Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, better known as CPR, is a life-saving technique that can be employed when someone goes into cardiac arrest or if a person’s heart is not beating strongly enough to circulate blood to the organs and brain. The American Heart Association says more than 350,000 incidents of cardiac arrest occur outside of hospitals in the United States each year. Bystanders who are able to perform CPR can save a life by prolonging blood and oxygen flow until professional care can be administered.

What to do if you suspect a person’s heart has stopped or they are not breathing?

The first step is to assess the situation and ask another person to call 911 or the local emergency service number for the country where you reside. If there is an automated external defibrillator (AED) nearby, have someone get it.

Next is to think of ABC to determine whether CPR should be administered, says the Cleveland Clinic.

♥ A (AIRWAY): Tilt the person’s head back and check for any obstructions in the mouth or throat that could indicate choking.

♥ B (BREATHING): Lean in closely to the person’s face and listen for breaths for 10 seconds. In addition, try to determine if their chest is rising and falling.

♥ C (CIRCULATION): Feel the side of the person’s neck just below the jawline for a few seconds to check for a pulse.

It is vital to perform CPR if the person is not breathing and there is no pulse.

Chest compressions

Chest compressions are a key component of CPR that help blood reach vital organs until a regular heartbeat returns. The American Red Cross CPR guidelines recommends 100 to 120 chest compressions per minute, 30 at a time.

♥ Place two hands centered on the chest.

♥ Your shoulders should be directly over your hands with elbows locked.

♥ Compress the chest at least 2 inches.

♥ Follow the rate of compressions at 100 to 120 per minute. Songs that align with the recommended rate include “Stayin’ Alive,” “Dancing Queen,” “I Will Survive,” and “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” Humming one of these songs can keep you at the correct tempo.

♥ Allow the person’s chest to return to a normal position after each compression.

What to know about mouth-to-mouth

Recommendations vary regarding mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The American Red Cross advises giving two breaths in between each set of 30 compressions.

♥ Open the airway to a past-neutral position by tilting the head and lifting the chin.

♥ Pinch the nose shut, take a normal breath, and make a complete seal over the person's mouth with your mouth.

♥ Ensure each breath lasts about one second and makes the chest rise; allow air to exit before offering the next breath.

The American Heart Association now recommends bystanders perform only hands-only CPR when a person goes into cardiac arrest. This means just chest compressions. Studies show people are less willing to help if they think they have to give mouth-to-mouth to strangers, and the AHA notes rescue breaths delay compressions. There’s also the increased risk of disease transmission. Certain medical experts say that in many cases, mouth-to-mouth does more harm than good when performed by untrained individuals.

How long should CPR continue?

CPR should continue until the person starts breathing or a paramedic arrives. Switch off with another person if you get tired. Consistent CPR performed for as long as it takes offers the best chances that a person will survive.