Uwe Auer

Uwe Auer shares some first aid tips to keep you safe these holidays.

As important as it is to avoid danger and keep your family safe, it is just as important to know what to do in a case of emergency. We’re joined by Uwe Auer, to give us some tips and demonstrations on basic first aid, which you can apply during the festive season if you or a member of your family finds themselves in a medical emergency.

CPR (infant <1 year)

1. Assess the baby’s responsiveness.  If there is no response then;
2. Send or go (call) for medical help.  If possible, carry baby with you to the telephone
3. Place baby face up (be sure to protect their neck and head during any movement).  Open the airway by pushing backward on their forehead and lift the chin.  Be careful not to over extend the baby’s neck as this could cause the airway to close
4. Keep the head tilted and place your ear near the baby’s mouth and nose. Check for normal breathing for up to 10 seconds.  If casualty is not breathing then;
5. Seal your mouth around the baby’s mouth and nose
6. Blow enough air to make the chest rise
7. Repeat
8. If the chest still doesn’t rise, make sure the casualty is on a firm surface and position your two fingers on the breastbone just below the nipple line

START CPR

1. Using your two fingers, give 30 compressions then two ventilations.

Continue with compressions and ventilations until either;

• An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is applied, or
• The casualty starts to respond, or
• Another first aider takes over, or
• Medical help takes over, or
• You are exhausted and cannot continue.

CPR – Adult / Child Casualty

1. Assess the casualty’s responsiveness. Tap them on the shoulder and call out “Are you OK?” If there is no response then; 
2. Send or go (call) for medical help. 
3. Place casualty face up (be sure to protect their neck and head during any movement). Open the airway by pushing backward on their forehead and lift the chin. 
4. Check for signs of breathing i.e. rise/fall of chest, movement, coughing. If casualty is not breathing, or only gasping, then; 
5. Make sure the casualty is on a firm surface and position your hands in the centre of the chest to begin chest compressions - START CPR 
6. Give 30 compressions – Push hard, push fast. (At least 100/min) 
7. Count compressions aloud to keep track of how many you have given and to help keep a steady rhythm. 
8. Give 2 ventilations: Take a normal breath and seal your mouth around the casualty’s mouth. Pinch their nostrils together and blow in just enough to get the chest to rise.