Each cycle of CPR consists of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths.
Chest compressions squeeze the heart, forcing blood to be circulated. Standard chest compressions involve placing one hand over the other, interlocking the fingers, and pressing down on the center of the chest with the base of the palm. Chest compressions should be counted out loud, compress 2 inches or 1/3 the circumference of the chest, and follow a consistent rhythm of 100–120 compressions per minute. Between each compression, the victim's chest should be allowed to fully recoil. Pauses between compressions should be minimized and rescuers should change out every two minutes, even if they don't feel tired. Failure to do any of the aforementioned will decrease the effectiveness of CPR.
Standard rescue breaths involve tilting the head back, pinching the nose, and using mouth to mask, mouth to filtered device, or a bag valve mask (BVM). If none of these are available, then standard mouth to mouth is appropriate.
CPR modifications may be necessary depending on the age of the victim:
- Adults (12 years old and older) and children (1–11 years old) require standard CPR.
- Infants (1 year old and younger) require:
- Chest compressions with 2–3 fingers instead of the standard overlapping fists, and
- Rescue breaths that cover both the infant's nose and mouth instead of the standard mouth-only covering.
Video tutorials are widely available. Some examples of video tutorials include this video for
adult CPR, this video for
child CPR, and this video for
infant CPR.
It is important to remember that this course does not substitute an in-person First Aid, CPR, and AED training course. Please receive appropriate CPR training and follow your institution's policies and procedures.
