Salters-Nuffield Advanced Biology Resources Extension 1.

1 Student Sheet

SOMEONE SAVED MY LIFE TODAY

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
You’ve probably heard of ‘artificial respiration’. Nowadays this is generally known as
cardiopulmonary resuscitation or just CPR. In the UK about 30% of people who have a heart attack
die before reaching hospital. If we all knew how to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation literally
thousands of lives in the UK would be saved each year.
The British Heart Foundation has produced an app that is free to download. It contains videos and step
by step instructions on what to do if someone has a heart attack. After calling for help and phoning
999, it recommends performing hands-only CPR. The app provides training on how to undertake
hands-only CPR, pushing hard on the person’s chest to the beat of the Bee Gees song ‘Staying Alive’
until help arrives. The app includes an interactive animation that uses mobile phone technology to
allow the user to practise the rate and depth of push required, instructing you whether you need to
push harder or not.
The best way to learn about cardiopulmonary resuscitation is to have a training session on it,
particularly if you want to be able to use the Call, Push, Rescue method of CPR: call 999 immediately,
push hard and fast on the centre of the chest 30 times and give two rescue breaths. Training sessions
are run by such organisations as the Red Cross and St John Ambulance. The BHF also runs courses to
teach CPR and other emergency life-saving skills. These Heartstart courses are free to attend. In
addition, the BHF produces a free training kit for schools; see the BHF website for details. They will
come and run courses at schools and colleges – so pester your teachers/lecturers for one!

Questions
Q1 Why do you think the term ‘artificial respiration’ has been replaced by ‘cardiopulmonary
resuscitation’?
Q2 What causes the crushing pain that usually accompanies a heart attack?
Q3 Why do you think a person suffering a heart attack is often pale?
Q4 Suggest one reason why you should approach an unconscious person with care.
Q5 Explain how cardiopulmonary resuscitation compressions help save a person who has
experienced a heart attack.
Q6 If giving rescue breaths it is recommended you tilt the person’s head back, lift their chin and
then pinch the person’s nose before commencing rescue breaths. Explain why these actions are
recommended.
Q7 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can save lives even if the person has not suffered a heart attack.
Suggest two other reasons why someone might be unconscious yet benefit from
cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Q8 If you are trained to carry out cardiopulmonary resuscitation by practising on a training
manikin (life-size doll), the manikin’s lips will be cleaned before each person practises.
Suggest the possible physical health benefit of this.
Q9 Why do you think the British Heart Foundation has produced an app focusing on hands-only
CPR?

All users will need to review the risk assessment information and may need to adapt it to local circumstances.
© 2015 University of York, developed by University of York Science Education Group.
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