Edmonton. Red Cross training partners are located throughout Canada. Visit our location page to find a training partner near you.

The most common obstruction or blockage is caused by the human tongue. This occurs in a unresponsive patient that has lost voluntary control of the muscles of the mouth and throat which has then caused the tongue to slip back. This can occur when the patient is flat / supine. A simple head-tilt-chin lift manoeuvre can clear the obstruction. When a rescuer is searching for foreign bodies on a unconscious patient loose-fitting dentures or broken teeth must be removed. Vomit and blood can also obstruct the airway and should be removed with a careful finger sweep with a gloved hand.

Foreign bodies are the second leading cause of airway obstructions. Grapes, sausages and gum are the leading cause of airway obstructions. However, thousands of other foreign objects can cause a victim to choke. Grapes, sausages and gum fit the ideal size for a airway, are rugged and can take strong coughs that try to remove the obstruction which make them the leading cause of foreign object choking.

To prevent choking participants should engage in and promote eating while sitting or in a relaxed position. Quick consumption of food while mobile and active significantly increase the chances of choking. To prevent choking, especially for children, people should enjoy their food, eat slowly and relax.

To learn more about causes of airway obstructions and to learn to demonstrate and provide care for both severe and mild obstructions take a CPR HCP Course or any CPR course through a credible provider such as the Canadian Red Cross. A short CPR course can give candidates the skills to save a life.

Participants enrolled in first aid and CPR training will learn to recognize patients with obstructed airways. Without trained intervention a patient with a obstructed airway could suffer brain damage or even death. Participants trained in procedures to clear a patients airway must first learn to recognize the obstructions. Obstructions can be divided into two categories. The most common and obstruction is a partial obstruction. The most dangerous and possibly life threatening obstructions are complete obstructions also know as severe obstructions. For more information about obstructed airway recognition take a CPR HCP course in Regina. Red Cross training partners offering CPR HCP courses are offered throughout Canada. Visit our location page for more course location information.  This page will outline the signs and help in recognition of these two conditions.

Conscious victims with either partial or complete airway obstructions will try to maintain a position that allows for the maximum amount of air to pass through the airway with the least amount of airway obstruction. A patient with a severe obstruction will typically give the universal signal for a full obstruction or choking by grabbing or clutching his or her neck. This is the almost the same reaction most people give with almost any injury which is to grab the area of discomfort which also applies to choking patients that have severe discomfort around the airway.

Partial / Mild Obstructions

A patient with a mild obstruction is likely to remove the obstruction on his or her own through coughing, gurgling or gagging. Signs ans symptoms of partial obstructions include:

• Noisy, congested and difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Possible Cyanosis
• Difficulty speaking

Full / Severe Obstructions

These patients are the one’s who are no longer able to pass air with any substantial air through the airway. A patient with a full obstruction will be cyanotic and if the obstruction lasts for a period of time, without intervention, it can lead to loss of consciousness and be potentially fatal. Other signs and symptoms of complete obstructions include:

• No movement of air in or out of the patients mouth.
• No rise in chest wall from ventilations.
• Not able to speak or cough.

Trained rescuers must immediately intervene in situations with obstructed airways. To learn more about recognizing and providing care for patients with partial or sever obstructions take a CPR HCP or basic CPR course with any Red Cross provider.

One of the scariest things for any parent, friend or loved one to see is someone choking. Choking deaths are very preventable and choking victims can easily be rescued with someone trained in CPR. CPR HCP courses are one of the classes in which candidates will learn to recognize and treat victims of choking emergencies. It is important to note that the material posted on this page is for information purposes only, to learn to treat and recognize victims that are choking take a Red Cross CPR HCP class today. To learn about conscious choking victims take a CPR HCP training course in Saskatoon. Training centres are located throughout Canada. Visit our location page for more course location information.

People can suffer from two different types of choking emergencies, mild and severe obstructions. Mild obstructions typically occur prior to severe obstructions so we will cover the steps to recognizing and treating mild obstructions first.

A mild obstruction, also known as a partial obstruction, is when the victim has adequate air exchange but can not speak effectively but can cry and cough. In this scenario the victim typically has his or her hands around the throat and coughing severely. The airway, the respiratory system that connects the lungs to the “outside world”, is partially blocked and causing discomfort to the victim. The rescuer(s) role in this circumstance is to encourage the victim to cough and to not interfere while the victim is trying to clear the blockage. The body has a effective system in removing the blockage by coughing. If successful, the blockage should be cleared and the patient will resume regular breathing.

