Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, more commonly known as CPR, is a life-saving technique every caregiver should understand and feel confident performing. In a sudden cardiac emergency, each second matters, and taking immediate action can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival. For adults who collapse from cardiac arrest, effective CPR keeps oxygen flowing to vital organs until professional help arrives. Whether you’re caring for an elderly parent, a neighbor, or a friend, knowing how to react during those critical first minutes could mean saving a life. CPR is not complicated but requires calm focus and proper technique.
How to assess and respond to sudden cardiac arrest
- Recognizing the Signs and Acting Without Delay
The first step in providing CPR is identifying when it is needed. Cardiac arrest often occurs suddenly, and the signs can be dramatic or subtle. A person may collapse without warning, stop breathing, or breathe abnormally with gasping or gurgling sounds. They will not respond when spoken to or shaken gently, and their pulse will be absent or extremely weak. At this moment, hesitation can be costly. Calling emergency services immediately is essential, but what you do while waiting can make all the difference. Once the scene is safe, check for responsiveness and breathing. If there’s no clear breathing or movement, start CPR right away. Time is critical, as the brain begins to suffer damage just minutes after oxygen supply stops. Caregivers who have completed London First aid Training are more likely to recognize the situation’s urgency and begin compressions with proper form and confidence, improving the outcome for the person in need.
- Performing High-Quality Chest Compressions
The most vital part of adult CPR is effective chest compressions. These compressions maintain circulation, pushing oxygenated blood through the body when the heart can no longer do so. To begin, place the heel of one hand on the center of the person’s chest, just between the nipples. Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers. With your shoulders directly above your hands, press down firmly and quickly—at least two inches deep—at 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Let the chest fully recoil between compressions without lifting your hands, allowing the heart to refill with blood. Compressions should be continuous and uninterrupted until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or emergency personnel arrive. The quality of compressions directly affects how much oxygen reaches the brain and heart, which is why maintaining a steady rhythm and depth is essential throughout. If you become tired, it’s better to switch with another trained person rather than let the quality of compressions decline.
- Understanding When and How to Provide Rescue Breaths
While chest compressions are the priority in most adult cardiac emergencies, there are certain situations when rescue breaths are necessary. If the caregiver is trained and comfortable, and if the event is not related to a heart issue, for example, drowning or overdose, rescue breaths should be combined with compressions. After 30 compressions, give two breaths by tilting the head back, lifting the chin, and pinching the nose shut. Form a seal over the person’s mouth and deliver a breath lasting about one second, watching for the chest to rise. Suppose it doesn’t, reposition the head and try again. In cases of suspected COVID-19 or when a barrier device is not available, hands-only CPR is still encouraged. The main goal is to keep blood flowing, and rescue breaths can be omitted if they pose a risk or delay compressions. Always prioritize safety—for both you and the person in need—while doing your best to deliver care effectively.
- Using an AED and Transitioning to Professional Care
When available, an automated external defibrillator (AED) is a crucial component of adult CPR. AEDs are designed to assess the heart’s rhythm and deliver a shock if needed, potentially restarting the heart in a regular rhythm. These devices are now commonly found in public spaces like malls, offices, gyms, and airports. If someone else is present during the emergency, have them locate an AED while you continue compressions. Once it arrives, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. Expose the chest, apply the adhesive pads in the correct positions, and let the device analyze. If a shock is advised, ensure no one touches the person before pressing the shock button. Resume CPR immediately after the shock and continue as directed. Transitioning smoothly between compressions, rescue breaths, and AED use increases the chances of survival. Once emergency responders take over, provide them with as much information as possible, including when CPR began and whether a shock was delivered.
- Staying Mentally Prepared and Knowing Your Role
Performing CPR can be high-pressure, especially for caregivers who may feel emotionally connected to the person they are helping. The physical task is demanding, but the emotional strain can be just as intense. That’s why mental preparation is as necessary as technical knowledge. Caregivers should practice scenarios, discuss emergency plans with others, and stay updated on any changes to CPR guidelines. Refreshing your training regularly helps reduce panic and builds confidence in high-stakes situations. Understand that you are not expected to replace medical professionals—your job is to keep the person alive until they can receive advanced care. The fact that you are willing to act already sets you apart. Even if the outcome is not what you hoped for, your efforts give the person the best chance. Knowing this can help you process the event afterward and remain willing to assist if ever faced with such a situation again.
CPR for adults is a critical skill that every caregiver should have in their toolkit. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, starting compressions without hesitation, and knowing how to use an AED can turn a dire situation into one with hope. Even if you’re not a medical professional, your actions can sustain a life until help arrives. Training and preparation allow you to respond instead of freeze; every second of action matters. By staying informed and committed to learning these essential skills, caregivers ensure they are ready when someone needs them the most.
