How To Perform CPR

Why CPR Matters

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time. Whether it’s a colleague at work, a customer, or a passerby, knowing how to perform CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) can mean the difference between life and death.

Every minute without CPR reduces a person’s chance of survival by 10%, but immediate and effective CPR can double or even triple their chances of survival. The good news? Anyone can do CPR—you don’t need to be a healthcare professional or have prior training. You just need to know what to do and act fast.

What Is CPR and How Does It Help?

CPR is an emergency procedure used when someone’s heart stops beating (cardiac arrest) or they stop breathing normally. They may end up in Ventricular Tachycardia, Ventricular Fibrillation, or Asystole. When this happens, the brain and vital organs are deprived of oxygen, and within minutes, permanent damage or death can occur.

CPR works by:

• Chest compressions: These manually pump the heart, keeping blood flowing to the brain and other organs.

• Rescue breaths: These provide oxygen to the lungs, which is carried through the bloodstream to the brain and heart.

By doing CPR, you are literally acting as the person’s heartbeat and lungs, buying them precious time until emergency medical help arrives.

Before You Start CPR

Step 1: Check for Danger

Before rushing in, take a second to assess the situation. Are there any immediate dangers to you or the casualty? If it’s safe to proceed, go to them.

Step 2: Check for a Response

Gently shake their shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?” If they respond, they don’t need CPR but may need other first aid. If they don’t respond, move to step 3.

Step 3: Check for Breathing

• Tilt their head back slightly to open the airway.

• Look, listen, and feel for normal breathing for no more than 10 seconds.

• If they are not breathing normally, or only gasping, start CPR immediately.

• If they are breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor them until help arrives.

Step 4: Call 999

If you’re with someone, tell them to call 999 and put the phone on speaker. If you’re alone, call yourself before starting CPR. The emergency operator will guide you through what to do.

How to Perform CPR

Step 5: Chest Compressions (The Most Important Part!)

• Kneel beside the casualty and place the heel of one hand in the centre of their chest (on the breastbone).

• Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

• Position yourself directly over their chest with straight arms.

• Push down hard and fast – aim for 5-6cm deep (about 2 inches).

• Release fully after each compression but don’t lift your hands off the chest.

• Repeat at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute (think of the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees!).

Step 6: Rescue Breaths (If You’re Willing and Able)

• After 30 compressions, give 2 rescue breaths:

• Tilt the head back, pinch the nose shut, and create a seal over their mouth.

• Blow in steadily for about 1 second, watching for the chest to rise.

• Let the air escape and repeat once more.

• If you’re not comfortable giving breaths, just continue with compressions—hands-only CPR is still highly effective.

Repeat 30:2 (30 compressions, 2 breaths) until:

• The ambulance arrives and takes over.

• The person starts breathing normally.

• You are too exhausted to continue.

What to Expect During CPR

Performing CPR can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. You might hear cracking or crunching sounds as you press down on the chest. This could be ribs moving or breaking, and while it sounds scary, it’s not a reason to stop. The reality is that broken ribs can heal, but a person in cardiac arrest won’t survive without CPR.

It’s completely normal to feel nervous and even hesitate when you hear those noises—but keep going. Stopping CPR means stopping their chance of survival.

Imagine if this was your loved one. If your parent, partner, or child had collapsed, what would you want a bystander to do? Would you want them to give up because they were afraid of doing harm, or would you want them to keep going and give your loved one the best possible chance?

Using a Defibrillator (AED) - blog post to follow

If there’s an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) nearby, use it as soon as possible. AEDs are designed for anyone to use and will not shock someone unless needed, so you can’t do harm.

• Turn it on and follow the voice instructions.

• Attach the pads as shown on the diagrams.

• Let the AED analyse and follow its guidance.

• Continue CPR as directed.

What Happens After CPR?

If the casualty regains normal breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor them until help arrives. Even if they wake up, they must go to the hospital, as cardiac arrest can reoccur.

If the person remains unresponsive, continue CPR until the ambulance arrives—they will take over and provide advanced medical care.

Anyone Can Do CPR – Even You!

CPR isn’t just for medical professionals. It doesn’t matter if you’re not strong, trained, or even an adult—anyone can save a life. Even children have saved lives with CPR. The worst thing you can do is nothing, so act fast and give them the best chance of survival.

At Trainer Hub, we provide expert first aid training to workplaces across the UK, ensuring your staff are prepared for real emergencies. If your team needs CPR or first aid certification, get in touch today. You never know when this lifesaving skill could make all the difference.