Adult CPR in pharmacy practice

If you suspect cardiac arrest, start chest compressions immediately. In pharmacy settings act quickly; use the floor or another firm, flat surface if needed for effective compressions.

High-quality adult CPR means

• Hands in the centre of the chest: place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the sternum and the other hand on top.
• Rate of 100 to 120 compressions a minute: too slow or too fast both reduce effectiveness.
• Depth of 5 to 6 cm: compress sufficiently, then allow full chest recoil.
• Minimal interruptions: pauses reduce the chance of successful resuscitation.
• Change compressor if possible: fatigue degrades quality quickly.

Rescue breaths in a mixed pharmacy audience

Ambulance call handlers will usually coach callers to perform chest-compression-only CPR unless the caller says they can give rescue breaths. If you are trained and can ventilate safely, use a 30:2 cycle. If you are not trained, cannot ventilate effectively, or are being coached to give compressions only, continue compressions and follow 999 instructions.

Do not delay compressions to search for equipment or debate details. If airway equipment is immediately available and staff present are trained to use it safely, it can be incorporated, but compressions remain the priority.

Paediatric note

High-quality compressions started early are more important than a delayed attempt at perfect CPR.