How Do You Perform CPR and Rescue Breathing on Adults with Tracheostomy (Ages 12 and Older)?
You arrive on the scene: Check the scene for safety
Check the victim for consciousness. Gently tap the shoulder and shout.
No Response
Call 911 immediately.
If the adult is lying on his stomach, turn him over onto his back. They should be lying on a hard flat surface.
Check for Breathing and Signs of Life
Watch their chest for any normal movement. Look for signs of life and breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
No Breathing or Signs of Life
Begin CPR:
1. Position the heel of one hand on the center of the adult’s chest. Place your other hand on top.
2. With your elbows locked and arms straight, lean over the adult and compress the chest at least two inches in depth 30 times.
3. After the compressions, give breaths using a resuscitation bag attached to the trach. Gently squeeze the bag and give two breaths − just enough to make their chest rise.
4. Continue with 30 compressions / two breaths, 30 compressions / two breaths, etc.
If Breaths do not make chest rise
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 two breaths to the trach, using a resuscitation bag.
Continue CPR until you see signs of life, another rescuer takes over for you, or help arrives.
Education Opportunities
The Center for Simulation and Research at Cincinnati Children’s offers CPR classes for patient families. Call 513-636-1096 for more information.
Contact Us
For additional information, call the CPR Department, 513-636-1096, or your pediatrician.
