HOW-TO & PRACTICAL

What are the basic steps of CPR?

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CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and heart when someone stops breathing or their heart stops beating. The basic steps are: check responsiveness, call for help, open the airway, give chest compressions, and provide rescue breaths.

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Compression Rate100-120 compressions per minute
Compression DepthAt least 2 inches for adults
Hand PositionCenter of the chest between the nipples
Compression to Breath Ratio30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths
When to Use CPRWhen someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally

Check Responsiveness and Call for Help

First, tap the person's shoulders and shout to see if they respond. If they do not respond and are not breathing normally, immediately call 911 or have someone else call. If an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available nearby, have someone retrieve it.

Open the Airway

Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway. This helps keep the airway open so air can reach the lungs during rescue breaths.

Perform Chest Compressions

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest between the nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. Push hard and fast at least 2 inches deep at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Keep your arms straight and use your body weight to apply force.

Give Rescue Breaths

After 30 compressions, open the airway again. Pinch the nose closed, cover the mouth with yours, and blow air in for about 1 second until the chest rises. Give 2 rescue breaths, then return to compressions. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths.

Continue Until Help Arrives

Keep performing CPR without stopping until emergency responders arrive, the person starts breathing normally, or you are too exhausted to continue. If an AED arrives, turn it on and follow its instructions while continuing CPR.

Hands-Only CPR Option

If you are uncomfortable giving rescue breaths or unsure how, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is effective for adults. Continue chest compressions at the correct rate and depth until emergency help arrives.

Sources

  1. American Heart Association (heart.org) (American Heart Association (heart.org))
  2. Red Cross (redcross.org) (Red Cross (redcross.org))
  3. CDC (cdc.gov) (CDC (cdc.gov))