October 12, 2025

What Is Cpr And When Should It Be Used

Q: What is 'hands-only' CPR?

'Hands-only' CPR involves continuous, hard, and fast chest compressions without rescue breaths. It is recommended for bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse, as it is easier to remember and perform, and equally effective as conventional CPR for the initial few minutes of cardiac arrest.

Q: How deep should chest compressions be?

For adults, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm). They should be performed at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to fully recoil between each compression.

Q: Can CPR be performed on children or infants?

Yes, CPR can and should be performed on children and infants, but the techniques are modified. Compressions are shallower and often performed with one hand or two fingers depending on the child's size. Rescue breaths are often more critical for children and infants as their cardiac arrest is frequently due to respiratory problems.

Q: Is CPR only effective if administered by a certified professional?

No, CPR administered by any bystander, even without formal training, is significantly better than no CPR at all. Many emergency dispatchers can guide callers through CPR steps over the phone. Early intervention by a bystander can double or triple a person's chances of survival, regardless of their certification status.

Learn what Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is, its essential components, and the critical situations where it should be applied to save a life.

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Understanding Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure performed when the heart stops beating. It combines chest compressions with artificial ventilation (rescue breaths) to manually pump blood to the brain and other vital organs, maintaining oxygen supply until professional medical help arrives. The primary goal of CPR is to prevent irreversible brain damage and death by sustaining blood circulation and breathing.

Key Components of CPR: Compressions and Breaths

CPR consists of two main actions: chest compressions and rescue breaths. Chest compressions involve pressing down firmly and rapidly on the center of the chest to manually circulate blood. Rescue breaths deliver oxygen to the lungs. For untrained bystanders, 'hands-only' CPR, focusing solely on continuous, high-quality chest compressions, is often recommended as it is simpler to perform and has proven effective. Conventional CPR typically follows a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths.

Critical Situations Requiring CPR

CPR should be used when a person is unresponsive, not breathing normally (or only gasping), and is suspected of being in cardiac arrest. This can occur due to various reasons, including heart attack, drowning, choking, or electrocution. Before initiating CPR, it is crucial to first ensure the scene is safe and then call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number). Early recognition and immediate CPR are vital.

The Life-Saving Impact of Early CPR

The immediate application of CPR can significantly increase a person's chances of survival following cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by approximately 7-10%. Effective CPR keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and heart, preventing tissue damage and buying precious time until paramedics can administer advanced medical care, such as defibrillation or medication. Its importance extends across public spaces, homes, and healthcare settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 'hands-only' CPR?

How deep should chest compressions be?

Can CPR be performed on children or infants?

Is CPR only effective if administered by a certified professional?