Basic CPR + AED
Quick reference guide: how to respond to cardiac arrest in the office, from recognition to defibrillation.
Without CPR, every minute of arrest reduces survival by roughly 10%. Quality compressions and early defibrillation are the interventions that change the outcome.
Cardiorespiratory arrest is the most extreme scenario an office can face — as the outcome of anaphylaxis, systemic local anesthetic toxicity, or a cardiovascular event in the patient. It gives no warning, and the result depends on what your team does in the first minutes, before mobile emergency services arrive.
The sequence saves lives when the whole team knows it: recognize, call for help, compress, defibrillate. This guide summarizes the steps. The full protocol in the app includes cycle timers and role activation for your team.
Warning signs
- No response to verbal or painful stimuli
- Not breathing, or only gasping (agonal breathing)
- Sudden loss of consciousness during or after the procedure
- No signs of circulation
First steps
- 1
Check responsiveness and breathing
Stimulate the patient. If unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, it is an arrest: start the sequence without hesitation.
- 2
Activate emergency services and call for the AED
Assign one specific person to call and another to fetch the AED. You do not leave the patient.
- 3
High-quality compressions
100–120 per minute, 5–6 cm deep, allowing full chest recoil. Minimize interruptions.
- 4
Defibrillate as soon as the AED arrives
Turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Early defibrillation is decisive in shockable rhythms.
- 5
Continue in 30:2 cycles and reassess every 2 minutes
Rotate the compressor to maintain quality, until emergency services arrive or the patient shows signs of life.
This summary is for orientation. The full protocol in the app includes the cycle timer, quality reminders, and the detailed sequence — and it is free.
Does your team know where the AED is?
In an arrest, the seconds lost searching for the AED or deciding who calls cost survival. Define today where every supply is and who does what. The app includes the office preparation checklist and per-protocol role assignment.
Keep the full protocol on your phone
Free, offline, with timers. Create your account and keep it on your phone.
- Step-by-step guide with a 2-minute cycle timer
- Compression quality reminders and the 30:2 sequence
- WhatsApp team activation with assigned roles
- Case documentation with a timeline, ready for backup
- Visual reference flashcard for the emergency cart
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct compression rate and depth?
Between 100 and 120 compressions per minute, 5–6 cm deep in adults, allowing full chest recoil between compressions and minimizing interruptions. High-quality CPR saves lives.
When do I use the AED?
As soon as it is available. Turn it on and follow the voice prompts: the device analyzes the rhythm and only advises a shock when indicated. Early defibrillation is decisive for survival.
Why does an aesthetic office need a CPR protocol?
Complications such as anaphylaxis or systemic local anesthetic toxicity can progress to cardiorespiratory arrest. Survival depends on the team response in the first minutes, before emergency services arrive.
This content is educational and informational support material intended exclusively for licensed healthcare professionals. It is not a medical device, does not offer diagnoses, and does not replace clinical training, professional judgment, or local regulations.