Pregnant Women

    If a pregnant woman goes into cardiac arrest, you should follow the typical three steps you would for anyone else. The Call-Push-Shock guide and the following three basic actions are outlined in detail. While the Call-Push-Shock guidance recommends conducting hands-only CPR on cardiac arrest victims, traditional CPR with chest compressions and rescue breaths is advised for pregnant women.

CALL

Recognize Maternal Cardiac Arrest & Call Emergency Number

Recognizing cardiac arrest in a pregnant woman is the same as recognising cardiac arrest in anybody else. Make sure you're responsive and breathing normally. Assume they're in cardiac arrest if they're not responding or breathing regularly. You should dial the emergency number right away, do CPR, and have someone grab an AED. If you call an emergency, remember to tell the operator that the patient is pregnant.

PUSH

Perform CPR on Pregnant Women

• Lay the woman on their back (called the “supine position”) on a flat and hard surface such as the floor.

• Press hard and fast in the center of their chest. You should push their chest down 2 inches with each compression.

• Perform compressions at a rate of 100-120 beats per minute.

• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.

• Immediately restart compressions.

• Continue this sequence until the AED or Emergency Medical Services arrive.

SHOCK

Use the AED to Restart Their Heart

Turn on the AED as soon as it arrives and follow the on-screen instructions. The AED will instruct you on how to proceed. AEDs are used to monitor a person's cardiac rhythm and decide if a defibrillation "shock" is required to restart the heart. If a shock is recommended, the gadget will charge and deliver it. If a shock isn't recommended, the AED will inform you to keep performing CPR.