How to Perform CPR: A Life-Saving Guide for Everyone
Learn how to perform CPR with this step-by-step UK guide. Discover the CAB sequence, AED use, hands-only CPR, and special considerations for children and infants.
Introduction
Cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, but it doesn't have to be a death sentence. In those critical minutes before professional help arrives, your actions can mean the difference between life and death. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a simple yet profoundly powerful emergency procedure that anyone can learn. It manually keeps blood and oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs when someone's heart has stopped beating. This guide breaks down the steps of CPR into easy-to-understand instructions, empowering you to act confidently in an emergency. We'll cover everything from the basics of chest compressions to using an AED, ensuring you have the knowledge to potentially save a life.
What is CPR and Why is it So Critical?
CPR is an emergency lifesaving technique performed when the heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a person's chance of survival after cardiac arrest. Without oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain, permanent brain damage can begin in just four minutes, and death can occur within four to six minutes. CPR doesn't restart the heart; its purpose is to manually pump blood through the body, acting as a substitute for the stopped heart to delay tissue death and extend the brief window for a successful resuscitation, often with a defibrillator.
The Chain of Survival
The American Heart Association (AHA) outlines a five-step "Chain of Survival" for cardiac arrest:
Recognition and activation of the emergency response system.
Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions.
Rapid defibrillation.
Advanced life support.
Post-cardiac arrest care.
As a bystander, you are the first and most crucial link in this chain.
Why Bystander Action Matters
Nearly 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home. The victim is likely to be someone you love. Sadly, only about 46% of people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest get the immediate help they need before professionals arrive. By learning basic life support, you become your family's and community's first responder.
Before You Start: The Initial Steps
Your safety and a quick assessment are paramount before you begin any physical intervention.
Ensure the Scene is Safe
Before you approach the victim, quickly scan the area. Are there moving cars, downed power lines, fire, or water? You cannot help if you also become a victim. Only proceed if it is safe to do so.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Check for Responsiveness
Tap the person firmly on the shoulder and shout, "Are you okay? Are you okay?" Look for any movement, groaning, or eye opening. If they do not respond, they are unconscious and need help.
Call for Help and Get an AED
If the person is unresponsive, yell for someone nearby to call emergency services (like 999 in the UK or your local emergency number) and to find an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), if one is available. If you are alone, call emergency services yourself (putting them on speakerphone) before starting CPR, unless the victim is a child or infant (see special considerations below).
The Core of CPR: The CAB Sequence
The American Heart Association uses the acronym CAB to help people remember the order: Compressions, Airway, Breaths.
C is for Compressions (The Most Important Part)
Compressions are the most critical component of CPR. They circulate blood to the brain and heart.
Position: Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person's chest, on the lower half of the breastbone. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
Posture: Keep your arms straight and position your shoulders directly over your hands. Use your upper body weight to push, not just your arms.
How to Push: Push hard and fast. Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep for adults.
Rate: Compress at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute. A common trick is to push to the beat of the disco song "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees
Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil (return to its normal position) after each compression. Don't lean on the chest between compressions.
A is for Airway
After 30 compressions, open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift manoeuvre. Place your palm on their forehead and gently tilt the head back. Then, with your other hand, lift the chin forward.
B is for Breaths
With the airway open, pinch the person's nose shut. Take a normal breath, make a complete seal over the person's mouth with your mouth, and give two rescue breaths, each lasting about one second. Watch to see if the chest rises with each breath. If the first breath doesn't make the chest rise, reposition the head and try again.
Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. Do not stop unless the person shows obvious signs of life, an AED is ready to use, or professional rescuers take over.
How to Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
An AED is a portable device that can analyse the heart's rhythm and deliver an electric shock (defibrillation) to try to restore a normal rhythm. Modern AEDs are designed for public use and provide simple audio and visual instructions.
Step-by-Step AED Instructions
Turn it on: Open the case and turn on the AED.
