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What is CPR: Save a Life & Learn How to Perform CPR

By Dr. Kishalay Datta in Emergency & Trauma

Jan 29 , 2025 | 6 min read

Cardiac emergencies are among the leading causes of death worldwide, and while the numbers are alarming, there is a powerful tool that everyone can learn to help save lives: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, or CPR. In a situation where a person’s heart stops beating, the first few minutes are critical. The prompt application of CPR can make the difference between life and death, yet many people still fail to learn this life-saving skill.

What Is CPR?

CPR is a life-saving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. In some cases, it involves mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to keep oxygen circulating in the body until medical help arrives. CPR aids in maintaining vital blood flow to the heart and brain, which are the most critical organs in the body. The technique can be performed by anyone, regardless of medical training, and its purpose is to keep a person alive long enough for professional help to intervene.

The Importance of Time in Cardiac Emergencies

During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood, and the person loses consciousness within seconds. In fact, brain damage can occur within four to six minutes of oxygen deprivation, and irreversible brain damage or death may follow if the person does not receive immediate medical intervention.

In this scenario, time is the most crucial factor. Emergency medical services (EMS) may take several minutes to reach the scene, depending on location, and in many cases, the nearest trained medical personnel may not be available. However, when bystanders perform CPR, they help maintain blood circulation, buying precious minutes that can keep the victim alive until EMS professionals arrive. The quicker CPR is started, the higher the likelihood of survival.

How CPR Works

CPR works by manually pumping the chest to keep the heart circulating blood and, in some cases, by providing rescue breaths to deliver oxygen to the lungs. There are two main components to it: chest compressions and ventilation (if applicable). Let's break these down:

Chest Compressions: The most important part of CPR is chest compressions, which are performed by pushing down on the chest at a rate of about 100-120 compressions per minute. This action helps circulate blood to vital organs like the brain and heart. Deep and consistent compressions are essential to keep the blood flowing during cardiac arrest.
Rescue Breaths: In some CPR techniques, especially in infants and children, rescue breaths are also used. The rescuer places their mouth over the victim’s mouth and nose and provides breaths to help oxygenate the body. In many cases, however, chest compressions alone are enough, and the rescuer can perform hands-only CPR, which has been shown to be equally effective in many situations.

The Lifesaving Impact of CPR

The most significant benefit of learning CPR is that it dramatically increases the chances of survival in a cardiac emergency. According to a report, if CPR is performed immediately after cardiac arrest, the chances of survival can double or even triple. In fact, studies have shown that when bystanders perform CPR in cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the survival rate increases significantly compared to those who receive no assistance.

The reason for this is simple: CPR helps restore oxygenated blood to the brain and other vital organs. In cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the heart may stop beating due to an irregular rhythm, such as ventricular fibrillation, which can cause the heart to quiver and fail to pump effectively. When CPR is initiated, the chest compressions help “shock” the heart back into a more normal rhythm, and in some cases, an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) can be used to deliver an electric shock to restart the heart.

Moreover, when CPR is administered, it buys precious time for the paramedics or emergency medical team to arrive on the scene and provide advanced care. In many cases, CPR and defibrillation can stabilise the patient long enough for the heart to return to a normal rhythm or for the medical team to administer other life-saving interventions.

The Role of Bystanders in Cardiac Arrest

One of the most significant barriers to survival in a cardiac emergency is the delay between when the incident occurs and when professional help arrives. Many people mistakenly assume that someone else will step in and perform CPR, but this assumption can be deadly. In fact, bystander intervention is critical in improving survival rates. A report states that nearly 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in homes or residential settings, where the victim is often surrounded by family members or friends who may not know how to help.

If a bystander is trained in CPR, they can take immediate action to start chest compressions and help keep the person alive while waiting for emergency medical responders to arrive. Even if someone isn’t trained, recent research has shown that hands-only CPR (chest compressions without rescue breaths) can be just as good as traditional CPR, particularly for adult victims of cardiac arrest.

The key takeaway is that immediate action matters. Every second counts, and bystanders who know CPR can increase the likelihood of a positive outcome for the victim. Therefore, it’s crucial to empower as many people as possible to learn this essential skill.

CPR Training and Accessibility

One of the primary reasons why more lives are not saved in cardiac emergencies is the lack of CPR knowledge among the general population. While CPR is often taught in schools, workplaces, and community organisations, many people never receive formal training in the technique. Fortunately, CPR courses are widely available, and many organisations offer easily accessible classes. In these courses, individuals learn how to perform CPR on adults, children, and infants, as well as how to use an AED.

With the advent of online learning and mobile applications, CPR training has become more accessible than ever. Even if you cannot attend an in-person class, online resources and videos can help familiarise you with the steps involved in CPR. Many people are intimidated by the idea of performing CPR, but studies show that bystanders who take action, even without formal training, can have a significantly positive impact on the victim’s chances of survival.

Conclusion

Cardiac emergencies are terrifying and often unpredictable. However, learning CPR is one of the most empowering and effective ways to help save a life. By starting CPR immediately after someone collapses from cardiac arrest, you can provide crucial support to the heart and brain, buying valuable time until professional help arrives. While it may seem daunting, CPR is a straightforward technique that can make a profound difference in a life-or-death situation.

In a world where every second counts, knowing CPR is a skill that can turn you into a potential lifesaver. Consider enrolling in a CPR training course and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can create a society where more lives are saved in cardiac emergencies, and fewer people are lost due to preventable circumstances.