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CPR Basics

Updated 7/10/2026
Author: Emily Heath

Imagine you’re walking through a mall when someone suddenly collapses. Would you know what to do? In an emergency like this, knowing CPR could mean the difference between life and death.1

What Is CPR?

CPR is an emergency procedure used when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and they stop breathing, a condition known as cardiac arrest.1 CPR helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives.1 It is a key component of Basic Life Support (BLS), which also includes using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and relieving choking.2,3 In the United States, more than 350,000 people experience out of hospital cardiac arrest each year, and survival increases significantly when CPR is started immediately.3  

When Should I Perform CPR?

CPR should be performed when a person is unresponsive without a pulse, not breathing, and/or is gasping for air. Signs that someone may be in cardiac arrest include:4

  • Sudden loss of responsiveness
  • No reaction when tapped on the shoulders or spoken to
  • No chest rise (indicative of lack of breathing)

Cardiac arrest can occur due to many different conditions. In children, adolescents, and adults younger than 35 years, sudden cardiac arrest is more commonly caused by electrical or structural problems of the heart.5 In adults older than 35 years, the most common cause is a heart attack from underlying coronary artery disease (CAD).6,7 Common underlying risk factors for coronary artery disease include:7

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Obesity

Sudden cardiac arrest can also result from emergencies such as:

  • Drug overdose
  • Drowning
  • Suffocation
  • Severe trauma
  • Electric shock

Why Does CPR Matter?

When the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, the brain and organs begin to lose oxygen within minutes.10 Without treatment, permanent brain injury or death can happen quickly. Every minute without CPR and/or defibrillation decreases the chance of survival. Immediate bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival.4 This means ordinary people – not just health care professionals – can become lifesavers.

What Is a CPR Action Plan?

A CPR Action Plan is a predetermined emergency response plan that outlines what people should do if someone experiences a cardiac arrest. Many schools, workplaces, and community organizations have Action Plans in place that designate roles, such as calling 911, beginning CPR, retrieving an AED, and guiding emergency responders to the person.8 Knowing the location of nearby AEDs is an important part of the plan. They are often in clearly marked wall cabinets near entrances, hallways, or high-traffic areas. Creating and practicing an action plan before an emergency occurs can help people respond confidently and efficiently when every second counts. 

How Do I Perform CPR?

If you see someone collapse, it is important to act quickly and follow a simple action plan: 8,9

  1. Ensure the scene is safe. 
  2. Check responsiveness. Tap the person’s shoulders and shout “Are you okay?”  
  3. Call 911 or direct someone nearby to call and retrieve an AED. 
  4. Check for normal breathing. If the person is not breathing or is only gasping, begin CPR immediately. If you are not trained in CPR, perform hands-only CPR (continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths) until an AED or emergency responders arrive.10
  5. Place your hands in the center of the chest and push hard and fast at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, allowing the chest to fully recoil between compressions.
  6. Use an AED as soon as it is available and follow the voice prompts.
  7. Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive, the person begins breathing normally, or you are physically unable to continue.

The American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival outlines the critical steps that give someone the best chance of surviving cardiac arrest.10 Learn more about the Chain of Survival here: https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats/chain-of-survival. 

Pediatric CPR: What Is Different for Children and Infants?

Children and infants require a few modifications to CPR because cardiac arrest is more often triggered by breathing problems or lack of oxygen than it is in adults. This may occur because of drowning, choking, or respiratory illness.11

If you need to perform CPR on a child or infant: 11

  • Follow the same first steps as for adults: ensure the scene is safe, check for responsiveness, call 911, and retrieve an AED.
  • If the child or infant is not breathing normally or is only gasping, begin CPR.
  • Compress the chest about one-third of its depth at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  • If you are trained in CPR, provide rescue breaths along with chest compressions, as oxygen is especially important in pediatric cardiac arrest.
  • Use an AED as soon as one is available. If pediatric pads are available, use them. If not, use adult pads as directed by the AED.
  • Continue CPR until emergency responders arrive, the child or infant begins breathing normally, or you are physically unable to continue.

The most important message is simple: doing something is better than doing nothing. Call 911, start CPR, and use an AED as quickly as possible.

Do I Need to Be Certified to Perform CPR? Where Do I Get Certified?

You do not need certification to perform hands-only CPR during an emergency.9,11 However, certification provides hands-on practice, increases confidence, and teaches additional skills for adults, children, and infants. It also provides more complete skills for adults, children, and infants, which can include giving rescue breaths.2

CPR and BLS certifications are widely available through organizations such as the American Heart Association and American Red Cross.2,3 Many hospitals, colleges, fire departments, and gyms also offer courses.  

There are different course formats: 

  • In-person classes with hands-on practice 
  • Blended learning (online lessons plus in-person skills testing) 
  • Online-only CPR awareness courses for knowledge only (does not meet certification requirements for most healthcare or workplace positions).

Most CPR classes can be completed in a few hours. BLS courses often take about 4-6 hours depending on the format. Certifications are commonly valid for two years.3

American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR & First Aid Courses

American Red Cross CPR Training

Learning CPR is one of the simplest ways to prepare for an emergency. Just a few hours of training can provide the knowledge and confidence to help save a life. Whether you are at home, at school, at work, or in your community, CPR skills can make a critical difference when every second counts.

