CPR can be all the difference you need to keep an unconscious, non-breathing individual alive until medical attention arrives. When a person is given CPR immediately after their heart ceases beating, it can likely triple their chances of survival.

CPR is usually given to those who have a heart attack; that is, blood flow to their heart has been blocked. CPR helps to keep blood and oxygen flowing throughout the body.

CPR is a lifesaving hack that everyone should be equipped with. You don’t need to be professional medical personnel to perform this procedure. All you need is some basic training, and you’re good to go. By the end of this article, you will be well informed on all there is to know about CPR.

1. Call for Help

Before performing CPR on an adult, go over to them and ask if they need help. Lightly tap them to call their attention and ask if they’re okay. If you do not get any response, immediately dial 911 or tell someone nearby.

2. Adjust Person to be on Their Back

After dialing for an emergency response team, adjust the individual’s position, so they are lying on their back, with their head tilted backward and their mouth open, while you kneel beside them.

Check their throat for any blockage from food or foreign object. If loose, try to remove it. Trying to dislodge it might push it further down if it isn’t done carefully.

3. Check for Signs of Breathing

Put your ears over the person’s mouth and listen for signs of breathing for 8 – 10 seconds. If there is no sign of breathing or you can hear infrequent gasps, you can start CPR. If the person is unconscious but breathing, don’t start CPR. Instead, monitor them and commence CPR if breathing ceases.

4. Do 30 Chest Compressions

Clasp both hands, placing one above the other. Push with effort on the center of the chest with the heel of both hands, just a little below the nipples. Do this at least 100 times per minute, with brief pauses allowing the chest to rise between each compression.

5. Artificial Respiration

After being sure that their airway is clear of obstacles, push their head back slightly and put your mouth entirely over theirs. While firmly pinching their nose, blow sharply twice and watch for their chest rising.

6. Repeat

Until medical attention arrives, or the person starts breathing again, continue the process of 30 chest compressions and 2 sharp breaths of artificial respiration.

For babies and children, the procedure differs very slightly:

For a child, use the heel of one hand instead of two to perform the chest compressions. Place your hand just beneath their sternum or below their breasts.

For a baby, use two fingers to do chest compressions. Preferably the middle and forefinger, then follow the same steps as the above.