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Circulation
C. CIRCULATION:
 Artificial circulation is provided by external chest compression. In effect,
when you apply rhythmic pressure on the lower half of the victim's breast-bone, you are
forcing his heart to pump blood. To perform external chest compression properly, kneel at
his side near his chest.
Place the heel of one hand approximately
two inches above the lower end of the breast bone. Place your other hand on top of the one
in position.
Be sure to keep your fingers off the chest wall. You may find it easier to do this if you
interlock your fingers. Bring your shoulders directly over the breastbone as you press
downward, keeping your arms straight.
 Depress the breastbone about 1-1/2 to 2 inches for an adult victim.
Then relax pressure on the breastbone completely. However, do not remove your hands from
the victim's breastbone, but do allow the chest to return to its normal position between
compressions.
Relaxation and compression should be of equal duration.
If you are the only rescuer, you must
provide both rescue breathing and external chest compression. The proper ratio is 15 chest
compressions to two slow breaths. You must compress at the rate of 80-100 times per minute
when you are working alone since you will stop compressions when you take time to breathe.
Where there is another
rescuer to help you, position yourself on the opposite side of the patient if possible.
One of you should be responsible for interposing a breath during the relaxation after each
fifth compression. The other rescuer who compresses the chest should use a rate of 80-100
compressions per minute. Unconscious casualties who are breathing and whose hearts are
beating should be placed in the recovery position.
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