CPR Guide for Electrical Emergencies

DRSABCD — Before You Start

• D — Danger: Check for danger to yourself, bystanders, and the patient. Do not approach if unsafe.
• R — Response: Check if the person is conscious. Squeeze shoulders and ask loudly: "Can you hear me?"
• S — Send for Help: Call 000 or ask someone nearby to call immediately.
• A — Airway: Open the airway by tilting the head back gently and lifting the chin.
• B — Breathing: Look, listen and feel for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds.
• C — CPR: If not breathing normally, begin 30 chest compressions then 2 rescue breaths.
• D — Defibrillation: Attach an AED as soon as one is available and follow voice prompts.

How to Perform CPR — Step by Step

• Step 1: Lay the person on their back on a firm, flat surface and kneel beside their chest.
• Step 2: Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the chest (lower half of breastbone). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
• Step 3: Give 30 chest compressions — push down firmly 5–6cm at 100–120 compressions per minute (roughly the beat of "Stayin' Alive"). Keep arms straight, release fully between each compression.
• Step 4: Give 2 rescue breaths — tilt head back, lift chin, pinch nose, seal your mouth over theirs and breathe steadily for 1 second. If unable to give rescue breaths, continue compressions only.
• Step 5: Continue 30:2 cycle continuously until paramedics arrive and take over, or the person starts breathing normally.
• Step 6: If an AED is available, attach it immediately and follow its voice instructions.

Key Points to Remember

• Call 000 before or as soon as you begin CPR
• Push hard and fast — 100–120 compressions per minute
• Allow chest to fully rise between each compression
• Swap with another person every 2 minutes to maintain quality
• If unable to give rescue breaths — keep doing compressions
• Do not stop until paramedics arrive and take over