Why CPR Is a Life-Saving Skill
Your body relies on two systems working together every second: the respiratory system, which brings oxygen into the lungs, and the circulatory system, which carries that oxygen to every organ. When you breathe, hemoglobin in red blood cells binds to oxygen and transports it through arteries and capillaries to keep tissue alive.
Sudden events — electrocution, severe trauma, seizures, snake bite, or heavy blood loss — can trigger cardiac arrest. The heart's rhythm collapses into ventricular fibrillation and stops pumping effectively. Oxygen delivery to the brain and vital organs drops sharply, and tissue damage begins within minutes.
CPR manually restarts this oxygen-delivery cycle. Chest compressions mimic the heart's pumping action, while rescue breaths supply fresh oxygen — buying precious time until an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or emergency medical team arrives.
Step-by-Step CPR Guide Diagram
How Do Chest Compressions Actually Work? A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps when you encounter an unresponsive person who is not breathing normally:
- Check for responsiveness. Tap the person's shoulder firmly and shout, "Are you okay?" If there's no response, call emergency services (112 in India) and begin CPR immediately.
- Open the airway. Gently tilt the head back and lift the chin to clear the airway of obstruction.
- Check for breathing. Look for chest movement and listen for breath sounds for no more than 10 seconds. If breathing is absent or abnormal, start rescue breathing.
- Begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand at the center of the chest, between the nipples. Interlock your other hand on top, keep arms straight, and press down firmly and smoothly — compressing about 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
- Deliver rescue breaths. Pinch the nose shut, seal your mouth over theirs, and blow until you see the chest rise. Release and allow the chest to fall naturally.
- Continue the cycle. Alternate 30 chest compressions with 2 rescue breaths, maintaining a steady rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Keep going until emergency medical services arrive, an AED becomes available, or the person begins breathing on their own.
Remembering the Basics: The A-B-C of CPR
To make CPR easier to recall under pressure, first responders around the world use a simple three-letter framework:
CPR is a critical, perishable skill — one that fades without practice. Regular refresher training keeps you ready to respond confidently in a real emergency. Start with the very first step of Basic Life Support.
Common QuestionsFrequently Asked Questions About CPR
How long should I perform CPR before stopping?
Continue CPR until emergency medical personnel take over, an AED is ready to use, the person starts breathing normally, or you are physically unable to continue.
Can CPR be performed on children and infants differently?
Yes. Compression depth, hand placement, and breath ratios differ for adults, children, and infants. Our certified courses cover all three age groups in detail.
Do I need certification to legally perform CPR?
No certification is legally required to attempt CPR in an emergency; however, certified training significantly improves technique, confidence, and outcomes.
Where can I get certified CPR training in Delhi NCR?
Delhi First Aid and CPR Training Center offers doctor-led, hands-on CPR and AED certification across Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, and Faridabad.
