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What is CPR?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is used when you suspect someone is not breathing and the heart has stopped beating (called cardiac arrest). CPR combines rescue breathing with chest compressions. As a rescuer, you provide air to the lungs and power for the heart to pump blood.
Why is CPR needed?
If the heart stops beating, your body cannot live. Vital organs that need oxygen can die. CPR may be used to deliver oxygen to these organs. By blowing air into the lungs and pushing on the chest to pump the heart, blood flows to important body parts.
How is CPR performed?
There are two main parts to CPR. One part of CPR is rescue breathing. This is where you breathe air into the victim. The second part is chest compressions. This is when you press on the victim's chest to pump the heart. CPR combines rescue breathing with chest compressions and can be done by one or two people.
The American Heart Association has guidelines on how CPR should be performed. If you're interested in learning how to perform CPR, you should attend a training session. It's important to know that the procedure is quite different for adults and children.
You should be well trained if you plan to perform CPR.
How long can CPR be performed?
CPR should be started as soon as possible and it should be done until help arrives. If the victim starts moving and showing signs of life, CPR should be stopped.
If you are alone, call 911 first and, if available, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), and then start CPR.
Many public places, like airports and shopping malls, have AEDs.
What are the risks?
CPR should be performed only by people who have the proper training. If you do CPR incorrectly, it can harm both you and the victim. Serious injuries may occur.
Even when done correctly, CPR can cause the victim's ribs to break. This is common in elderly people who have weak bones. Also, the victim may vomit. If that happens, turn the victim's head to the side.
Transmission of HIV through CPR has never been reported.
CPR can save lives, so it's certainly worth learning.
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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