What is the correct compression-to-breath ratio for adult CPR?

For adult CPR, the correct ratio is 30 chest compressions to 2 rescue breaths. This applies to single-rescuer CPR for all ages (adults, children, and infants) according to UK guidelines. Compressions should be at least 5-6 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 per minute.

How do I use an AED on a child or infant?

For children aged 1-8 years, use paediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads placed anterior-posterior (one on chest, one on back). For infants under 1 year, ideally use a manual defibrillator, but if only an AED is available, use paediatric pads or adult pads with anterior-posterior placement. Ensure no contact during analysis and shock.

What are the signs of anaphylaxis and when should I use an adrenaline auto-injector?

Signs include sudden onset of airway swelling (difficulty breathing, stridor), breathing problems (wheeze, tachypnoea), and circulation issues (pallor, hypotension, tachycardia), often with skin changes like hives. Use the auto-injector immediately if airway, breathing, or circulation are compromised. Administer into the outer mid-thigh, hold for 10 seconds, and call 999.

Can I use an AED if the casualty has a pacemaker?

Yes, but avoid placing pads directly over the pacemaker (usually a lump under the skin near the collarbone). Place the pad at least 8 cm away from the device. Follow standard AED instructions; the device will still analyse and shock if needed.

What should I do if a casualty is unresponsive but breathing normally?

Place them in the recovery position (on their side) to maintain an open airway and allow fluids to drain. Monitor breathing and pulse continuously. Be prepared to start CPR if breathing stops or becomes abnormal (agonal gasping). Call 999 for an ambulance.

How do I perform CPR on an infant?

For an infant (under 1 year), use two fingers for chest compressions, pressing down about 4 cm (one-third of chest depth) at a rate of 100-120 per minute. Give 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions, covering the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth. If alone, perform CPR for 1 minute before calling for help.

Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults Children and Infants

ITC FIRST

vocational

This subtopic equips learners with essential life-saving skills across all age groups, covering safe scene assessment, recognition of cardiac arrest, effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), and the emergency management of anaphylaxis. Practical application requires prompt, structured intervention following current UK Resuscitation Council guidelines, ensuring competency in responding to unresponsive casualties with abnormal, normal, or absent breathing.

Learning Outcomes

Assessment Guidance

Key Skills

Key Terms

Assessment Criteria

Assessment criteria

ITC Level 3 Award in Adult Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults Children and Infants

Topic Overview

This unit covers the essential skills and knowledge required to provide basic life support (BLS) to adults, children, and infants, including the safe use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and the management of anaphylaxis. It is a core component of the ITC Level 3 Award, designed for those working in health and social care settings where immediate response to emergencies is critical. Mastery of these techniques can significantly improve survival outcomes in cardiac arrest and severe allergic reactions.

The content is structured around the Chain of Survival, emphasising early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care. Students learn to assess unresponsive casualties, perform high-quality chest compressions and rescue breaths, and operate an AED safely. Anaphylaxis management includes recognising signs, administering adrenaline auto-injectors, and positioning the casualty. This unit integrates theory with practical application, ensuring students can confidently act in real emergencies.

Understanding this topic is vital for anyone in health and social care, as cardiac arrest and anaphylaxis can occur in any setting. The skills taught here are evidence-based and align with UK resuscitation guidelines (Resuscitation Council UK). By mastering these techniques, students not only fulfil qualification requirements but also gain the competence to save lives, making them invaluable assets in their workplaces.

Key Concepts

Core ideas you must understand for this topic

→Chain of Survival: Early recognition, early CPR, early defibrillation, and post-resuscitation care – each link is crucial for survival.
→High-quality CPR: Compress at least 5-6 cm deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute, with full chest recoil and minimal interruptions.
→AED safety: Ensure no one touches the casualty during analysis and shock delivery; remove any medication patches or excessive chest hair for pad placement.
→Anaphylaxis recognition: Look for sudden onset of airway, breathing, or circulation problems (e.g., swelling, wheeze, hypotension) plus skin changes like urticaria.
→Adrenaline auto-injector use: Administer into the outer mid-thigh (through clothing if necessary) and hold for 10 seconds; repeat after 5 minutes if no improvement.

Learning Objectives

What you need to know and understand

1 Be able to assess an emergency situation safely.2 Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally. 3 Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally. 4 Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with anaphylaxis.

Assessment Criteria

Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

Award credit for demonstrating a systematic scene survey, ensuring personal safety, and identifying hazards before approaching the casualty.
Evidence of correct infant and child CPR technique, including appropriate hand placement, compression depth (at least one-third of chest depth), and rate (100–120 per minute).
Clear demonstration of the recovery position for an unresponsive casualty breathing normally, with emphasis on airway maintenance and spinal consideration where applicable.
Accurate administration of an adrenaline auto-injector for anaphylaxis, including correct site (outer mid-thigh), holding for recommended duration, and immediate request for emergency medical services.

Assessment Guidance

Guidance for achieving higher grades

💡Verbalise every step of the primary survey (DRSABC) during assessments to demonstrate underpinning knowledge and structured approach.
💡When managing anaphylaxis, clearly articulate the rationale for adrenaline dosage and the importance of a second auto-injector if symptoms persist after 5 minutes.
💡For infant BLS, remember the subtle differences: use two fingers for chest compressions and avoid tilting the head too far back to prevent airway occlusion.
💡Always simulate requesting defibrillation pads for children under 8 years if available, and know how to apply them in anterior-posterior position if needed.
💡When describing CPR sequence, always state the ratio (30:2 for all ages) and compression depth/rate. For infants, use two fingers; for children, one or two hands as needed.
💡In anaphylaxis management, emphasise calling for help early, lying the casualty flat (or in recovery position if unconscious), and using the correct adrenaline auto-injector (adult vs child).
💡For AED use, mention checking for pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), and medication patches; also ensure the chest is dry and hair-free.

Common Mistakes

Common errors to avoid in your coursework

Failing to call for emergency help before starting CPR on an unresponsive non-breathing casualty.
Performing abdominal thrusts on a choking casualty who is still able to cough effectively, instead of encouraging them to cough.
Omitting to check for a pulse; current guidelines for lay rescuers emphasise absence of normal breathing as the trigger for CPR.
Injecting adrenaline into a vein or buttock, or failing to massage the injection site after delivery.
Misconception: You should always give rescue breaths before chest compressions. Correction: For adults, start with 30 compressions immediately; for children and infants, give 5 initial rescue breaths if trained and willing, then continue with 30:2.
Misconception: An AED can restart a stopped heart. Correction: AEDs treat shockable rhythms (VF/pVT) to allow the heart to re-establish an organised rhythm; they do not restart a flatline (asystole).
Misconception: Anaphylaxis always involves skin symptoms. Correction: Skin changes may be absent in up to 20% of cases; focus on airway, breathing, and circulation signs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Before You Start

Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

•Basic understanding of the human body's respiratory and circulatory systems.
•Familiarity with standard first aid principles (e.g., DRABC – Danger, Response, Airway, Breathing, Circulation).
•Knowledge of infection control measures (e.g., using gloves, face shields).

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

1 Be able to assess an emergency situation safely.2 Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is not breathing normally. 3 Be able to provide first aid to an unresponsive casualty who is breathing normally. 4 Be able to provide first aid to a casualty with anaphylaxis.

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Basic Life Support, Automated External Defibrillation and Management of Anaphylaxis for Adults Children and Infants

Assessment criteria

Topic Overview

Key Concepts

Learning Objectives

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Guidance

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Start

Key Terminology

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