Basic CPR Awareness — What Everyone Should Know

Start CPR when someone does not respond and is not breathing normally. Occasional gasps are not normal breathing — they can be a sign that the heart has stopped. When someone's heart stops, brain damage begins within 4-6 minutes. Waiting for paramedics without doing anything dramatically reduces survival chances. Hands-only CPR is simpler than you think: call emergency services, place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest, lock your other hand on top, and push hard and fast — about 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (the tempo of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees).

Who hands-only CPR is for. Compressions without rescue breaths are for an adult who suddenly collapses. For a child, for someone pulled from the water and for an overdose or poisoning, give compressions and rescue breaths if you are trained; if you are not, do compressions and follow the call handler's instructions (AHA and American Red Cross, 2024).

Do not worry about breaking ribs — broken ribs heal, but a stopped heart without help does not restart. You cannot make it worse by trying; doing nothing is the only guaranteed bad outcome. If an AED (automated external defibrillator) is available, use it — it gives voice instructions and will not shock unless needed. Take a CPR certification course — it takes a few hours and gives you the confidence to act when every second counts.