Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance in an emergency to get medical assistance. Common emergency situations for adults and children include: Show
Calling triple zero (000)Some people hesitate in calling triple zero because they don’t believe their situation qualifies as an emergency. If in doubt, call 000 – the operator will direct you to the help you need. Emergency phone operators are trained to help you and can provide advice about what you need to do while you're waiting for emergency services to arrive. What to expect during your call to triple zero (000) – ambulanceWhen you call triple zero (000), you will be asked which service you require. Tell the operator you need an ambulance. You will then be transferred to an ambulance operator and asked for the following information:
The operator will organise assistance for you while you continue talking on the phone, even though you may not hear them do this. Answer any of the operator’s questions as this can help the paramedics prepare their response before the ambulance reaches you. The operator may give you first aid instructions over the phone. If you can, put your phone on loudspeaker. Do not hang up until the phone operator tells you to. When is CPR needed?CPR is most successful when administered as soon as possible. CPR is required when a person is:
A person in cardiac arrest may grunt, snort or take gasping breaths – this is not normal breathing. They still need CPR – don’t wait until they stop breathing. Although CPR steps are the same for adults and older children, the technique for babies and young children (0-5 years) is slightly different. DRSABCD (or ‘doctors ABCD’)The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD: D – Danger R – Response S – Send for help A – Airway B – Breathing C – CPR D – Defibrillator You may like to call it ‘doctors ABCD’ (DRS ABCD) so you can remember each step. Steps before giving CPR to babies and young children
The emergency services operator will guide you through CPR until the ambulance arrives. How to give CPR to babies 0-12 monthsThis video is available in a version aimed at Aboriginal , and also in the following languages: Aim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes. To perform CPR on infants (0-12 months):
Chest compression steps
Note: You may need to use the palm of your hand instead of your fingers depending on the size of your baby. Mouth-to-mouth on babies (0-12 months)
Keep going until:
Remember, if you are finding it difficult to keep up mouth-to-mouth breathing, keep going with compressions – they can still save your baby’s life. How to give CPR to young children 1-5 yearsThis video is also available in the following languages: Aim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes. To perform CPR on children (1-5 years):
Chest compression steps
This counts as one compression. Mouth-to-mouth on children (1-5 years)
Keep going until:
D= Defibrillator – CPR must be continued until an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available, the pads are attached and the machine is turned on. Remember, if you are finding it difficult to keep up mouth-to-mouth breathing, keep going with compressions – they can still save your child’s life. How to give CPR to adults and older childrenAim for 5 sets of 30 chest compressions to 2 breaths in about 2 minutes. If you can’t do mouth-to-mouth, stick with continuous compressions at a rate of approximately 100 per minute. To perform CPR on adults and older children:
Chest compression steps Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the person’s breastbone (in the middle of their chest).
Popular tunes can help keep the rhythm of compressionsTo keep the correct rhythm of compressions, you may like to use these popular songs:
Mouth-to-mouth on adults and older children
Keep going until:
CPR can be tiring. If you need a break, ask someone else to assist with minimal disruption. Rotate the person performing compressions every 2 minutes. If you find mouth-to-mouth difficult, continue with chest compressions until medical help arrives. They can still save someone’s life. Can it be dangerous doing chest compressions?Sometimes, people will have their ribs broken by chest compressions. This is still better than the alternative of not receiving CPR. Automated external defibrillators (AED)D= Defibrillator – A defibrillator is a life-saving device that treats someone who is having a cardiac arrest. It can analyse abnormal heart rhythms and send an electric shock or pulse to get the heart to return to its normal pumping rhythm. CPR must be continued until an automated external defibrillator (AED) becomes available. The pads must be attached to the skin and the machine turned on. AEDs are easy to use – voice prompts tell you what to do. There are different types of AEDs and some are available in public (such as shopping centres and schools). It is important to follow the prompts on the AED. Do not touch the person during analysis or shock delivery. If there is an emergency, knowing simple first aid can mean the difference between life and death. Consider taking a first aid course. CPR can be life-saving first aid – it increases someone’s chances of survival until an ambulance arrives. First aid training courses are available across Australia. A course typically takes a couple of hours and can be taken online or in person. Times are also flexible. Participants learn basic first aid skills (including CPR) and usually receive a certificate. Follow up refresher courses are recommended every 3 years. Many organisations hold regular courses, ask your doctor or maternal and child health nurse for more information. Where to get help
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