If the victim stops coughing, and becomes silent ask the victim if he or she is choking. If they nod “yes” as they clutch their neck ask the victim if you can help, a rescuer must receive consent prior to helping the victim. If the victim nods “yes” again assume a stable position behind the victim. If possible have one foot between the victims’ legs to help ease the victim to the floor if they become unconscious. The following are the steps for abdominal thrusts for a conscious choking person:

• The rescuer, while standing behind the victim, should make a fist with one hand
• The rescuer should place the thumb side of the fist against the persons stomach, slightly above the navel and grasp the fist with the other hand
• The rescuer should pull the fist into the victims’ abdomen and quickly thrust upward in the shape of a “J”. These thrusts can also be called “J-Thrusts”
• The rescuer should focus on making 5 thrusts separately and as a distinct movement.
• After 5 thrusts, the rescuer should position himself / herself next to the victim. The rescuer should keep one arm under the victims’ arm, holding the victims’ opposite shoulder.
• With the free arm, which is behind the victim, the rescuer will give 5 back blows between the victims shoulder blades.
• The rescuer will repeat the 5 back blows and 5 abdominal / “J” thrusts until the obstruction is removed or until the victim goes unconscious.

To learn about how to clear the obstruction on a unconscious choking victim select the next page under the FAQ’s heading. The material posted here is for information purposes only. Take a CPR HCP course to learn hands on training in advanced CPR techniques and how to handle choking conscious and unconscious victims.

Health care provider CPR, also known as CPR HCP, is one of the most intensive CPR courses offered through the major providers. This course is designed for people that work in the health care industry and have access to CPR equipment and work with other staff trained in CPR HCP. This material posted in this page on CPR HCP on adult victims is for information purposes only, if you want to learn to do CPR take a CPR HCP course in Winnipeg. Red Cross CPR HCP training centres are located throughout Canada. Take a look at our locations page for more location information. The following providers offer CPR HCP courses that meet legislative standards for 2012:

• Lifesaving Society of Canada
• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• Canadian Red Cross
• St. Johns Ambulance

Steps to doing CPR HCP on a adult:

Step 1: Scene assessment. 

Prior to attending to the victim, or possible victim, the rescuer must complete a scene assessment. The rescuer must assess the scene for any hazards that could harm the rescuer(s) or further harm the victim. The rescuer should not proceed if he or she finds any hazards. If the hazards can not be moved safely or if the victim can not be moved away from the hazards contact emergency medical services (EMS).

Step 2. Victim assessment.

The second step to rescuing an adult victim is assessing the victim. Rescuer(s) must determine the level of consciousness of the victim and responsiveness of the victim. This is done by tapping the victim on the shoulders and talking to the victim. If the victim does not respond proceed to step 3.

Step 3. Open the airway.

In order to determine if the victim is breathing, the rescuer must first open the patients’ airway. This is done via a “chin-lift and head-tilt” procedure. The rescuer will place two fingers under the victims’ chin and the other palm on the victims’ forehead and slowly tilt the head back. If the rescuer(s) suspect a head or neck injury it is recommended that they do a “jaw-thrust” procedure to open the airway. The “jaw-thrust” is not covered in this page.

Step 4. Check for breathing.

To check for breathing, the rescuer should place his or her ear next to the victims’ mouth and watch the stomach / chest of the victim. In this procedure, the rescuer will look, listen and feel for breathing for no more than 5 seconds. The rescuer is checking for ‘normal’ breathing. In this scenario the victim is not breathing.

Step 5. Check for pulse.

In CPR HCP training the rescuer(s) must check for circulation. This is done by placing two or three fingers on the victims’ carotid artery. The rescuer(s) will check for pulse for no more than 10 seconds. In this scenario the victim has a pulse.

Step 6. Notify EMS.

CPR HCP candidates are trained to rescue victims and must stay to proceed with resuscitation. Rescuer(s) will inform a bystander to contact EMS.

The bystander must be told:

• The condition of the victim
• To contact EMS
• To report back
• To bring an automated external defibrillator (AED)
• Asked if he or she understands

If the rescuer(s) are not confident that the bystander can complete this task then the rescuer(s) can send someone to assist him or her.

Step 7. Rescue breathing.

The rescuer(s) will use whatever protective equipment they have, whether it is a bag-valve mask or a pocket mask, and provide resuscitation for the victim. For an adult, one breath is to be given every 5 to 6 seconds. The rescuer(s) should be conscious of the victim(s) chest and will stop ventilating once the rescuer(s) see it rise.

Step 8. Re-assess.

Every two minutes the rescuer(s) must re-assess the victim. This is done by re-checking the breathing and the circulation of the victim.

When to stop:

The rescuer(s) should stop only for the following reasons:

• They are unable to continue due to fatigue.
• More qualified personal tell them to stop.
• The AED has arrived and it has been turned on and prompted the rescuer(s) to stop.
• The victims’ vitals have changed

The material posted here is for information purposes only. To learn to do CPR at a “HCP” standard then take a hands-on CPR course through a credible provider. A list of credible provider and training partners is located in the main menu or side menu.

The material posted on this page is detailed information on how to treat a patient, with CPR HCP techniques, that is unconscious, with a pulse and not breathing. To learn these methods and procedures enrol in CPR HCP training in Surrey. All of our training partners are located in our “locations” page.

