How to Perform CPR
January 16, 2023
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a technique that allows oxygenated blood to circulate to vital organs such as the brain and heart.
CPR can help cases of:
- cardiac arrest
- respiratory arrest
- choking
- drowning
- heart attacks
- severe allergic reactions
- electric shock
- drug overdose
- smoke exposure
Every second counts.
By keeping blood circulating to vital organs, CPR can keep a person alive until help arrives and make the difference between life and death.
If CPR is performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, it can double or triple a person's chance of survival.
Studies have found performing chest compressions alone, called Hands-Only CPR, can be just as effective as traditional CPR if done correctly.
Only people who are certified in CPR should include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation during CPR.
Hands-Only CPR consists of two easy steps:
- Call 9-1-1 (or have someone else call)
- Push hard and fast with the palms of your hands on the center of the distressed person's chest.
Aim for two compressions per second and allow the chest to rise between each compression.
STOP
Always make sure the scene is safe before providing assistance. CPR should not be performed in cases of danger.
If you're administering CPR and see signs of responsiveness, such as breathing, alertness or coughing, stop giving CPR.
Get Certified in CPR
Go to heart.org/cpr and click on Find A Course to find a class online or near you.