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CPR FAQ's

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure used when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

These FAQs provide a concise introduction to CPR based on current UK resuscitation guidance.

What does CPR stand for?

  • CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
  • It combines chest compressions, and where appropriate rescue breaths, to help maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and other vital organs after a cardiac arrest.

What is a cardiac arrest?

A cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.

The person will usually:

  • Be unresponsive
  • Not be breathing normally

They may initially make occasional gasping or abnormal breathing sounds.

If someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally, call 999 and start CPR.

How do you perform CPR on an adult?

Current Resuscitation Council UK guidance recommends:

  1. Check that the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
  2. Call 999 or ask someone else to call.
  3. Start chest compressions immediately.
  4. Place your hands in the centre of the chest.
  5. Compress the chest at 100–120 compressions per minute.
  6. Compress to a depth of at least 5 cm but no more than 6 cm.
  7. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
  8. If trained and willing to give rescue breaths, use 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.
  9. Use an AED as soon as one is available.

Continue until professional help takes over, the person shows clear signs of life, or you are physically unable to continue.

Is hands-only CPR effective?

Yes.

If you are not trained or are unable to provide rescue breaths, current UK guidance recommends continuous chest compressions.

If you are trained and willing to provide rescue breaths, use 30 compressions followed by 2 breaths.

Rescue breaths are particularly important in some situations where lack of oxygen may have caused the cardiac arrest, including drowning and many paediatric emergencies.

How can you tell if someone is in cardiac arrest?

Assume cardiac arrest if someone is:

  • Unresponsive, and
  • Not breathing normally

Occasional gasps are not normal breathing.

If you are unsure, call 999. The ambulance call handler can help you assess the person and guide you through CPR.

Can CPR restart the heart?

CPR does not normally restart the heart by itself.

Its purpose is to maintain circulation until treatment such as defibrillation and advanced medical care can be provided.

An AED analyses the heart rhythm and delivers a shock only when the device determines one is required.

How effective are CPR and defibrillation?

More than 40,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the UK each year and fewer than 1 in 10 people survive.

Early CPR and defibrillation can more than double the chance of survival.

Every minute without CPR and defibrillation can significantly reduce the chance of survival.

What is the Chain of Survival?

The Chain of Survival describes the actions that give someone experiencing cardiac arrest the best chance of survival.

These include:

  • Early recognition of cardiac arrest and calling 999
  • Early CPR
  • Early defibrillation
  • Advanced resuscitation and post-resuscitation care.

Each stage is important.

Can anyone use a defibrillator?

Yes.

Automated external defibrillators are designed so that anyone can use them, even without previous AED training.

The device provides spoken or visual instructions and will only advise or deliver a shock when appropriate.

If an AED is available during a cardiac arrest, use it as soon as possible while CPR continues.

Should I stop CPR while someone gets a defibrillator?

No.

CPR should continue while another person retrieves the AED wherever possible.

Interrupt chest compressions only when necessary to attach the pads and follow the AED instructions.

Is CPR different for children and babies?

Yes.

The principles are similar, but paediatric CPR differs from adult CPR in areas such as:

  • Initial rescue breaths
  • Compression technique
  • Compression depth
  • Hand or finger position
  • Ratio of compressions to breaths in some situations.

People who regularly care for children should receive appropriate paediatric CPR training.

Can doing CPR cause an injury?

Chest compressions can cause injuries such as bruising or rib fractures.

However, cardiac arrest is immediately life-threatening. The priority is to start CPR promptly if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.

Can I be sued for giving CPR in the UK?

There is no general legal duty requiring a member of the public to attempt CPR.

Someone who acts reasonably and in good faith to help during an emergency is extremely unlikely to face legal liability for attempting CPR.

Do not delay emergency treatment because of concerns about causing injury.

How can I learn CPR?

CPR is best learnt through practical training and regular practice.

Training can include:

  • Adult CPR
  • Paediatric CPR
  • AED use
  • Choking response
  • First aid.

CPR training manikins allow learners to practise chest compressions, rescue breaths and correct positioning in a controlled environment.

Shop CPR Training Manikins

What equipment is used for CPR training?

Depending on the course, CPR training may use:

  • Adult CPR manikins
  • Child CPR manikins
  • Infant CPR manikins
  • CPR feedback manikins
  • AED trainers
  • Training electrode pads
  • Choking training manikins
  • Airway-management trainers

Many modern CPR manikins provide feedback on compression depth, rate, recoil and ventilation.

View CPR Training Manikins
View AED Trainers

Important

This page provides general information and does not replace accredited first-aid or resuscitation training. In an emergency, call 999 and follow the instructions given by the ambulance service.