Facts about CPR (Swedish guidelines)

Effective treatment for cardiac arrest is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and an electric shock from a defibrillator. Through chest compressions and inhalations, the oxygenated blood is pumped around the body. With an early shock from the defibrillator, the electrical chaos that causes the cardiac arrest is broken. Anyone can learn CPR and use a defibrillator. With CPR, you can keep blood circulation going when the heart has stopped. It is easy to learn and you are always supported by SOS operator through your phone.

Adult CPR with good quality

• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, with the other hand on top of the first.
• Lock your elbows and push hard and fast
• Push in a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• Compressing the chest at least 5-6 cm in depth
• Remember to allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions.
• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths
• Each breath should take 1 second
• Repeat cycles of compressions and breaths (30:2) 
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions to perform breaths
• CPR must be performed on a hard surface
• CPR should continue with as few interruptions as possible

CPR on children (age 1-18)

• Start with 5 rescue breaths
• Place one hand on lower side of the sternum or use two hands if you need to
• Push in a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• Compressing the chest at least 5-6 cm in depth
• Remember to allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions
• After 15 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths 
• Each breath should take 1 second
• Repeat cycles of compressions and breaths (15:2) 
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions to perform breaths
• CPR must be performed on a hard surface
• CPR should continue with as few interruptions as possible

CPR on infants (age 0-1)

• Start with 5 rescue breaths
• Place two fingers on the lower side of the sternum 
• Push in a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
• Compressing the chest 4 cm in depth
• Remember to allow the chest to recoil fully between compressions
• After 15 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths 
• Each breath should take 1 second
• Repeat cycles of compressions and breaths (15:2) 
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions to perform breaths
• CPR must be performed on a hard surface
• CPR should continue with as few interruptions as possible

DIFFERENCES IN CHILD & ADULT CPR

There is a difference between CPR for children and for adults. In the case of suspected cardiac arrest in children, 5 life-saving breaths must be given before CPR is started. 15:2 then applies to children 0-18 years and to adults 30:2 in case of cardiac arrest. Adjust the power according to the size of the person. Compression depth should be about 1/3 of the chest depth. Healthcare professionals may use other methods. If knowledge of Child CPR is lacking, act as an adult with less force.

UNSAFE ON CPR OR UNABLE TO GIVE BREATHS

If, in the case of cardiac arrest in an adult, you are unsure about CPR or cannot give breaths, only chest compressions can be given while waiting for an ambulance. Both chest compressions and breaths are always given to children.

DROWNING

In case of drowning where the victim has cardiac arrest, if possible 5-10 breaths should be given already in the water, it is important to think about your own safety as a lifesaver. Then start CPR, 30:2, directly on land for adult CPR, 15:2 applies to child CPR.

Source: The Swedish Council for Cardiopulmonary Rescue, www.hlr.nu

Guidelines for CPR and first aid were updated every five years. The text above is updated according to the latest guidelines for CPR in Sweden, which was 2021.