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What is CPR?

CPR: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Science-based Guidelines

The AHA develops science-based CPR guidelines and is the leader in first aid, CPR, and AED training. All
recommendations below are based on the AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and Emergency
Cardiovascular Care (ECC).

View the AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC

CPR – or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the


heart stops beating. Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

The American Heart Association invites you to share our vision: a world where no one dies from cardiac
arrest. Every year, 475,000 people die from cardiac arrest in the United States. Big number. Bigger
opportunity. With your help, we can bring that number down to zero. Join us today, starting with this
video: Learn more about the AHA's vision of a world where no one dies of cardiac arrest.

Immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Why Is CPR Important?

Keeping the blood flow active – even partially – extends the opportunity for a successful resuscitation
once trained medical staff arrive on site.

Chain of Survival

CPR is a critical step in the AHA’s Chain of Survival. The term Chain of Survival provides a useful
metaphor for the elements of the ECC systems concept.

The 5 links in the adult out-of-hospital Chain of Survival are:


Recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system (calling 9-1-1 in the US)

Early CPR with an emphasis on chest compressions

Rapid defibrillation

Basic and advanced emergency medical services

Advanced life support and post-cardiac arrest care

A strong Chain of Survival can improve chances of survival and recovery for victims of cardiac arrest.

chain of survival

using an AED

Automated External Defibrillators (AED)

AEDs can greatly increase a cardiac arrest victim's chances of survival. The AHA offers a two-page guide
on how to implement an AED program at a company or organization. To minimize the time to
defibrillation for cardiac arrest victims, deployment of AEDs should not be limited to only trained people
(although training is still recommended).

Learn more about how the use of AEDs can dramatically boost survival of cardiac arrest patients.

Implementing an AED Program (PDF)

How is CPR Performed?

There are two commonly known versions of CPR:

For healthcare providers and those trained: conventional CPR using chest compressions and mouth-to-
mouth breathing at a ratio of 30:2 compressions-to-breaths. In adult victims of cardiac arrest, it is
reasonable for rescuers to perform chest compressions at a rate of 100 to 120/min and to a depth of at
least 2 inches (5 cm) for an average adult, while avoiding excessive chest compression depths (greater
than 2.4 inches [6 cm]).

For the general public or bystanders who witness an adult suddenly collapse: compression-only CPR, or
Hands-Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. It is recommended for use by
people who see a teen or adult suddenly collapse in an out-of-hospital setting (such as at home, at work,
or in a park).
2 STEPS to save a life

Hands-Only CPR consists of two easy steps:

Call 9-1-1 (or send someone to do that)

Push hard and fast in the center of the chest

Learn About Hands-Only CPR

For a visual comparison of Hands-Only CPR vs. Conventional CPR, view the CPR Guide Infographic (PDF).

About High-Quality CPR

High-quality CPR should be performed by anyone - including bystanders. There are five critical
components:

Minimize interruptions in chest compressions

Provide compressions of adequate rate and depth

Avoid leaning on the victim between compressions

Ensure proper hand placement

Avoid excessive ventilation

Even Children Can Perform Successful CPR

A recent study tested sixth graders and their capacity to use Hands-Only CPR to save lives. The study
found that the majority of children could perform CPR in the correct location and at the appropriate
compression rate, making this a viable group to train to help save lives. In fact, the AHA is dedicated to
training the next generation of lifesavers through its CPR in Schools program. We led the charge to make
CPR training a high school graduation requirement in 34 states – and counting!

Learn more and get resources and training kits designed specifically for schools.

Kids performing CPR with breaths

The Gender Difference: Men vs. Women

According to a study released by the Resuscitation Science Symposium, men are more likely to receive
bystander CPR in public locations compared to women.
Women and men receive similar CPR assistance within the home, but in public 45 percent of men
received assistance compared to only 39 percent of women.

Men were 1.23 times more likely to receive bystander CPR in public, and their chance of survival was 23
percent higher compared to women.

So why the discrepancy? It could come down to anatomy and a bystander being comfortable enough to
perform CPR on a woman.

Heart Attack vs. Cardiac Arrest

The Difference You Should Know

For more information on Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack, view the infographic.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Occurs when the heart malfunctions and stops beating unexpectedly. Cardiac arrest is an “ELECTRICAL”
problem.

What is a Heart Attack?

Occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked. A heart attack is a “CIRCULATION” problem.

Find A Course

Find a Training Center near you

Find a Course Near You

If you are interested in taking a course to learn the lifesaving skills of CPR, first aid, and AED, use the Find
A Course Tool to locate a Training Center near you.

Use the Find A Course Tool

Try a Blended Learning Course

Many AHA lifesaving training courses are available online via ShopCPR. Courses that involve only
cognitive learning can be completed entirely online. For courses that teach CPR, students must complete
an in-person skills practice and testing session with an AHA Instructor after they complete the online
portion. The Instructor will evaluate the student's skills and upon successful completion of both portions
of the course, the student will receive a course completion card, valid for two years. See more
information on blended learning and eLearning training.

CPR-Related Inquiries:

1-877-AHA-4CPR or 1-877-242-4277

International Inquiries

Global Web Support (email)

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https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr

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