The Basics of CPR: How To Do It, When To Do It, and Who Can Do It

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The Basics of CPR: How To Do It, When To Do It, and Who Can Do It
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death during a sudden cardiac arrest or breathing emergency. Whether you’re a parent looking to protect your child, an employee wanting to increase workplace safety, or simply a concerned community member, understanding CPR gives you the power to help someone in a critical moment.

In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of CPR, explain when to use it, and show you that anyone—regardless of background—can learn and perform this lifesaving skill.

Why Knowing CPR Is So Important

Each year, hundreds of thousands of people experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. According to some estimates, only about one in ten survives. However, immediate CPR can drastically raise the chances of survival until professional medical help arrives.

Learning CPR is about more than just memorizing a procedure. It builds confidence and preparedness to act quickly, especially in situations where every second counts. If you ever witness someone collapse, knowledge of CPR can help you step in rather than stand by helplessly.

When Should You Perform CPR?

You should consider performing CPR when someone is:

Unresponsive (they do not respond to calling or gentle shaking).
Not breathing normally or not breathing at all.
Potentially in cardiac arrest (collapse, no pulse felt).

In these scenarios, the immediate actions you take can keep blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs. If you’re unsure whether to start CPR, remember that doing something is almost always better than doing nothing in a life-threatening emergency.

Important: Always call your local emergency services (e.g., 911 in the U.S.) first or have someone else do it while you begin CPR. Getting professional help on the way is crucial.

Who Can Perform CPR?

The short answer is: Anyone willing to help. CPR isn’t reserved for healthcare professionals. While formal training is recommended, you don’t need a license or certification to perform CPR. Here are the basic groups who can learn and perform CPR:

Adults: From high school students to retirees, CPR training is often offered in schools, community centers, and workplaces.
Teens and Young Adults: Many high schools include CPR in their health classes or first-aid courses.
Caregivers and Parents: Understanding child and infant CPR is particularly important if you look after kids.
Workplace Staff: Employers often provide CPR and first-aid training to keep employees safe and compliant with safety regulations.

No matter your age or profession, if you witness an emergency, you have the legal right—and in many places, the legal protection under “Good Samaritan” laws—to step in and offer assistance to the best of your ability.

How to Perform CPR: Step-by-Step Guide

Before starting, make sure the area is safe for both you and the victim. Then, follow these steps:

1. Check Responsiveness and Call for Help

Tap or gently shake the victim’s shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?”
If there’s no response, call emergency services immediately or ask someone else to call.

2. Position the Person and Open the Airway

Place the person on their back on a firm, flat surface.
Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.

3. Check for Breathing

Put your ear near their mouth and nose.
Look for the chest rising, listen for breathing, and feel for breath on your cheek.
If the person is not breathing or only gasping, move to compressions.

4. Begin Chest Compressions

Kneel beside the person’s chest.
Place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, between the nipples.
Put your other hand on top, interlace your fingers, and keep your arms straight.
Push straight down at least two inches for adults, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.
Allow the chest to return to its normal position after each compression.

5. Give Rescue Breaths (If Trained and Comfortable)

After every 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths.
Pinch the nose shut, tilt the head back, and place your mouth over theirs to form a seal.
Blow steadily for about 1 second per breath, watching to see if the chest rises.
If you’re not trained or uncomfortable, hands-only CPR (just chest compressions) is still highly effective.

6. Continue Until Help Arrives

Keep alternating 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths (if providing breaths).
Do not stop unless you see obvious signs of life (like coughing or movement), an automated external defibrillator (AED) is ready to use, or medical professionals instruct you to stop.

CPR for Infants and Children

CPR techniques differ slightly for younger individuals because of their smaller bodies and different physiological needs.

Infants (Under 1 Year Old):

Use two fingers (instead of the heel of your hand) for chest compressions.
Press the chest about 1.5 inches deep.
Be very gentle with rescue breaths—use your mouth to cover the infant’s nose and mouth, and use a softer, shorter breath.

Children (1 to 8 Years Old):

Use one hand or two hands depending on the size of the child.
Compress the chest about 2 inches.
Give gentle rescue breaths, watching the chest rise.

Whenever possible, receiving specialized child and infant CPR training is highly recommended if you care for or frequently interact with young children.

Common Questions and Myths About CPR

1. “What if I do CPR incorrectly and hurt the person?”

In many emergencies, the greatest harm is doing nothing at all. While there can be risks such as a cracked rib, proper CPR training minimizes them. Even if injuries happen, they are often overshadowed by the chance to save a life.

2. “Is mouth-to-mouth always necessary?”

Hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) is effective in most adult cardiac arrest cases if you’re not comfortable giving breaths. The goal is to maintain blood circulation until professional help arrives.

3. “Can I be sued for trying to help?”

“Good Samaritan” laws in many regions protect bystanders who provide emergency assistance in good faith. It’s rare to face legal repercussions if you act responsibly and with the person’s best interest in mind.

4. “Is formal training required before I attempt CPR?”

No. You don’t need a certification to perform CPR if someone’s life is in danger. However, formal training through organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) or Red Cross is highly recommended for learning the most up-to-date methods and gaining confidence in your skills.

Key Takeaways

Call for help first. Get emergency services on the line before you begin or have someone else do it.
Compressions matter most. If unsure, start with hands-only CPR—compressing the chest at 100-120 beats per minute.
Anyone can learn. CPR is not just for medical professionals. Knowledge and quick action can save lives.
Adapt for children and infants. Use gentler, smaller compressions and smaller rescue breaths.
Stay updated. CPR guidelines can change over time, so regular refreshers or recertifications are vital.

Conclusion: You Have the Power to Save a Life

CPR isn’t just a set of steps; it’s a life skill that empowers you to make a critical difference in someone’s darkest hour. By understanding the basics of CPR—how to do it, when to do it, and who can do it—you’re already one step closer to being that lifesaving hero.

We’d love to hear from you! Have you ever taken a CPR class or performed CPR in an emergency? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below. And if you want more tips on how to keep yourself and your community safe, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and expert insights. Your action today could save a life tomorrow.