In 1960, a group of resuscitation pioneers combined mouth-to-mouth breathing with chest compressions to create Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, the lifesaving action we now call “CPR.” This action, when provided immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, can double – even triple – a victim’s chance of survival.

What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to “buy time” until normal heart function is restored.

Why should I learn CPR?
The most important link in the chain of survival in the community is the layperson. Approximately two thirds of sudden deaths due to coronary heart disease occur outside of the hospital. Many of these deaths can be prevented with quick bystander response; call 911, then initiate CPR.

How do I perform CPR?
During an AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) course an AHA instructor will use lecture and mannequin practice to teach students how to perform CPR:

• When and how to provide rescue breathing that will deliver air to the lungs of a victim suffering from respiratory arrest
• When and how to provide chest compressions that will circulate the blood of a victim suffering from cardiac arrest.

Find a class near you using our ECC Class Connector.

Do I have to perform rescue breathing?
Not in all cases, no. Hands-Only CPR can be just as effective with certain patients - visit our Hands-Only CPR FAQ to read more about this approach and when is best to use it.



Is CPR a guarantee for survival?
No. Always call "911" at the first symptoms of a heart attack. CPR alone is not enough to save lives in most cardiac arrests. If "911" is called immediately, followed by early CPR, early defibrillation, and early advanced medical care, the person will have a better chance to survive.

CPR Facts:

• The American Heart Association trains more than 12 million people in CPR annually, including healthcare professionals and the general public.
• Effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
• The most effective rate for chest compressions is 100 compressions per minute – the same rhythm as the beat of the BeeGee’s song, “Stayin’ Alive.”

This post is part of our series on CPR/AED Awareness Week. To see all CPR/AED Awareness week posts click here.