How to Do Two-Person CPR

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation, commonly called CPR, is the procedure used to supply much-needed oxygen to the brain of a victim whose breathing and heartbeat have stopped. Two-person CPR functions the same way as one-person, but it has the advantage of allowing the individual doing the resuscitating to have small breaks while his partner performs other aspects of the procedure.

Instructions

• 1

  Examine the victim quickly to determine if CPR is necessary. Place your ear just above their mouth to hear, or feel, any airflow. Take their pulse by placing 2 fingers on the carotid artery in their neck or on the inside of their wrist. Determine if anything is physically blocking their breathing.

• 2

  Call 911 immediately, if you can do so without leaving the patient for any length of time. Emergency operators will assist you in your efforts. One person can begin both parts of CPR while the other one makes the call.

• 3

  Begin resuscitation efforts if no evidence of a heartbeat or breathing exists. Whether or not you speak with a 911 operator, begin trying to resuscitate the victim. The human brain can't survive without oxygen for more than a few minutes before damage occurs. CPR will force blood and oxygen to the victim's brain until help arrives.

• 4

  Tilt the victim's head back by reaching under his neck and pulling upwards. Person 1 will perform the breathing station and will pinch the victim's nostrils closed while keeping the head tilted back to open the airway.

• 5

  Depress the chest by placing your hands, one palm over the other hand, keeping arms straight and pumping with a quick motion to a depth between 1 and 2 inches for an adult. Person 2 will concentrate on delivering 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths, checking pulse every 2 minutes.

• 6

  Repeat this procedure until the victim starts breathing or help arrives. To switch positions if one resuscitator becomes fatigued, the person giving the chest compressions will finish his pumps, then immediately move to the mouth and perform 2 deep breaths. As he does this, the other person will backup and move behind him to take his position on chest compressions.