CPR Procedure

Do I need any license or certification to perform CPR or use an AED?

No special license or certification is required. However, if you have never had a training class, you might panic or hesitate to react to an emergency. Taking a training course is recommended so you can become more confident in helping those in danger.

What if I give chest compressions to a person who does not have cardiac arrest?

Even if you accidentally perform chest compressions on someone who does not suffer cardiac arrest, it will not be a big problem for the blood flow. It would be extremely difficult to perfectly confirm a cardiac arrest in such a once-in-a-lifetime emergency. If you find it hard to judge whether or not the victim has cardiac arrest, you should not hesitate, but you must start chest compressions.

Why is the term "chest compressions" used rather than "cardiac massage"?

"Cardiac massage" can be taken as the surgical open-chest cardiac massage where the heart is compressed with the hand inside the thoracic cavity. The one generally used for CPR is external cardiac massage, which is performed from the outside of the body. This is why "chest compressions" is often used nowadays. The breastbone (or sternum) is the bone located in the center of the chest. By pushing this part hard, you can pump blood throughout the body in place of the stopped heart.

Why don't I have to try rescue breathing?

Some researches have found that compression-only CPR is as effective as CPR with rescue breathing in many cases of sudden cardiac arrest. To learn more, please refer to "The Japanese Circulation Society recommends Call & Push." on the top page.

What should I do if the victim has jerking movements?

Immediately after the cardiac arrest, jerking body movements can be seen, which will soon stop. Sometimes it might be difficult to distinguish them from epileptic convulsions. If the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally, you should take it as a sign of cardiac arrest and begin chest compressions.

When the victim is unconscious and gasping, how do I recognize whether or not it is cardiac arrest?

Immediately after a cardiac arrest, the victim can have trouble breathing. If you see the victim unresponsive and breathing abnormally, you should treat it as cardiac arrest and start chest compressions.

Why is it important to release pressure on the chest to let it rise completely before pushing down again during chest compressions?

When the chest comes back to its normal position, the blood sent through the body flows back to the heart. As well as by pushing hard, you can maximize the effect of chest compressions by releasing the pressure on the chest allowing it to fully recoil. Be sure not to lose contact between your hands and the victim's chest so as not to lose the location of the breastbone.

What should I do if I am getting tired from giving hard and fast chest compressions?

In order to continue high-quality chest compressions, it is advisable to trade off the chest compressions before getting tired.

Can I break the victim's ribs giving chest compressions?

You may break ribs, but this fear causing you to perform weak compressions or no chest compressions can rob the victim of his/her life. You must provide hard and fast chest compressions and give top priority to saving a life.

Can I get sued if I couldn't do any good?

Emergency care is basically considered to be someone who is under no obligation rendering medical care to a third party who is sick or injured, in order to allow the person to escape imminent danger. A person who has provided CPR is not liable for compensation for damages resulting from the performance unless he or she has acted in bad faith or with gross negligence.

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AED

What happens if I am touching the person when the AED shocks?

You can also receive an electric shock. Please make sure that everybody keeps off the victim when delivering shocks.

Can the AED accidentally give wrong directions to have me render an inappropriate treatment to the victim?

The AED's analyses are highly accurate. The AED is not likely to do any harm as long as it is used on a victim of cardiac arrest.

What happens if I continue performing CPR when the AED says "Stand clear. Analyzing now."?

Not only will the AED have trouble in analyzing the heart rhythm, but delivery of an electric shock can be delayed. Please follow the AED's instructions.

Is it necessary to have taken a training course before using an AED on the scene?

You are allowed to use an AED even if you have not received any training. Without training, however, it might take you time to recognize cardiac arrest or to operate an AED. We would like as many people as possible to take the training course.