Basic Emergency CPR: The Faster, the Higher the Survival Rate

Hello, it’s your health buddy! Let’s feel better together. Today, I’m here to share some symptom insights and helpful tips about CPR. Let’s dive in!

Performing CPR within 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 4 minutes results in survival rates of 97%, 90%, and 50%, respectively. However, after 10 minutes, brain cells begin to die almost completely.

Let’s go over the correct way to perform CPR.

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Adult CPR Procedure

If you find someone unconscious, shake their shoulders and ask, "Are you okay?" to check for a response. If the person responds by moving, speaking, or making sounds, they are conscious. However, if they don’t respond or their breathing is abnormal, it is likely cardiac arrest, and you must immediately call 911.

If others are nearby, point to someone and tell them to call 911 and bring an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if available. If you’re alone, shout loudly for help to see if anyone is around to assist.

Ambulances are equipped with life-saving equipment and trained personnel, so calling 911 is the most critical step.

When calling 911, provide the following details:

• Location of the emergency
• What happened
• Patient’s condition
• Current first aid being performed

If possible, turn on speakerphone so the 911 dispatcher can guide you through CPR. Stay on the call until they instruct you to hang up.

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Performing Chest Compressions

After calling 911, begin chest compressions. The 2015 CPR guidelines suggested placing the patient on a flat, firm surface, but 2020 guidelines now recommend performing CPR on a bed if moving the patient to the floor is difficult.

Additionally, if the airway is blocked by an object and the person cannot cough effectively, the 2020 guidelines recommend trying back blows first and then performing abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) if needed.

For chest compressions:

1. Place the heel of one hand on the lower half of the breastbone.
2. Place the other hand on top, keeping fingers interlocked and off the chest.
3. Keep arms straight and position shoulders directly over the hands for effective pressure.
4. Press hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, pressing at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.

This force helps pump blood to the brain. In CPR, anyone over age 8 is treated as an adult.

After 30 compressions, provide 2 rescue breaths as follows:

1. Tilt the person’s head back to open the airway.
2. Pinch their nose shut and place your mouth over theirs to form a seal.
3. Take a normal breath and blow into their mouth for 1 second, ensuring the chest rises.

Continue with the 30 compressions → 2 breaths cycle without long pauses, as any delay stops blood flow to the brain. If you’re unsure how to give breaths, continue chest compressions only without stopping.

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CPR with Two Rescuers

If two people are performing CPR:

• One person should continue chest compressions, while
• The other provides 2 rescue breaths every 30 compressions.

Since chest compressions are physically exhausting, switch roles every 2 minutes to maintain effectiveness.

According to the 2020 guidelines, basic CPR should continue for 6 minutes, and advanced life support teams should provide care for up to 10 minutes before transporting the patient to a hospital.

Continue CPR until the ambulance arrives and emergency responders take over.

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Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

If an AED arrives:

1. Turn it on and follow the voice instructions.
2. Attach the electrode pads to the patient’s chest.
3. Allow the AED to analyze the heart rhythm and follow its directions.

If a shock is needed, the AED will guide you through the process. Continue CPR between shocks as directed.

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CPR Awareness & Survival Rates

Thanks to efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the CDC, and the American Heart Association, public CPR training rates have significantly increased.

This has led to higher survival rates for sudden cardiac arrest, with more patients regaining full brain function after recovery.

However, there’s still room for improvement. Every year, over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the U.S., yet bystander CPR rates remain low.

To compare:

• Sweden: 55% of cardiac arrest cases receive bystander CPR
• U.S.: 30.8%

More resources on CPR can be found on the CDC website (www.cdc.gov).

A single hour of training can help you save a life—whether it’s a family member, a friend, or even a stranger.

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Making CPR a Habit

To spread awareness, post CPR instructions in common areas or hallways at home, work, or school.

Final reminder: If someone loses consciousness, CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY and perform chest compressions until help arrives.

Learning CPR could save someone’s life—and one day, someone else might save yours. 

Your health buddy is here for you. Wishing you a healthy and happy day ahead. Stay well!💖

This content is for informational purposes only and does not hold any individual or entity legally responsible. For accurate diagnosis and treatment of symptoms, please visit a nearby medical institution. This does not represent my final medical opinion and may vary depending on specific circumstances and evolving medical perspectives.