This is an awareness course only and does not certify you in CPR. For official CPR certification, please take an in-person course through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.
Why CPR Matters
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. When someone's heart stops beating, every second counts. Brain damage can begin within 4-6 minutes without oxygen-rich blood flow.
EMS average response time is 7-14 minutes. That gap between cardiac arrest and professional help arriving is where you can make the difference between life and death.
- Over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospitals each year in the U.S.
- Only 46% of people receive CPR from a bystander before EMS arrives.
- CPR can double or triple a person's chance of survival when performed immediately.
- Hands-only CPR (without rescue breaths) can be just as effective in the first few minutes.
Recognizing Cardiac Arrest
Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack. During a heart attack, the heart usually keeps beating. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops beating entirely.
- Sudden collapse — The person falls down or slumps over without warning.
- Unresponsiveness — They don't respond when you tap their shoulders and shout.
- No normal breathing — They're not breathing, or only gasping (agonal breathing).
- No pulse — For trained responders, there's no detectable pulse.
Don't be fooled by agonal breathing — occasional gasps that sound like snoring or gurgling. This is NOT normal breathing. Someone with agonal breathing still needs CPR immediately.
The Chain of Survival
The "Chain of Survival" is a series of actions that give a cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival.
Early Recognition
Recognize cardiac arrest and call 911 immediately
Early CPR
Begin chest compressions to keep blood flowing
Early Defibrillation
Use an AED as soon as one is available
Advanced Care
EMS provides advanced medical treatment
Hands-Only CPR: The Steps
Hands-only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths. It's simpler to learn and studies show it can be just as effective in the first few minutes.
Check the Scene
Make sure the area is safe for you and the victim
Check Responsiveness
Tap shoulders firmly and shout "Are you okay?"
Call 911
Call or have someone call 911 and get an AED
Start Compressions
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest
- Hand Position: Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (on the breastbone), place your other hand on top, and interlace your fingers.
- Depth: Push down at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches for adults.
- Rate: Compress at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Think of the beat to "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees.
- Recoil: Allow the chest to fully return to its normal position between compressions.
Don't worry about hurting the person. Cracked ribs can heal — but you can't recover from death. Push hard, push fast, and don't stop until help arrives.
Using an AED
An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can analyze the heart's rhythm and deliver an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat. AEDs are designed for anyone to use — they provide voice prompts.
- Turn it on: Open the AED and press the power button. It will begin giving voice instructions.
- Attach the pads: Remove clothing from the chest. Place pads as shown in the diagrams.
- Clear the victim: Make sure no one is touching the person while the AED analyzes.
- Deliver shock if advised: Press the shock button when instructed.
- Resume CPR: Immediately resume chest compressions after the shock.
AEDs are commonly located in schools, gyms, airports, shopping malls, and office buildings. Look for the AED sign (a heart with a lightning bolt).
When to Stop CPR
Once you start CPR, continue until:
- EMS arrives and takes over patient care
- The person shows signs of life — starts breathing normally, moving, or responds
- An AED is ready to analyze — pause briefly, then resume after shock
- You are too exhausted to continue — switch with another person if possible
- The scene becomes unsafe
All 50 states have Good Samaritan laws that protect people who provide emergency assistance in good faith. Don't let fear of liability stop you from helping.
📚 Additional Resources
American Red Cross — CPR Certification
Find in-person and blended learning CPR courses near you
American Heart Association — CPR Courses
Heartsaver CPR AED courses for the community
AHA — About Cardiac Arrest
Learn more about sudden cardiac arrest and prevention
Hands-Only CPR Video (AHA)
Watch a quick demonstration of hands-only CPR technique
✅ Knowledge Check
Answer these 5 questions. You need 4 out of 5 correct to pass.