For each error listed, explain what technique should have been performed.

A 40-year-old male presents with a negative medical history. His appointment is for a regular six-month dental checkup. While the appointment is in progress, the patient begins to complain of a tightness in his chest. He clutches his chest and then loses consciousness. The rescuer utilizes the head tilt/chin left technique to open the airway. The rescuer then checks for breathing and determines that the patient is not breathing.

The rescuer gives one breath and then locates the brachial artery to determine if the person has a pulse. No pulse is found, so the rescuer telephones the EMS system for help. Next, the rescuer locates the lower half of the sternum and uses the heel of one hand to compress the sternum 1.5 inches. The rescuer administers 15 compressions, then returns to the person’s head and administers 2 breaths. After 10 or 12 cycles, the rescuer decides the patient is not responding and stops CPR.

What will be an ideal response?

Rescuer should have had someone else call for EMS; begin compressions first; use both hands to deliver compressions; compression depth should be 2 inches; after 5 cycles, check for pulse; never stop CPR unless the patient has recovered or is transferred to another EMS personnel