CPR and Rescue Breathing for Adults with Tracheostomy(Ages 12 and older)
1. Check for consciousness.
a. Gently tap the shoulder and shout.
No Response
2. Call 911.
3. Check for breathing.
a. If the adult is lying on his stomach, turn him over onto his back.
b. Put your ear close to the adult's trach. Watch the chest for movement. Look, listen and feel for breathing for 10 seconds.
No Breathing
a. Suction the trach tube. If the trach has an inner cannula, remove it and suction the length of the trach tube.
b. Change the trach if it is plugged or dislodged.
c. Give 2 breaths to the trach, using a resuscitation bag.
Breaths Go In
Check for Breathing and a Pulse:
a. Check for a pulse by sliding your two fingers into the groove on the side of the adult's neck as you check for signs of life for 10 seconds.
Pulse But No Breathing
Begin Rescue Breathing:
a. Place the resuscitation bag on the trach and give one breath every 5 seconds (count 1-1000, 2-1000, 3-1000, 4-1000, Breathe, etc.).
b. Recheck for signs of life every 2 minutes.
No Pulse, No Breathing
Begin CPR:
a. Position the heel of one hand on the center of the chest. Place the other hand on top of the other hand.
b. With elbows locked and straight, compress the chest 2 inches in depth 30 times. Give 2 breaths, using the resuscitation bag. Continue with 30 compressions/2 breaths, 30 compressions/2 breaths, etc.
Continue CPR until you see signs of life, another rescuer takes over for you or help arrives.
(Please note you no longer check the pulse once you start CPR.)
If you are alone, call 911 first before providing care.
Contact Us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Rev. 9/09
