The 5 Basic Steps of CPR

A complete guide to life-saving CPR on adults, children, and infants

Every second counts when someone experiences cardiac arrest, and the actions of a bystander can make all the difference. CPR – or cardiopulmonary resuscitation – can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. According to a September 2018 article by the American Heart Association, about 45 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when bystander CPR was given. The reality is that most cardiac emergencies happen in public places, often when least expected.  Yet, only 46% of those who suffered cardiac arrests outside of a hospital in 2017 received assistance before professional medical help arrives.

CPR is more than just a skill—it’s a powerful act of preparedness and compassion. With thousands of lives at stake each year, knowing how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing can mean the difference between life and death.

If you’ve ever considered getting CPR certified or taking a Basic Life Support course, now is the time. This guide breaks down the essential steps of CPR to empower you with the knowledge to act in an emergency. If you’re already certified, let this serve as a valuable refresher to reinforce your life-saving skills. Take the next step and explore Unitek EMT’s CPR and Basic Life Support Course.

What Does CPR Stand For?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Cardio refers to the heart, pulmonary relates to the lungs, and resuscitation means reviving someone from unconsciousness or apparent death. CPR is a life-saving technique used in emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, to help maintain blood circulation and oxygen flow to the brain and vital organs until professional medical help arrives.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Key facts about cardiac arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden and life-threatening condition in which the heart stops beating effectively, preventing blood from circulating to the brain, lungs, and other vital organs. Without immediate intervention, it can lead to death within minutes. Prompt action—calling 911, starting CPR, and using an AED—can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival.

• It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, causing an irregular or stopped heartbeat.
• Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blocked artery, cardiac arrest results in the complete failure of the heart’s pumping function.
• The most effective immediate response is CPR and the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to restore a normal heartbeat.
• Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age or health status, and often occurs without warning.

What’s the Difference Between Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attack, and Heart Failure?

While these conditions all affect the heart, they have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments.

1. Cardiac Arrest – Electrical Problem

• What Happens? The heart suddenly stops beating due to an electrical malfunction, preventing blood from circulating.
• Cause: Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias), often from ventricular fibrillation.
• Symptoms: Sudden collapse, loss of consciousness, no pulse, and no breathing.
• Emergency Action: Immediate CPR and the use of an AED are critical for survival.

2. Heart Attack – Circulation Problem

• What Happens? A blockage in a coronary artery restricts blood flow to the heart muscle, causing damage.
• Cause: Plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) leading to a clot.
• Symptoms: Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, and pain radiating to the arms or jaw.
• Emergency Action: Call 911, keep the person calm, and administer aspirin if recommended by a medical professional.

3. Heart Failure – Pump Problem

• What Happens? The heart weakens over time and struggles to pump blood efficiently to meet the body’s needs.
• Cause: Chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, or past heart attacks.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, swelling in the legs, shortness of breath, and rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup.
• Emergency Action: Manage with medications, lifestyle changes, and in severe cases, medical devices or transplants.

Key Takeaways:

• Cardiac Arrest = Heart stops suddenly. Requires CPR and AED.
• Heart Attack = Blocked artery, can lead to cardiac arrest if untreated.
• Heart Failure = Gradual weakening of the heart, managed with long-term treatment.

Cardiac Arrest Facts

These facts from the American Heart Association underscore the importance of CPR training:

• In one year alone, 436,000 Americans die from cardiac arrest.
• Globally, cardiac arrest claims more lives than colorectal cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, influenza, pneumonia, auto accidents, HIV, firearms, and house fires combined.
• More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of the hospital each year.
• If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
• The location of Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA) most often occurs in homes/residences (73.4%), followed by public settings (16.3%), and nursing homes (10.3%).

How to Perform CPR

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a global leader in developing and teaching first aid and CPR techniques, continually refining its guidelines based on the latest scientific research. The following recommendations are derived from the 2020 AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and are based on the most current and comprehensive review of resuscitation science, systems, protocols, and education.

How to Perform CPR—For Rescuers with CPR Training

For those trained in CPR, the following techniques are recommended:

Adults and Teenagers

1. Chest Compression Depth and Rate: Perform chest compressions to a depth of at least 2 inches (5 cm) but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm) at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
2. Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio: Use a ratio of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths (30:2).
3. Chest Recoil: Allow complete chest recoil after each compression and avoid leaning on the chest between compressions.
4. Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Early defibrillation is crucial. When an AED is available, use it as soon as possible to improve survival rates.
5. Do not stop: Do not stop compressions until the person starts breathing normally.

