What is CPR?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is used when a person is not breathing and the heart has stopped beating (called cardiac arrest). CPR done by a trained person combines rescue breathing with chest compressions. As a trained rescuer, you can provide air to the lungs and power for the heart to pump blood.

Why is CPR needed?
If the heart stops beating, vital organs that need oxygen can't function. CPR may be used to deliver oxygen to these organs for a short time until the heart can start beating on its own again. By blowing air into the lungs and pushing on the chest to pump the heart, blood flows to the brain, kidneys and other vital organs.

How is CPR performed?
There are two main parts to CPR. The first part is rescue breathing. This is where you breathe air into the victim's mouth. The second part is chest compressions. This is when you press on the victim's chest to pump the blood in and out of the heart. Traditional CPR combines rescue breathing with chest compressions and can be done by one or two people.

If you come upon an emergency, first always make sure that the scene is safe for you and for any other responders. If you are alone or do not know how to perform CPR, call 9-1-1 at once. Otherwise, have someone else call 9-1-1 while you take care of the victim.

The American Heart Association (AHA) has guidelines on how CPR should be done. If you're interested in learning how to perform CPR, you should attend a training session. Visit the Web site of the AHA or call your chapter of the American Red Cross to get more information.

How long can CPR be performed?
CPR should be started as soon as possible. It should be done until help arrives or until you are too tired to continue. If the victim starts moving and showing signs of life, CPR should be stopped and the victim should be reassessed.

Should I use an AED?
If you are trained to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), use one if it is available. Have someone else call 9-1-1. Many public places, like airports and shopping malls, have AEDs.

What are the risks?
If you use the AED incorrectly, it can harm both you and the victim. Serious injuries may occur. Proper training can help you use this life-saving device safely and effectively.

What should I do if I am not trained in CPR?
If you witness an adult collapse, and no one else is around that knows CPR, call 9-1-1 at once. The AHA also states that "hands-only" CPR can be used if you do not know how to do or are not comfortable doing rescue breathing. Giving chest compressions alone can help save lives. Check the AHA Web site for more details.

CPR and AED application can help save lives. Learning how to use them correctly can make all the difference.

Related Article What Do You Know About CPR?

External Sources American Heart Association. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Accessed July 30, 2008.. Accessed July 30, 2008 American College of Emergency Physicians. How to perform CPR. Accessed July 10, 2008.. Accessed July 10, 2008 American Red Cross. A co-worker is in danger, could you save a life? Accessed July 30, 2008.. Accessed July 30, 2008 Sayre MR, Berg RA, Cave DM, et al. Hands-only (compression-only) cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a call to action for bystander response to adults who experience out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. Circulation. 2008;117(16):2162-2167. . Accessed September 05, 2008

This article was reviewed and updated 08-01-2009.