CPR and Emergency Response Basics

Grade 8 · Health · Study Guide

Learn the essential steps of CPR and how to respond effectively in a medical emergency.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique used when someone's heart has stopped beating or they have stopped breathing. Quick action during a cardiac emergency can double or even triple a person's chance of survival.

The foundation of CPR is the CAB sequence: Compressions, Airway, and Breathing. For adult CPR, you push hard and fast on the center of the chest at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, depressing the chest at least 2 inches. After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths if you are trained to do so.

Before starting CPR, always check the scene for safety, then check if the person is responsive by tapping their shoulder and shouting. If they do not respond, call 911 (or have someone else call) immediately. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) should be used as soon as one is available — it analyzes the heart's rhythm and can deliver a shock to restore a normal heartbeat.

The recovery position is used for an unconscious person who is breathing normally to keep their airway clear. Hands-only CPR — continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths — is recommended for bystanders who are not trained in full CPR. Recognizing the warning signs of a heart attack, stroke, and choking are also critical emergency response skills.

Key terms

CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation; a procedure combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain circulation when the heart has stopped.
AED
Automated External Defibrillator; a portable device that checks heart rhythm and can deliver an electric shock to restore normal rhythm.
Compression rate
The speed of chest compressions during CPR, which should be 100–120 compressions per minute.
Recovery position
A stable side-lying position used for an unconscious but breathing person to keep the airway open and clear.
Hands-only CPR
A simplified form of CPR using only chest compressions without rescue breaths, recommended for untrained bystanders.
Chain of Survival
A series of actions — early recognition, calling 911, CPR, defibrillation, and advanced care — that improve cardiac arrest survival rates.

Flashcards

CAB
The CPR sequence: Compressions first, then Airway, then Breathing.
Chest compression depth (adult)
At least 2 inches (5 cm) to effectively pump blood from the heart.
911
The emergency services number to call immediately when someone is unresponsive or in medical distress.
Rescue breaths
Breaths given to a non-breathing person during CPR; one breath every 5–6 seconds in adults.
Cardiac arrest
A sudden stop in the heart's pumping action, requiring immediate CPR and defibrillation.
Heimlich maneuver
Abdominal thrusts used to dislodge an object from the airway of a choking conscious person.
Scene safety
The first step in emergency response — checking that the environment is safe before approaching a victim.
Defibrillation
Delivering an electric shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm, performed by an AED or medical professional.

Questions

  1. What is the correct compression rate for adult CPR?

    1. 60–80 compressions per minute
    2. 80–100 compressions per minute
    3. 100–120 compressions per minute
    4. 120–140 compressions per minute
    Show answer

    Answer: 100–120 compressions per minute

    The American Heart Association recommends 100–120 compressions per minute to effectively circulate blood.

  2. An AED can be safely used on a child over age 1.

    Show answer

    Answer: True

    AEDs are designed to be used on anyone over age 1; pediatric pads or settings are used for children under 8.

  3. What does the 'C' stand for in the CAB sequence of CPR?

    1. Calling 911
    2. Compressions
    3. Checking pulse
    4. Circulation
    Show answer

    Answer: Compressions

    C stands for Compressions, which are prioritized first because delivering oxygen to the brain quickly is critical.

  4. During adult CPR, you should give _____ compressions before providing 2 rescue breaths.

    Show answer

    Answer: 30

    The standard ratio is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths for adult CPR.

  5. You should move an injured person before calling 911 to make them comfortable.

    Show answer

    Answer: False

    Moving an injured person can worsen injuries; always call 911 and keep the person still unless the scene is unsafe.

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