Attach pads: Wipe the chest dry if wet. Attach the adhesive electrode pads to the person's bare chest as pictured on the pad packaging (one on the upper right chest, the other on the lower left side).
Analyse: Ensure no one is touching the victim. The AED will automatically analyse the heart's rhythm.
Shock: If the AED advises a shock, it will charge up. Again, ensure no one is touching the victim. Press the "shock" button as instructed.
Resume CPR: Immediately after the shock, resume CPR, starting with chest compressions for another 2 minutes before the AED will prompt for another analysis.
Special Considerations: CPR for Children and Infants
The fundamental CAB sequence remains the same, but there are key differences for paediatric CPR.
For Children (1 year to puberty): Use one or two hands for compressions, compressing about 2 inches deep. If you are alone, perform 5 cycles of CPR (about 2 minutes) before calling emergency services.
For Infants (under 1 year):
Compressions: Use two fingers placed in the centre of the chest, just below the nipple line. Compress about 1.5 inches deep.
Breaths: Cover the infant's mouth and nose with your mouth to give gentle puffs of air.
AED: Use paediatric pads if available; if not, use adult pads (one on the front, one on the back).
Hands-Only CPR: A Simplified Method for Untrained Bystanders
If you are untrained, unsure, or unwilling to give rescue breaths, the AHA recommends Hands-Only CPR. This involves providing continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 per minute without stopping for breaths. For an adult who suddenly collapses, hands-only CPR can be as effective as conventional CPR in the first few minutes. The simple directive is: Call 999 and push hard and fast in the centre of the chest.
What to Expect After CPR is Performed
Performing CPR is physically demanding. You may hear cracking or popping sounds (from ribs or cartilage), which is common and not a reason to stop. The goal is to save a life, and a broken rib can heal. The person may vomit. If so, gently roll them onto their side to clear the airway, then roll them back and continue CPR. Continue until:
The person shows obvious signs of life (breathing, moving).
An AED is ready to use.
Professional emergency responders arrive and take over.
You are too exhausted to continue.
Conclusion
Understanding CPR is not just a skill for healthcare professionals; it is a fundamental act of civic responsibility that empowers everyday people to become lifesavers. The steps are simple, but their impact is immeasurable. While this guide provides a solid foundation, there is no substitute for hands-on practice. We strongly encourage you to seek out a certified CPR training course from a recognised organisation like the British Red Cross or the American Heart Association. Muscle memory and confidence gained in a class are invaluable in a real crisis. Remember, in the face of cardiac arrest, your knowledge and willingness to act are the most powerful tools available. Share this guide with your loved ones. You never know whose life you might be called upon to save.
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Cardiologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Bhethala Sharan Prakash
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS MD
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Sumanjita Bora
Cardiologist
9 Years • MBBS, PGDCC
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Dr. Ramalinga Reddy
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS MD General medicine
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Dr. Mahendranath Subramani Prasad
Cardiologist
16 Years • MBBS,MS ,DNB, M.Ch. Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery(Cardiology)
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
More articles from General Medical Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get sued for performing CPR?
Most countries have Good Samaritan laws that protect bystanders who voluntarily provide reasonable assistance in an emergency from legal liability, as long as they act in good faith and without gross negligence.
Should I perform CPR if someone is choking and becomes unconscious?
Yes. If a choking person becomes unconscious, carefully lower them to the ground, call for help, and begin CPR. The chest compressions can also act as thrusts to dislodge the object.
How long should I continue CPR?
Continue until emergency medical services arrive and take over, the person shows obvious signs of life, or you are physically too exhausted to continue.
What if I'm not sure if the person needs CPR?
If a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally (or only gasping), you should begin CPR. It is better to err on the side of action. Gasping is not normal breathing and is a sign of cardiac arrest.
Do I need to perform rescue breaths for infants?
Yes, for infants, rescue breaths are considered very important as cardiac arrest is often due to a breathing problem. The ratio remains 30 compressions to 2 breaths.