Children and Infants

1. Compression Depth for Children (Ages 1 Year to Puberty): Compress the chest to a depth of approximately 2 inches (5 cm). For infants under 1 year, the chest to a depth of about 1.5 inches (4 cm).
2. Compression-to-Ventilation Ratio: Use a 30:2 ratio for single rescuers and a 15:2 ratio for two rescuers.
3. Infant CPR Technique: For single rescuers, use two fingers in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line. For two rescuers, use the two-thumb encircling technique, which produce more consistent and deeper compressions and allows for better control.
4. Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED): When using an AED on children under 8 years old, use pediatric pads if available. If pediatric pads are unavailable, use standard AED pads, ensuring they do not overlap on the child’s chest.
5. Do not stop: Do not stop compressions until the person starts breathing normally.

How to Perform CPR—For Rescuers Without CPR Training

If you are untrained or unsure about performing full CPR with rescue breaths, follow these hands-only CPR steps. Hands-only CPR is recommended for bystanders without training because it is easy to perform and significantly improves survival rates. It keeps oxygen-rich blood flowing to vital organs until professional help arrives. For those interested in learning full CPR, consider getting certified through an accredited CPR training program.

Adults and Teenagers

1. Call for Help: Dial 911 immediately or ask someone else to call and get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.
2. Check for Breathing: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, begin chest compressions immediately.
3. Start Chest Compressions: Place the heel of one hand in the center of the person’s chest (on the lower half of the sternum). Place your second hand on top and interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight and push hard and fast at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep but no more than 2.4 inches (6 cm).
4. Chest Recoil: Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
5. Continue Until Help Arrives: Do not stop compressions until EMS arrives or the person starts breathing normally.

Children and Infants

1. Call for Help: Dial 911 immediately or ask someone else to call and get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if available.
2. Check for Breathing: If the person is unresponsive and not breathing or only gasping, begin chest compressions immediately.
3. Compression Depth for Children (Ages 1 Year to Puberty): If a child (ages 1 to puberty) collapses, perform chest compressions at a depth of about 2 inches (5 cm).
4. Compression Depth for Infants (Under 1 Year): For infants (under 1 year), use two fingers and compress the chest about 1.5 inches (4 cm). For two rescuers, use the two-thumb encircling technique, which produce more consistent and deeper compressions and allows for better control.
5. Continue Until Help Arrives: Do not stop compressions until EMS arrives or the person starts breathing normally.

What is the Goal of CPR?

The goal of CPR is to return the heart to a normal heartbeat. CPR manually pumps the heart to keep blood circulating through the body, keeping the brain and other vital organs supplied with blood and oxygen until professional medical treatment can be administered.

Watch a Hands-Only CPR Demonstration

Reading about CPR is helpful, but hands-on training is the best way to learn and build confidence in performing this life-saving skill. While an in-person course provides the most effective training, watching a video demonstration can also be a valuable way to understand the proper technique. Watch this American Heart Association (AHA) hands-only CPR demonstration to see the correct steps in action and learn how you can help save a life.

If Someone is Not Suffering Cardiac Arrest, Could CPR Hurt Them?

According to the AHA FAQ: Hands-Only CPR Guide, adults who suddenly collapse and are not responsive are likely suffering cardiac arrest. Without immediate intervention, their chance of survival is nearly zero. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), about 90% of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. Performing Hands-Only CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival—especially if started right away. If you witness someone collapse:

1. Call 911 immediately.
2. Begin chest compressions

Even if the cause of collapse is not cardiac arrest, Hands-Only CPR may still help by triggering a response, such as movement, normal breathing, or speaking. If this happens, you can stop CPR. Otherwise, continue chest compressions until EMS arrives.

Why is it Important to Get Certified in CPR?

Getting certified in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is essential because it equips individuals with the skills to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies. Sudden cardiac arrest can happen anywhere, and performing CPR immediately can double or even triple a person’s chances of survival. Without prompt intervention, brain damage can occur within minutes due to a lack of oxygen. CPR helps maintain blood circulation until professional medical help arrives, reducing the risk of severe complications. Whether at home, work, or in public spaces, being CPR-certified means, you can take immediate action to help save lives rather than feeling helpless in a crisis.

Beyond lifesaving benefits, CPR certification is valuable for workplace and community safety. Many professions, including healthcare, childcare, education, and fitness, require CPR training as a job qualification. Additionally, having more CPR-trained individuals in a community increases overall safety, as emergencies can occur anywhere, from schools and offices to gyms and public gatherings. Knowing CPR not only boosts confidence but also provides peace of mind, knowing that you can assist a loved one or stranger in a medical emergency. With greater awareness and widespread CPR training, communities become more resilient, and the chances of survival for cardiac arrest victims improve significantly.

