Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that can help save a life during cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. The purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs if the heart or lungs stop working on their own. The primary function of the heart is to pump blood to the body, and the primary function of the lungs is to fill the blood with oxygen. When either the heart or the lungs stop working on their own, CPR is most likely needed.

CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. With a half-million cardiac arrests each year, CPR increases the likelihood of surviving cardiac arrest. CPR should be used when you see someone who is unresponsive and is not breathing or only gasping. Having more bystanders trained in this simple skill can help save lives by putting more cardiac arrest victims within a few steps of lifesaving assistance.

The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD (or ‘doctors ABCD’), which stands for Danger, Response, Send for help, Airway, Breathing, Compressions, and Defibrillation. The goal of CPR is to keep oxygen flowing in and out of the lungs and to keep oxygenated blood flowing through the body, which will delay tissue death. CPR works on the principle of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) – known as 30:2.

CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn, and courses are available. Chest compressions are the priority in CPR, and if you cant do rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth), chest compressions alone may still be life-saving. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone in an emergency and are easy to use. Voice prompts guide you through what to do.

In summary, the purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs if the heart or lungs stop working on their own. CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD, and chest compressions are the priority. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone in an emergency and are easy to use.