AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED key terms

The sequence of actions that gives a person in cardiac arrest the best chance of survival: recognizing the emergency, starting CPR, using an AED, and getting advanced medical care. Each link must happen quickly and in order.

A condition in which the heart stops pumping blood effectively, so the brain and organs get no oxygen. The person becomes unresponsive, is not breathing normally, and needs CPR and an AED right away.

A blockage of blood flow to part of the heart muscle, which causes chest pain or pressure and other symptoms. The heart usually keeps beating, so CPR is not needed unless the person becomes unresponsive and stops breathing normally.

Irregular, gasping, snoring, or gurgling sounds a person may make shortly after cardiac arrest. They are not normal breathing and mean the person needs CPR. Rescuers should not mistake them for adequate breathing.

A state in which a person does not respond to shouting or tapping. An unresponsive person needs an immediate check for normal breathing and, if breathing is absent or abnormal, CPR and an AED.

CPR done with fast, deep chest compressions, full chest recoil, minimal interruptions, and not too much ventilation. These qualities keep blood moving and give the person the best chance of survival.

The speed of chest compressions, which should be 100 to 120 per minute. Counting aloud or using a song with a similar beat helps keep the pace steady during CPR.

How far the chest is pushed down during CPR. For an adult, press at least 2 inches (about 5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (about 6 cm). Depth is measured on the lower half of the breastbone.

Allowing the chest to come all the way back up after each compression without leaning on it. Full recoil lets blood refill the heart so the next compression can pump it out again.

Breaths given to a person who is not breathing normally, using a barrier device or bag-mask. Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise visibly without being forceful.

A technique to open the airway of an unresponsive person with no suspected head or neck injury. Tilt the head back by pushing on the forehead while lifting the chin with your fingers.

An airway-opening method used when a head or neck injury is suspected. The rescuer kneels at the person's head and lifts the lower jaw forward on both sides without tilting the head back.

Delivery of an electric shock to the heart to stop a chaotic rhythm and allow a normal rhythm to return. It is most effective when done within minutes of cardiac arrest, so the AED should be used as soon as it arrives.

An automated external defibrillator: a portable device that analyzes the heart rhythm and, if needed, delivers a shock. It gives voice and visual prompts so a trained or untrained rescuer can use it safely.

Adhesive electrode pads placed on the person's bare chest to let the AED read the heart rhythm and deliver a shock. One pad goes on the upper right chest and the other on the lower left side.

A heart rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, that an AED can treat with a shock. The AED analyzes the rhythm and advises a shock only when one of these rhythms is present.

Pads or a key designed for children under 8 years old or under about 55 pounds (25 kg). They reduce the energy of the shock. If unavailable, use adult pads and follow the AED's prompts.

The step of making sure no one is touching the person before an AED delivers a shock. The rescuer loudly says "Clear!" and checks visually so no bystander or rescuer is injured.

CPR for children and infants. Compressions are given at the same rate as for adults, but depth is about one third of the chest, and rescuers may give 30 compressions to 2 breaths or 15 compressions to 2 breaths depending on the number of rescuers.

CPR for a child under 1 year old. Compressions are given with two fingers or two thumbs on the lower half of the breastbone just below the nipple line, at about one third the depth of the chest.

A side-lying position used for an unresponsive person who is breathing normally and has no suspected spinal injury. It helps keep the airway open and lets fluids drain from the mouth.

Blockage of the airway by a foreign object, often food, that stops air from moving in and out. A person who cannot speak, cough, or breathe needs immediate back blows and abdominal thrusts.

A partly blocked airway in which the person can still cough, speak, or breathe. The rescuer should encourage forceful coughing and watch closely, and be ready to act if the blockage becomes severe.

Quick inward and upward pushes just above the navel, used to force air out and clear a severe airway obstruction in a responsive adult or child. Also called the Heimlich maneuver.

Firm blows between the shoulder blades with the heel of the hand, used to help clear a severe airway obstruction. They are used alone in infants and combined with thrusts in adults and children.

Compressions to the lower half of the breastbone used to clear a severe airway obstruction in an infant, or in an adult or child when abdominal thrusts cannot be given. They work like abdominal thrusts by forcing air out.

Heavy blood loss that will not stop on its own and can quickly become life threatening. It is treated by applying firm direct pressure, adding dressings as needed, and using a tourniquet when bleeding from an arm or leg cannot be controlled.

Pressing firmly on a bleeding wound with a clean cloth, gauze, or gloved hand to slow blood loss. Pressure is held steadily without frequently lifting the dressing to check the wound.

A tight band placed above a life-threatening limb wound to stop blood flow. It is used when direct pressure fails or cannot be applied, and it should be left in place until medical care arrives.

A special gauze treated with a substance that helps blood clot. It is packed into a deep wound or held with direct pressure when standard dressings do not control severe bleeding.

A sudden interruption of blood flow to part of the brain. Warning signs include face drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech; the rescuer should note the time symptoms began and call emergency services immediately.

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, and a drop in blood pressure. It is treated with epinephrine and an immediate call for emergency help.

A device that delivers a single measured dose of epinephrine into the outer thigh to treat a severe allergic reaction. It is given promptly when signs of anaphylaxis appear, followed by a call for emergency care.

A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that may cause jerking movements, loss of awareness, or stiffening. The rescuer protects the person from injury, does not restrain them, and calls for help if the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes.

Injury to skin or deeper tissue from heat, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. First aid includes stopping the burning, cooling with cool running water, covering loosely, and seeking care for large or deep burns.

A broken bone, which may cause pain, swelling, deformity, or an inability to use the limb. First aid includes keeping the person still, supporting the injured area, and getting medical help without trying to straighten the bone.