Where Can You Get Certified in CPR?

Obtaining CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) certification is accessible through various reputable organizations that offer both in-person and online training programs. When selecting a CPR certification program, it’s essential to consider factors such as course content, accreditation, format (in-person vs. online), and the validity period of the certification. Ensuring that the program aligns with the latest resuscitation guidelines and is recognized by relevant authorities will provide confidence in your ability to respond effectively during emergencies.

American Red Cross provides flexible training options, including online courses that equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize and respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies. These courses cover essential topics such as recognizing cardiac arrest, performing high-quality CPR, and using Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Upon successful completion, participants receive a certification valid for two years.

American Heart Association (AHA) offers comprehensive CPR and First Aid training suitable for both healthcare professionals and the general public. Their courses are designed to meet regulatory requirements and are available in various formats, including eLearning and blended learning, providing flexibility to accommodate different schedules. Participants gain hands-on experience and, upon completion, receive certification recognized nationwide.

National CPR Foundation offer courses that can be completed in a few hours entirely online. These programs adhere to the latest guidelines and provide immediate digital certificates upon passing the examination, with physical cards mailed within a few business days. This option is particularly convenient for individuals needing swift certification or recertification.

ProTrainings.com platform provide fully compliant online CPR and First Aid courses. These courses are designed to cater to various learning styles and schedules, ensuring that participants can acquire lifesaving skills at their own pace. Upon successful completion, learners receive certifications that are widely accepted and recognized.

What Type of Jobs Require CPR Training?

Many healthcare or public service jobs require CPR training and updated certification for employment. Here are some of the key job categories where CPR certification is essential or highly recommended:

Healthcare and Emergency Response

• Doctors, Nurses, and Medical Assistants – Medical professionals must be CPR-certified to handle emergencies in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics – These first responders rely on CPR skills to stabilize patients in critical situations.
• Dentists and Dental Hygienists – Dental professionals must be prepared for medical emergencies that may occur in the office.

Education and Childcare

• Teachers and School Staff – Many schools require staff to be CPR-certified to ensure student safety.
• Daycare Providers and Nannies – Childcare workers must be trained in pediatric CPR to handle choking or cardiac emergencies.
• Coaches and Athletic Trainers – Sports-related injuries or medical emergencies, such as sudden cardiac arrest, make CPR training vital for those overseeing athletes.

Public Safety and Community Services

• Firefighters and Police Officers – These professionals frequently encounter emergencies where CPR can save lives.
• Lifeguards and Swim Instructors – CPR training is mandatory, as they must respond to drowning incidents and other emergencies.
• Security Guards and Correctional Officers – Many security roles require CPR certification to assist in medical emergencies.

Hospitality and Fitness

• Flight Attendants – Airlines require crew members to be CPR-certified in case of in-flight emergencies.
• Personal Trainers and Fitness Instructors – Clients may experience medical emergencies like heart attacks, making CPR certification crucial.
• Hotel and Resort Staff – Some hospitality roles, especially those near pools or in remote areas, require CPR training.

Industrial and Corporate Roles

• Construction Workers – Job sites can be hazardous, so CPR training is often required.
• Electricians and Utility Workers – Workers handling high-voltage equipment may encounter electrocution-related emergencies.
• Office Workers (First Aid Responders) – Many companies designate CPR-certified employees as workplace first responders for medical emergencies.

CPR certification is not just for healthcare workers—it is an essential skill across various professions where safety and emergency preparedness are priorities.

Turn Your Passion for Helping Others into a Lifesaving Career!

If you have a desire to make a real impact in people’s lives, learning CPR is a powerful first step. It equips you with the skills to respond in critical moments and potentially save lives. But if you’re ready to take your lifesaving abilities even further, learn how to become an EMT or Paramedic. Becoming an EMT requires rigorous training, resilience, and a deep commitment to patient care. The job can be challenging, with high-pressure situations and unpredictable environments, but for those who answer the call, it is one of the most rewarding professions. EMS is more than just a career—it’s a mission to serve and protect those in need. If you’re passionate about making a difference, a future in emergency medical services could be the opportunity of a lifetime.

About Unitek EMT

Unitek EMT is a leading provider of EMT training in Arizona, dedicated to preparing the next generation of emergency medical professionals. Our mission is clear: to deliver comprehensive, hands-on training that equips students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the field. Led by experienced industry professionals, our instructors provide real-world insights and experience. Through immersive training scenarios, we ensure that both aspiring and seasoned EMTs gain the knowledge and practical experience required to succeed in every aspect of emergency medical service.