CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure used when someone’s heart has stopped beating, to keep oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and vital organs until the heart can be restarted — either by a defibrillator or by the heart resuming on its own.
CPR combines two elements: chest compressions, which manually pump the heart, and rescue breaths, which deliver oxygen to the lungs. For bystanders without training, hands-only CPR — chest compressions alone — is recommended by Resuscitation Council UK and is just as effective for the first few minutes after a cardiac arrest.
To perform hands-only CPR:
1. Call 999 immediately. The dispatcher will guide you through CPR if you are unsure.
2. Place the heel of one hand on the centre of the person’s chest (on the lower half of the breastbone). Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.
3. Press down hard and fast — aim for a depth of 5–6cm and a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute. The Resuscitation Council UK suggests the rhythm of the song Stayin’ Alive as a guide to rate.
4. Keep going without stopping until the ambulance arrives or an AED is ready to use.
Even imperfect CPR is far better than no CPR at all.