References:  

  1. American Heart Association. What is CPR? Accessed June 1, 2026. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/what-is-cpr
  2. American Red Cross. CPR facts & statistics. Published October 2, 2024. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/articles/cpr-facts-and-statistics
  3. American Heart Association. Basic Life Support (BLS). Accessed June 1, 2026. https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/basic-life-support-bls-training
  4. American Heart Association. Treatment of cardiac arrest. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cardiac-arrest/emergency-treatment-of-cardiac-arrest
  5. Keith Couper, Oliver Putt, Rachel Field, et al. Incidence of sudden cardiac death in the young: a systematic review. BMJ Open. 2020;10(10):e040815. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040815
  6. Ashwin G. Yow, Vignesh Rajasurya, Imran Ahmed, et al. Sudden cardiac death. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; updated March 16, 2024. Accessed April 25, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507854/
  7. Dominic S. Zimmerman, Hanno L. Tan. Epidemiology and risk factors of sudden cardiac arrest. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2021;27(6):613-616. doi:10.1097/MCC.0000000000000896
  8. American Heart Association. Cardiac emergency response plan and protocol: Community. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://cpr.heart.org/-/media/CPR-Files/Training-Programs/2024-CERP/PDFs_2024_2_7/2023-Cardiac-Emergency-Response-Plan-and-Protocol-Community-Final.pdf
  9. American Red Cross. CPR steps: How to perform CPR. Accessed June 1, 2026. https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/cpr-steps
  10. American Heart Association. Chain of Survival. Updated 2025. Accessed July 11, 2026. https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats/chain-of-survival
  11. Topjian AA, Atkins DL, Berg RA, et al. Part 6: Pediatric basic life support. In: 2025 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. American Heart Association; 2025.
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Jake Berman

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I was in the marching band and liked to hike and rock climb. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. After my procedure, I kept doing the same things.”

Whitney Jones

Whitney’s commitment to heart health advocacy began at 10 years old when she and her mother, Rayna, were diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome during a Simon’s Heart screening at Downingtown West High School. Despite the diagnosis, Whitney pursued her passion for cheerleading and continued to thrive in the sport through her college years at St. Joseph’s University. After graduating, Whitney joined Stryker Instruments as the Senior Specialist for Off-Site Meeting and Events, where she skillfully orchestrates events that promote health and medical innovation. Further extending her impact, Whitney is an active member of the Simon’s Heart Young Professionals Committee, while her mother Rayna contributes her expertise on the Board of Directors.

Katie Asper

“I attended a heart screening at Upper Dublin High School when I was ten. I played soccer. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome and had an ablation to fix the problem. I attend Temple University.”

Matthew Green

“I attended a heart screening in Mason, Ohio, when I was ten. I participated in baseball, basketball, and diving. I was diagnosed with an atrial septal defect. I had surgery to repair the hole and started wearing a protective shirt during activity. I am graduating from Miami University.”

Valerie Krawitz

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I played baseball, soccer, and track. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome and an atrial septal defect. I had heart surgery to repair the hole and I take medicine for the Long QT. I can’t play competitive sports like I once did, but found other activities. Next year, I’m attending Penn State University.”

Drew Harrington

“I attended a heart screening at Radnor High School when I was ten. I played lacrosse, tennis, and basketball. I was diagnosed with Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome. I used to feel my heart beat really fast, but just assumed it was fine. Coincidentally, on Simon’s 7th birthday, I had a procedure called an ablation. Today, my heart is fine and I attend the University of Richmond.”

Alaysia Keeley

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played softball and enjoyed going to the mall with my friends. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I had to stop playing sports and drinking soda. Now, I take medication and live a normal life.”

Kyle McCabe

“I attended a heart screening at Norristown High School when I was ten. I played baseball, basketball, and football. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. I stopped playing sports to protect my heart, but I still manage to have fun.”

Melissa Fair

“I attended a heart screening at Colonial Middle School when I was ten. I loved dancing and hanging out with my friends. I was diagnosed with Partial Anomolous Pulmonary Venous Return and Atrial Septal Defect. The doctor told me that my life would have been cut short if I hadn’t found out. I’m graduating from Penn State University this year.”

Zach Steffens

“I attended a heart screening at Stillman Elementary School in Tenafly, N.J., when I was fourteen years old. I love running, Tae Kwon Do, and Armenian cultural dancing. I was diagnosed with a rare congenital defect called ALCAPA (Anomalous Left Coronary Artery from the Pulmonary Artery). I had open-heart surgery and recovered well. One month later, I suffered a cardiac arrest and an automated external defibrillator (AED) saved my life. I now have an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and am healthier than ever. I will be attending The College of New Jersey and majoring in biomedical engineering.”

Annie FitzPatrick

“I went into sudden cardiac arrest at a local convenience store when I was 19 years old. My heart stopped and the only reason I am alive today is because an AED was readily available. I was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome shortly after and was introduced to Darren and Phyllis with Simon’s Heart. I have been an active volunteer ever since. I went on to graduate Cum Laude from Drexel University with a double major in Business Analytics and Marketing and now work at a leading chemical company.”

Maeve Quinn

"I had a sudden cardiac arrest during softball tryouts at my high school. I was 15 years old. Thanks to the quick thinking of my coach and athletic trainer, they started doing CPR and using an AED immediately. This helped save my life. I had an implantable defibrillator surgically placed in case this happens again. I volunteer to educate people on the importance of screenings, learning CPR and the use of AEDs. Anyone can save a life like mine! I am planning on going to college for nursing."