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Things to Know for CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential first aid skill that can restore breathing and circulation. You can use it in many different emergency situations and it's part of the American Red Cross's first aid course. Immediate use of CPR can keep a person alive until paramedics arrive, giving them a much better chance of survival.

  1. Circumstances

    • Before administering CPR, there are a few things to take into consideration. First of all, you should only use it on an adult who's having difficulty breathing or not breathing at all, or on a child who isn't breathing. It's important to check if the person is conscious; she may not be able to speak, but might nod or move a finger in response to a question. Even if she is unconscious, check whether her heart is still beating. If her heart hasn't stopped, CPR should not be performed. Call 911 and stay with the person.

    Call 911

    • The paramedics should be called as soon as possible. If other are people around, give someone the responsibility of calling 911. Studies have shown that bystanders often assume other people have already called, which could mean emergency services still need to be contacted. If you're alone, call 911 before administering CPR to someone past puberty (ages 9 to 12). Complete five cycles (two breaths and 30 chest compressions) of CPR on an infant or young child before calling.

    What if I'm Untrained?

    • The American Heart Association changed their CPR guidelines in 2010 to encourage people without training to administer CPR when no one with more training was present. Untrained individuals, as well as individuals who are trained yet out of practice, should provided uninterrupted chest compressions. About 100 compressions per minute is ideal; CPR classes teach chest compressions to the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees, since this song provides the appropriate number of beats per minute.

    C-A-B

    • The American Heart Association also changed the acronym A-B-C to C-A-B, which stands for circulation, airway and breathing. Observation studies performed by member countries of the Resuscitation Council of Asia show that compressions are the most important part of CPR, since blood flowing through the heart and brain can help keep a person alive. After performing chest compressions, those trained in CPR should check the injured person's airway and begin rescue breathing, also known as mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

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