How to do CPR

If you’re the person giving CPR to someone in cardiac arrest it can be shocking and traumatic.  

You may struggle to process what happened. We have lots of tips to support you whilst you come to terms with this.

Support after you've given CPR

Sometimes minor injuries can occur, such as a cracked rib, but you should continue to give CPR to help save their life.  

Giving CPR and using a defibrillator can double a person’s chances of survival when they’ve had a cardiac arrest. A broken rib or other injury can be treated. 

Unfastening a thick coat will help but you do not need to remove any thin clothing to do CPR. Clothing does however need to be removed to attach a defibrillator. 

Keep giving CPR until emergency services arrive, the person regains consciousness or until you are too exhausted to continue. If there is somebody else with you ask them to take turns giving CPR.

No, but both are medical emergencies so you should call 999 immediately.  

A heart attack happens when an artery supplying blood to the heart muscle gets blocked. This starves part of the heart muscle of oxygen and it causes chest pain or discomfort.  

A person having a heart attack is usually still conscious and breathing. If a heart attack isn’t treated it can lead to cardiac arrest.  

A cardiac arrest happens when there is an electrical problem in the heart and it stops pumping blood around your body.  

Usually, it’s best to press harder rather than softer. You're aiming to press down one third of the chest depth (or 5 to 6 centimetres). If you press too softly then your compressions won’t be effective. 

It’s your choice if you would like to give rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR is very effective and is the recommended way to give CPR since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, you may wish to give rescue breaths to a family member.  

If you do want to give rescue breaths, follow these instructions:  

• Give rescue breaths after every thirty chest compressions. 
• Tilt the person’s head back gently and lift their chin. 
• Pinch their nose. 
• Seal your mouth over theirs and blow hard for a second. Do this twice.  

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It’s when someone gives chest compressions to a person in cardiac arrest to keep them alive.  

When a person is in cardiac arrest their heart stops pumping blood, which means their brain gets no oxygen.  

Without CPR the person will die in minutes. CPR keeps the heart pumping blood around the body until emergency help arrives.