CPR level HCP procedures for Unconscious Non Breathing Victim with a Pulse.

These are the 2011 CPR standards as provided by all 4 major first aid providers.

1. Assess the scene for any dangers. If dangers are present notify emergency medical systems (EMS) and wait until dangers are clear. If you can remove the dangers without harming yourself or the victim, do so.
2. Determine the responsiveness and consciousness of the victim. Gently tap the victim on the shoulders and ask them to respond. If the patient does not respond proceed to step 3.
3. Open the airway of the victim – Kneel next to the victim head and place one palm on the victim’s forehead and two fingers of your other hand underneath the chin of the victim on your nearest side. Gently tilt the patients head back as far as it can gently go.
4. Check for breathing – With your ear next to the victim’s mouth, look for a rising and falling stomach, listen for exhalation to your ear and feel for any breathing. Check for breathing for approximately 5 seconds. If you feel, hear and see breathing place the victim into the “H.A.I.N.E.S. position and wait for EMS to arrive as you constantly re-asses the vitals of the victim.
5. Check the victim’s circulation – Check the victim’s pulse by placing two or three fingers on the victim’s carotid artery. Check for circulation for no more than 10 seconds.
6. Contact EMS – Send a bystander to contact EMS. Tell the bystander the gender and approximate age of the victim. Tell the bystander if the victim is breathing and if he or she has circulation. Notify the bystander to report back to you with a automated external defibrillator (AED) after he or she has contacted 9.1.1. Ask the victim if he or she understands prior to them contacting EMS.
7. If the victim has a pulse and is not breathing, ventilate the victim with one breath every 5 seconds. When applying mouth-to-mouth resuscitation you must plug the victim’s nose by pinching it with your fingers. Only plug the victim’s nose when ventilating. When ventilating the victim, watch the victim’s chest to see if it rises. If you see the victim’s chest rise stop the ventilation and wait 5 seconds and ventilate again.
8. Use gloves, pocket masks or a bag valve mask if available when doing ventilations.
9. After 2 minutes of ventilations re-assess the victims vitals for 10 seconds and continue ventilations if victim’s vitals have not changed.
10.  If an automated external defibrillator arrives turn on the AED and listen to what it prompts you to do.
11.  Do not stop CPR and use of AED unless AED prompts you to, trained medical help tells you, you are too tired to continue or if the victims status changes (i.e. has recovered).

The material posted in this blog is for information purposes only. To learn to do CPR at a HCP standard take a Red Cross CPR Course near you.

Participants enrolled in CPR training will learn about disease transmission and safety when providing care for patients that need basic first aid or CPR. Prevention of disease transmission and utilizing barrier devices is a integral part of Red Cross first aid and CPR training. Participants should also be aware of techniques and procedures of prevention of disease transmission. The page will outline some the key components of preventing disease transmission and applying barrier devices during and after CPR. To learn more about CPR HCP take a CPR HCP course in Ottawa. We have training partners located throughout Canada listed in our locations pages.

Hand Washing

Hand washing is a key and essential component to preventing the spread of infection. Participants enrolled in any Red Cross CPR course will be taught the importance of had washing. The use of liquid soap is preferred as bar soap can contribute to transfer of infection. For drying hands, rescuers should use disposable towels. The hand washing should include the fingers, palms, back of hands, wrists and under the nails. The process of washing hands should take no less than 10 seconds. Hands should be rinsed thoroughly after soaping.

Gloves

Participants are required to wear gloves when performing CPR, if available, to successfully complete any CPR course. Rescuer(s) should wear gloves whenever direct contact with any patient’s bodily materials may be possible. Rescuers must use waterproof gloves. Gloves are a effective component of preventing disease transmission. Rescuer(s) with allergies to latex should not wear latex gloves and inform his or her employer to purchase non-latex gloves. Wearing gloves does not substitute for hand washing. Rescuer(s) must still wash hands as previously discussed. Removal of gloves should be done immediately after the CPR or first aid situation has been completed. Gloves should not be reused or washed. Equipment that can be re-used must undergo a sterilization process.

Pocket Masks

Pocket masks are a effective component of preventing disease transmission. Candidates enrolled in any first aid and or CPR course through the Canadian Red Cross will learn to use pocket masks. Although the significantly reduce chances of disease transmission, mouth to mouth resuscitation is more effective than pocket mask resuscitation. However, participants must use a pocket mask whenever one is available. A pocket mask is equipped with a one-way valve that prevents fluid transmission when providing resuscitation. It is recommended that pocket masks be disposed after CPR use.

Bag-Valve Masks

Participants in CPR HCP will learn to use advanced resuscitation equipment such as bag-valve masks. Bag-valve masks are effective at ventilating a victim and providing almost no chance of disease transmission.

Candidates enrolled in CPR HCP and other CPR courses provided through the Canadian Red Cross will learn techniques and skills at using barrier devices and preventing disease transmission when rescuing patients.