What is CPR?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is an emergency first-aid technique combining chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygen to vital organs in a person with cardiac arrest. It's a life-saving intervention when performed quickly.
CPR combines chest compressions (100–120 per minute) with rescue breaths to pump blood and deliver oxygen to someone in cardiac arrest. Starting CPR immediately dramatically increases survival chances.
Step-by-step worked examples
A person collapses in the street and is unresponsive. No pulse detected. What do you do?
Call emergency services immediately (or have someone call). Place the person on their back on a firm surface. Start chest compressions at 100–120 compressions per minute (push hard and fast). Alternate with 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions (30:2 ratio).
You are trained in CPR. How deep should chest compressions be?
Compression depth should be 5–6 cm (2–2.4 inches) into the chest. Push hard and fast on the sternum (breastbone). Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
How long should you continue CPR?
Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive. Do not stop — keep compressions and breaths going. If defibrillator available, use it as soon as possible (AED).
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Correct CPR compression rate?
Q2.How deep should chest compressions be?
Q3.CPR compression-to-breath ratio?
Q4.When do you stop doing CPR?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is CPR?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Doing chest compressions too slowly. — Correct: Compressions must be 100–120 per minute — fast and hard.
Compressing too lightly. — Correct: Push hard — 5–6 cm depth is needed to maintain blood flow.
Stopping CPR too early. — Correct: Continue until emergency services arrive or another trained person takes over.
Skipping rescue breaths. — Correct: Alternate compressions with rescue breaths in 30:2 ratio.
FAQ
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation — emergency chest compressions and breaths for someone in cardiac arrest.
CPR compression rate and depth?
100–120 compressions per minute, depth 5–6 cm into the chest.
How do you perform CPR?
Place person on back, lock hands on sternum, push hard 100–120/min, give 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions.
When should you start CPR?
When someone is unresponsive and has no pulse. Call emergency services first, then start immediately.