Overview
CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency action used when a person has collapsed, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally or is only gasping. CPR can help keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs until trained responders arrive.
Key Symptoms
CPR is needed when a person does not wake up when spoken to or gently shaken, and they are not breathing normally. Some people in cardiac arrest may make gasping sounds, which are not normal breathing. In infants and children, signs may also include sudden limpness, no normal breathing, or collapse.
Causes and Risk Factors
CPR may be needed after cardiac arrest caused by heart problems, drowning, choking, severe injury, electrocution, drug overdose, or breathing failure. Risk increases in emergencies where the heart stops beating effectively or oxygen cannot reach the body. CPR itself is not a disease, but a response to a life-threatening event.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can need CPR, including adults, children, and infants. The exact CPR steps can differ by age and by the cause of the emergency. Bystanders, family members, coworkers, and community members may be the first people able to help.
Prevention
You cannot prevent every emergency, but learning CPR and how to use an AED can help you respond quickly. Preventing heart disease, injuries, drowning, choking, and overdose may lower the chances of situations where CPR is needed. Keeping emergency numbers easy to access and knowing where AEDs are located in public places can also help.
Treatment Categories
Immediate treatment includes calling emergency services, starting CPR, and using an AED if one is available. For many adults and teens with sudden collapse, emergency organizations teach hands-only CPR, which focuses on chest compressions. In some situations, especially for children, infants, drowning, or breathing-related emergencies, rescue breaths may also be part of CPR training.
When to Seek Medical Care
If someone has chest pain, severe shortness of breath, fainting, or warning signs of a serious medical problem, seek urgent medical care right away. People who survive an event that required CPR need emergency evaluation and follow-up care. If you want to learn CPR, ask a local healthcare system, public health agency, or recognized training organization about classes.
When It May Be an Emergency
This is always an emergency when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Call emergency services immediately, start CPR if you are able, and send someone to get an AED. Continue until professional help takes over, an AED instructs you to stop, or the person starts breathing normally and responding.