First aid until an ambulance arrives (cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an AED)
Updated: June 1, 2020
Here are the steps for cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an AED.
If you would like to know more, we recommend taking a first aid course offered by the fire department or other organizations.
CPR steps
Follow steps 1 to 12 below to perform CPR and wait for the ambulance to arrive.
Step 1 Check surrounding safety
First, make sure your surroundings are safe before approaching the victim.
Step 2 Check the reaction (awareness)
Call into the victim's ear, ``Are you OK?'' and tap the victim's shoulder to see if he or she responds.
Confirmation of reaction (consciousness)
Step 3 Call for help
If there is no response, call for help using a loud voice and gestures , asking for help such as ``Call 119'' or ``Please bring me an AED.''
If you do not have someone to help you, first call 911 yourself, and if there is an AED nearby, go and get it.
call for help loudly
Call 119 and request an AED
Step 4 Check breathing
Check within 10 seconds to see if the victim is breathing normally while watching the chest and abdomen movements.
If there is no movement in the chest or abdomen or if you are unsure, begin chest compressions immediately.
Checking breathing
Step 5 Chest compressions
If the person does not appear to be breathing normally, perform chest compressions immediately.
The hand position for chest compressions is to place both hands in the middle of the chest and compress firmly vertically from directly above until the chest sinks about 5 cm , at a rate of 100 to 120 times per minute .
compression position
fold your hands and extend your elbows
Compression position (straight, vertical compression)
Step 6 Establish the airway
Place one hand on your forehead and the index and middle fingers of your other hand on your chin to tilt your head back and lift your chin to help air flow into your lungs.
Airway management
Step 7 Artificial respiration
While keeping the airway open, pinch the victim's nose with the thumb and index finger of the hand placed on the forehead. Open your mouth wide and cover the victim's mouth.
Breathe in twice (for 1 second each time), making sure not to let any air escape, and just enough to raise the other person's chest.
Artificial respiration
Step 8 Continue CPR (30:2)
Perform 30 consecutive chest compressions, followed by 2 artificial respirations. Continue continuously until handing over to emergency services.
Step 9 Use the AED
When the AED arrives, remove it from its case, place it near the victim, and press the power button. (Some models turn on automatically when you open the lid.) After that, follow the voice prompts.
Turn on the power
Step 10: Attach the electrode pads
Remove the victim's clothing and uncover their chest. At that time, if there is a patch on your chest, remove it, and if your chest is wet with sweat, wipe it off with the provided towel.
Open the electrode pad bag, peel off the sheet, and firmly apply the adhesive side to your chest. (The pasting position is indicated by a picture on the main body or electrode pad.)
Pad mounting position
The mounting position is indicated on the main body and electrode pad.
Step 11. Perform analysis and electric shock
When you apply the electrode pads, the AED will check your electrocardiogram. You will hear a voice message saying, "Please do not touch your body."
Alert those around you to stay away and make sure no one is touching the victim. If the AED determines that it needs to deliver an electric shock, it will begin charging.
After charging is complete and before administering an electric shock, confirm that no one is touching the victim and press the shock button (blinking button).
Performing the analysis
Step 12 Repeat CPR and AED
After administering the electric shock, immediately resume CPR. After about 2 minutes, the AED will automatically analyze the electrocardiogram again, so please follow the voice prompts. From then on, please wait for the ambulance to arrive while repeating cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electrocardiogram analysis using the AED.
Inquiries regarding this page
Inagi City Fire Department Headquarters Police Department
2111 Higashinagumanuma, Inagi City, Tokyo (Inagi Fire Station)
Phone: 042-377-7119 Fax: 042-377-0119