Imagine someone suddenly collapses in front of you. Their heart stops, and they’re not breathing. What would you do? That’s where CPR—cardiopulmonary resuscitation—comes in. It’s a simple, life-saving skill that could double or even triple someone’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. The best part? Anyone can learn it. You don’t need to be a doctor to help save a life—you just need to know the basics.
Meaning
Let’s start with what CPR actually is.
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s an emergency procedure used when someone’s heart has stopped beating. The goal is to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional help arrives.
It involves two main actions:
- Chest compressions to keep the heart pumping
- Rescue breaths to get oxygen into the lungs (optional in some cases)
For most people, especially bystanders, hands-only CPR is enough. It focuses just on chest compressions—simple, effective, and easy to do.
Steps
So, how do you actually perform CPR? Here’s a quick, step-by-step breakdown you can remember:
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Check if the person is responsive or breathing |
| 2 | Call 911 immediately or ask someone else to call |
| 3 | Begin chest compressions (push hard and fast) |
| 4 | Keep going until help arrives or an AED is used |
Compression tips:
- Push in the center of the chest
- Go 2 inches deep
- Do 100–120 compressions per minute (like the beat of “Stayin’ Alive”)
- Let the chest rise fully between compressions
If you’re trained and comfortable, you can add rescue breaths after 30 compressions—tilt the head back, pinch the nose, and give 2 breaths.
When
CPR should be used when someone:
- Collapses and doesn’t respond
- Is not breathing or is only gasping
- Has no pulse (if you’re trained to check)
This can happen from sudden cardiac arrest, drowning, electrocution, or even a drug overdose. In these moments, every second counts.
AED
If you’re in a public place, look for an AED (automated external defibrillator). These devices are easy to use and guide you through the process with voice prompts.
AEDs check the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if needed. Using one alongside CPR gives the person the best chance of survival. Don’t worry—you can’t hurt someone with an AED. It only shocks if it detects it’s necessary.
Tips
- Don’t hesitate. Doing something is always better than doing nothing.
- Push hard and fast—don’t worry about breaking ribs.
- Switch with someone else if you get tired.
- Learn CPR formally through a class if you can—it builds confidence.
Knowing CPR is like carrying a superpower. You never know when you’ll need it, but when you do, you’ll be ready to act. And that action could mean the difference between life and death. It only takes minutes to learn, but the impact could last a lifetime—for you and the life you save.
FAQs
What does CPR stand for?
It stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Is mouth-to-mouth required?
Not always—hands-only CPR is often enough.
How fast should compressions be?
100–120 per minute, like the beat of ‘Stayin’ Alive’.
When should I stop CPR?
When help arrives or the person starts breathing.
Can I hurt someone with CPR?
You might break ribs—but it’s better than doing nothing.
