Basic Resuscitation Training

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) refers to a technique used to help victims of cardiac arrest maintain circulation until medical personnel arrive. CPR is usually performed on people who have nearly drowned or experienced a heart attack.

Before CPR

• Before starting CPR, ask loudly whether the person is okay to ensure they are unconscious. Then call 911 and use an automatic external defibrillator (AED), if available.

Giving CPR

• Place the victim on his back and check for normal breathing. Give rescue breathing if you are trained in CPR. If you are not CPR-trained, give chest compressions at a rate of about 100 compressions a minute. Push hard, compressing the chest about two inches. Continue until the victim moves or until medical help arrives.

Considerations

• Take an accredited first-aid course to practice CPR. A CPR course will teach you how to give rescue breathing and how to use an AED. For more information, contact the American Heart Association at [phone].