Page 25 - EMS CPR Manual V1

CPR (CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION)
The Position of the casualty
Lay the casualty flat.
When performing CPR it is favourable to have the casualty lying on a firm flat surface so that you can provide effective compressions.
Where possible this can be achieved by placing the casualty on the floor. Where the casualty has arrested in a bed you will have to remove the casualty from the bed to the floor or place a firm flat object such as a solid piece of board or a commercially available Back Board under the casualty.
If the casualty is lying on a soft surface or sitting in the seat of a motor vehicle, effective compression depth may not be obtained as force from the compression will collapse the foam or soft base and not compress the chest as intended. This will result in poor compressions and as a result poor circulation, which will produce an unfavorable outcome for the casualty.
When providing CPR to obviously pregnant females, further consideration needs to be given to the technique and positioning of the casualty. See the ‘CPR During Pregnancy’ section for further details on the resuscitation of pregnant females.
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CARDIO PULMONARY RESUSCITATION