CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone's heartbeat or breathing has stopped, such as during a cardiac arrest, drowning, or suffocation. The goal is to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more advanced medical help arrives.
Basic CPR Steps (for adults):
🔹 1. Check Responsiveness and Breathing
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Tap the person and shout, “Are you okay?”
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Look for normal breathing. If not breathing or only gasping, call emergency services (911 in the U.S.) and start CPR.
🔹 2. Call for Help
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If you're not alone, send someone to call 911 and get an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).
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If you are alone and have a phone, call 911 on speaker while starting CPR.
🔹 3. Begin Chest Compressions
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Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (on the lower half of the breastbone).
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Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
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Push hard and fast:
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Depth: at least 2 inches (5 cm)
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Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute (think of the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees)
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Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
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🔹 4. Give Rescue Breaths (if trained)
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After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:
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Tilt the head back, lift the chin.
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Pinch the nose shut and give a breath over 1 second, making the chest rise.
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Give a second breath.
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If you're not trained or uncomfortable giving breaths, just do Hands-Only CPR (chest compressions only).
🔹 5. Use an AED (if available)
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Turn it on and follow the voice prompts.
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Attach the pads as shown in the diagrams.
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Stand clear while the AED analyzes the rhythm.
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Deliver a shock if instructed, then continue CPR immediately.
🔹 Continue Until:
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The person starts breathing or moving.
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Trained help arrives and takes over.
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You're too exhausted to continue.