Page 53 - EMS CPR Manual V1

Skin colour
The skin colour can give us an indication as to whether the casualty has a good even oxygenated blood flow or otherwise. It is also a good indicator if the casualty is suffering shock.
If the skin is pale and cold and clammy to the touch then the casualty should be warmed. If the skin is hot and flushed then generally the casualty should be cooled.
Pale skin colours will provide greater changes to skin colour, whereas in other skin tones may provide more subtle differences:
Dark skin – observe purple/blue/ grey hue to inside the mouth, lips, gums, around eyes and nail beds.
For yellowish skin – observe a change to a grey/green complexion.
Observations should be taken at 15 minute intervals and recorded for handover to Emergency Services personnel.
When performing CPR look for the return of normal skin colour. This is a good indicator that the CPR is being done correctly.
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RECOVERY AND HANDOVER