Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a manual lifesaving technique for supplying oxygenated blood to the brain and vital organs. It is applied when a person's heart has stopped beating or a person is no longer breathing. Because lack of oxygenated blood can cause brain damage within minutes, the American Heart Association recommends that people use the acronym CAB -- circulation, airway, breathing -- to dictate the order of the steps used when administering aid. If you are untrained in administering CPR, you should provide chest compressions only. If you are trained, you should provide both chest compressions and rescue breathing.
Step 1
Check to see if the person is awake and aware. Gently shake or tap them. Call out loudly to them, "Are you okay?"
Step 2
Call 911 or send someone to make the call. If you're alone, make the call before administering aid.
Step 3
Move the person onto her back on a flat surface if she isn't already. Position yourself on your knees beside the person's chest.
Step 4
Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person's chest on the sternum, between the nipples. Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first. Keep your arms straight as you use your body weight to push down. Do fast and hard chest compressions at the rate of 100 per minute. The chest should compress about 2 inches.
Step 5
Continue to perform chest compressions until help arrives if you are untrained in CPR. If you are trained in CPR, stop after 30 compressions and continue to the next step.
Step 6
Open the airway by lifting the person's chin and gently tilting his head back. Light pressure on the forehead will make this easier.
Step 7
Listen and feel for breathing by placing your ear against the person's nose and mouth.
Step 8
Pinch the person's nose closed and seal your mouth over the person's mouth. Breathe into the person twice at a rate of once per second. Use enough force to make the person's chest rise as the lungs inflate. If the lungs don't inflate, use your finger to check the airway for a blockage. Hook your finger and sweep it from side to side at the back of the person's throat.
Step 9
Return to administering chest compressions. This completes one cycle. Repeat cycles until help arrives or the person being administered aid recovers.
Tips and Warnings
- Do not administer CPR if the person is making noises or is moving. Check with your local community center, college or hospital to obtain official CPR training.
