What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a simple life-saving technique given to someone in cardiac arrest. It aims to take over the job of the heart and lungs by keeping blood and oxygen flowing through the body.

A cardiac arrest is caused by an electrical problem in the heart which then stops pumping blood around the body and brain.

CPR incorporates chest compressions (push ‘hard and fast’ in the centre of the chest between the nipples to the beat of ‘Staying Alive’) and rescue breaths (this aspect is not recommended during the COVID-19 pandemic). Without CPR, the person will die within minutes.

Most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in the home. Learn CPR and one day you might be able to save the life of a loved one – surely there’s no better incentive.