Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

What is CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)?
CPR is an emergency medical procedure: a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions to a victim of cardiac arrest or in some circumstances respiratory arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored.

Procedure:
Put the person on his or her back on a firm surface. Kneel next to the person's neck and shoulders. Open the person's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. Then with the other hand, gently lift the chin forward to open the airway. Listen for normal breathing. Gasping is not considered to be normal breathing. If the person isn't breathing normally and you are trained in CPR, begin mouth-to-mouth breathing. Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened. With the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal. Prepare to give two rescue breaths. Each breath should take 1 second. If the victim is still not breathing normally, coughing or moving, begin chest compressions to restore circulation. Place the heel of one hand over the center of the person's chest, between the nipples. Place your other hand on top of the first hand. Keep your elbows straight and position your shoulders directly above your hands. Use your upper body weight (not just your arms) as you push straight down on (compress) the chest 1½ to 2 inches. Push hard at a rate of 100/ minute. Continue with 2 breaths and 30 pumps until help arrives. If someone else is available, ask that person to give two breaths after you do 30 compressions. If you're not trained in CPR and feel comfortable performing only chest compressions, skip rescue breathing and continue chest compressions at a rate of 100 compressions a minute until medical personnel arrive.