Two rescuers performing high-quality CPR on an adult training manikin during Medical First Response (MFR) training while demonstrating life-saving chest compressions and airway management.

Category- First Aid

Reading Time- 08 -12 Mins

Difficulty-Begginer

Last Updated-12/07/2026

QUICK NAVIGATION

1. What is CPR?

2. Types of deaths?

3. What is Chain of Survival?

4. When CPR is needed?

5. Prepare for CPR

6. How many Compressions & Breathing?

7. Correct posture to give CPR

8. Key Takeaways & Common mistakes

9. Special situations & Possible Complications

10. Dos, Don'ts & Pro Tips

11. FAQs

Rescuer in orange emergency response uniform performing CPR on an unconscious casualty at a disaster scene, with ambulance, medical equipment, and emergency responders in the background.

What is CPR?

CPR is an emergency procedure performed when, someone's heart stops beating. It helps to maintain blood & oxygen to revive the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives.

Medical infographic comparing clinical death and biological death, illustrating the reversible period of cardiac or respiratory arrest and the irreversible death of brain cells after prolonged oxygen deprivation.
Infographic illustrating the five links in the Chain of Survival: early access, early CPR, early defibrillation, early advanced care, and integrated post-cardiac arrest care.
Collage illustrating common emergency situations where CPR may be required, including an unresponsive person, absent or abnormal breathing, sudden cardiac arrest, drowning, severe choking, and collapse, along with emergency response guidance.
Step-by-step Adult CPR infographic showing patient assessment, EMS activation, C-A-B sequence, chest compressions, airway management, rescue breaths, and correct hand positioning for high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Step-by-step CPR infographic for children and infants showing patient positioning, chest compression landmarks, hand and finger placement, compression technique, and CPR sequence for pediatric emergencies.
CPR training infographic showing correct hand placement for chest compressions, compression quality, rescue breathing technique, and step-by-step AED usage during adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Key Takaways

  • Recognize early and act fast
  • Follow the correct CPR Steps
  • Maintain compression quality
  • Push hard, push fast in the center of the chest
  • Never give up until help arrives
  • Use AED, if available

Common Mistakes

  • Compression too slow
  • Not pushing deep enough
  • Leaning on the chest
  • Stopping CPR too often
  • Wait for professional to come
  • Incorrect hand position

When to Stop CPR

  • Person starts breathing
  • Professional help takes over
  • You are physically unable to continue
  • Scene becomes unsafe

Possible Complications

  • Rib fracture
  • Soreness or Fatigue
  • Internal Injuries (rare)
  • Vomiting during CPR
  • Lung injury (Pneumothorax) – Rare, caused by fractured ribs
  • Sternum (breastbone) fracture

DO's

  • Act Immediately
  • Push hard and fast
  • Use proper technique
  • Keep going without delay
  • Allow full chest recoil
  • Use AED, if available

Don'ts

  • Don't delay to act
  • Don't check pulse for too long
  • Don't give excessive breathing
  • Don't stop CPR early
  • Don't forget your own safety
  • Don't stop until help arrives

Pro Tips

  • Stay calm and confident
  • Golden time - 4- 6 minutes
  • Compression - 30 & Breathing - 02 (01 cycle)
  • Lie the victim on Flat & Hard surface not on Sofa or Mattress.
  • Aspirin helps in Blood Thinning.
  • Sorbitrate tab relaxes & widens Blood vessels.

Related Articles

CPR response flow infographic illustrating the six essential steps: ensure scene safety, check responsiveness, call 108 and get an AED, start CPR, use an AED, and continue CPR until emergency medical services take over.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is CPR, and when should it be performed?

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency life-saving technique used when a person’s heart has stopped beating or they are not breathing normally. It should be started immediately in cases of sudden cardiac arrest while waiting for emergency medical services.

For adults, perform chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute and a depth of 5–6 cm (2–2.5 inches). Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression and minimize interruptions.

For a single rescuer, the recommended ratio is 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2) for adults, children, and infants. Continue this cycle until the person recovers or professional help takes over.

Can CPR restart the heart?

No. CPR does not usually restart the heart. Its primary purpose is to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and other vital organs until an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) or advanced medical care can restore a normal heart rhythm.

If you are untrained or unwilling to provide rescue breaths, perform Hands-Only CPR by giving continuous chest compressions at a rate of 100–120 per minute until emergency medical services arrive or an AED becomes available.

CPR should only be stopped if:

  • The person starts breathing normally or regains signs of life.
  • A trained healthcare provider or EMS takes over.
  • The scene becomes unsafe.
  • You are physically unable to continue due to exhaustion.

PILLAR PAGE- CPR (CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION)

Learn how to recognize cardiac arrest and perform high-quality Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) using the latest Medical First Response (MFR) principles. Master the complete CPR sequence, chest compressions, rescue breaths, AED use, and life-saving techniques for adults, children, and infants.

Explore all Articles
Banner highlighting practical first aid knowledge, trusted evidence-based information, accessible emergency education for everyone, and continuous learning for disaster preparedness.

Disclaimer

This content is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical training or advice. In real emergencies, always follow guidelines of qualified medical professionals.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top