Page 37 - Participant Manual

If the Person Is Responsive

If the person responds (such as by moving, opening his or her eyes or moaning) and is breathing normally, the
person is responsive, but may not be fully awake. If the person is not fully awake but appears to be breathing
normally, send someone to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number and to obtain an automated
external defibrillator (AED) and first aid kit. Gather more information by interviewing bystanders (using SAMPLE
as a guide; see Figure 2-1) and doing a head-to-toe check. Then roll the person onto his or her side into the
recovery position (Box 2-2).

If the Person Is Unresponsive

If the person does not respond in any way and is not
breathing or is only gasping, assume cardiac arrest.
Send someone to call 9-1-1 or the designated
emergency number and to get an AED and first aid
kit. Make sure the person is lying face-up on a firm,
flat surface, such as the ground or floor. Immediately
begin CPR (starting with compressions) and use an
AED as soon as possible if you are trained in these
skills.
Skill Sheet 2-2 summarizes how to check
an injured or ill person who appears to be
unresponsive.

Box 2-2. Recovery Positions

When a person is responsive but not fully awake, put the person in a recovery position if the person has
no obvious signs of injury. The recovery position helps to lower the person’s risk for choking and aspiration
(the inhalation of foreign matter, such as saliva or vomit, into the lungs). You should also use the recovery
position if a person with an injury begins to vomit, or if it is necessary to leave the person alone to call
9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
To place an adult or child in a recovery position: For an infant:

■ Extend the person’s arm that is closest to you ■ You can place an infant on his or her side as
above the person’s head. you would an older child, or you can hold the
© 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
infant in a recovery position by positioning
■ Roll the person toward yourself onto his or her the infant face-down along your forearm,
side, so that the person’s head rests on his or supporting the infant’s head and neck while
her extended arm.
keeping the mouth and nose clear.
■ Bend both of the person’s knees to stabilize
the body.

Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 28 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 29 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual