First Aid for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

ByJanis Updated

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving emergency procedure used when a person’s heart has stopped or they are no longer breathing. These situations may result from cardiac arrest, choking, drowning, electrocution, or drug overdose. CPR helps maintain circulation and breathing until emergency responders arrive or the person recovers.

When performed immediately, CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. This guide will help you understand when and how to perform CPR, including variations for adults, children, and infants.

What Is CPR?

CPR is a combination of chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to vital organs, while rescue breaths help provide oxygen to the lungs. If you’re untrained, performing hands-only CPR—continuous chest compressions without breaths—is still highly effective, especially for teens and adults.

When to Use CPR

Start CPR if the person:

  • Is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping).
  • Suddenly collapses and has no pulse (if you are trained to check).
  • Stops breathing after drowning or choking.
  • Loses consciousness from trauma, electric shock, or suspected overdose.

Other warning signs include:

  • Cyanosis (bluish skin or lips)
  • Seizure followed by unconsciousness
  • Absence of chest rise or normal breathing

Call for Help First

Before you begin CPR, always call 911 or emergency services—or ask someone else to call if others are present. Early professional care and access to a defibrillator (AED) can significantly improve survival chances.

CPR Steps for Adults and Teens

If the person is unresponsive and not breathing:

  1. Check responsiveness. Tap their shoulder and shout, “Are you okay?”
  2. Call 911. If they don’t respond, call or have someone else call for emergency services.
  3. Open the airway. Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin.
  4. Check for breathing. Look for chest movement and listen for breath sounds (no more than 10 seconds).
  5. Begin chest compressions:
    • Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the breastbone), then place your other hand on top.
    • Push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
    • Compress at a depth of at least 2 inches, allowing the chest to rise fully between compressions.
  6. Add rescue breaths (if trained):
    • After every 30 compressions, give 2 breaths.
    • Use the head-tilt, chin-lift technique to open the airway.
    • Pinch the nose, cover their mouth with yours, and blow for about 1 second to make the chest rise.
  7. Continue CPR until:
    • The person begins to move or breathe.
    • Emergency responders take over.
    • You are too exhausted to continue.

Hands-Only CPR

If you are untrained or uncomfortable with rescue breathing:

  • Skip the breaths.
  • Give continuous chest compressions at 100–120 per minute.

Hands-only CPR is proven to be effective in the first few minutes of sudden cardiac arrest and is widely encouraged for bystanders.

CPR for Children (Ages 1 to Puberty)

The process is similar but with a few differences:

  • Use one hand for compressions (or both if needed for larger children).
  • Press down about 2 inches deep.
  • Give 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
  • If alone, perform 2 minutes of CPR before calling 911 (unless the child collapses suddenly, then call first).

CPR for Infants (Under 1 Year)

  • Use two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipple line.
  • Press down about 1.5 inches.
  • Give 30 gentle compressions followed by 2 small puffs of air (mouth-to-mouth-and-nose).
  • Avoid using too much force, especially with breaths.

Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

If available, use an AED as soon as possible:

  1. Turn on the AED and follow voice prompts.
  2. Expose the chest and attach pads as instructed.
  3. Stand clear while it analyzes the heart rhythm.
  4. Deliver a shock if advised, then resume CPR immediately for another 2 minutes before the AED reassesses.

AEDs are designed for public use and require no special training.

What to Avoid During CPR

  • Don’t delay calling 911 or starting compressions.
  • Don’t check for a pulse unless trained.
  • Don’t give breaths if untrained or unsure—use hands-only instead.
  • Don’t stop CPR unless the person recovers, help arrives, or you are physically unable to continue.

Aftercare and Medical Attention

Even if the person seems to recover, they must be evaluated by a healthcare provider. They may need tests to check heart function, oxygen levels, and for any underlying condition that caused the collapse. Inform responders of:

  • Pre-existing conditions (e.g., pacemakers).
  • What caused the incident (e.g., choking, trauma).
  • Any CPR or AED use already performed.

Prevention and Preparedness

You can reduce risk and improve outcomes by:

  • Learning CPR through Red Cross, AHA, or local community programs.
  • Practicing CPR and AED drills at home or work.
  • Keeping emergency numbers posted.
  • Understanding risk factors for cardiac arrest and related emergencies.

Having the knowledge to act in a crisis can turn a bystander into a lifesaver.

Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.