← All subjects

First Aid

All modules
Module

CPR — Adults & AED

Chain of survival

Early recognition + 112 call → Early CPR → Early defibrillation → Post-resuscitation care.

VODDO sequence (memorise)

  • V — Varnost (Safety)
  • O — Odzivnost (Responsiveness)
  • D — Dihalna pot (Airway)
  • D — Dihanje (Breathing)
  • O — Obtok (Circulation)

Standard adult sequence

  • 1. Confirm scene safety
  • 2. Check responsiveness — shake shoulders, ask "Are you OK?"
  • 3. Open airway — head tilt, chin lift; remove visible obstructions only
  • 4. Check breathing 10 sec — look-listen-feel
  • 5. Call 112 (speakerphone), send for AED
  • 6. 30 chest compressions
  • 7. 2 rescue breaths
  • 8. Continue 30:2
  • 9. Apply AED ASAP, follow voice prompts
  • 10. If breathing returns and unconscious → recovery position

Compression technique — the numbers

  • Hard surface; victim on back
  • Heel of hand on the LOWER HALF of the sternum (centre of chest)
  • Other hand on top, fingers interlocked, elbows straight
  • Depth: at least 5 cm, no more than 6 cm
  • Rate: 100–120 per minute
  • Full chest recoil between compressions; hands stay in contact

Rescue breaths

After 30 compressions, reopen airway. Pinch the nose. Take a normal breath. Seal lips around mouth (over face-shield film, pocket mask, or BVM). Blow for 1 second — watch the chest rise. Wait for it to fall. Repeat once. Then back to compressions.

Drowning-specific CPR

After confirming no breathing, give 5 INITIAL RESCUE BREATHS BEFORE starting compressions. Then continue with the standard 30:2. This is because drowning is a hypoxic arrest — oxygen is the priority.

Continue CPR until

  • Emergency team takes over
  • Person wakes, moves, opens eyes, or breathes effectively
  • You are exhausted

AED use — adults

  • Dry the chest first — drowning victims must not lie in water
  • Pad placement: right side under the collarbone + left mid-axillary line (chest side)
  • Alternative if pacemaker visible: front-back placement
  • Stop CPR for analysis; "Everyone clear!" before shock
  • Resume CPR immediately after shock or "no shock advised"
  • If breathing returns: leave pads on, switch off AED, monitor

Agonal breathing

Single, irregular, gasping breaths — like a "fish out of water" — are NOT normal breathing. Treat as cardiac arrest and start CPR.

CPR — Adults & AED