CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a method to breathe for a person and circulate their blood. It is used for a person who has stopped breathing and whose heart has stopped.

There are several steps to learn to properly perform CPR. The best way to learn CPR is to take a short course from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Here are the basic steps to follow in case of an emergency:
* Determine that the person is breathing by checking for chest rise and fall, and feeling and listening for air moving in and out of the nose and mouth.
* If the person is not breathing, give two mouth-to-mouth breaths. Seal your lips over the person's mouth, and pinch the nose shut. Breathe in, making the chest rise.
* Call for an ambulance by dialing 9-1-1.
* Check to see if the person has a pulse.
* If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions. Put the heel of your hand over the person's breastbone and press down about two inches. Do this 15 times.
* Then do two more mouth-to-mouth breaths.
* It should take you 15 seconds to do one cycle of two breaths plus 15 chest compressions.
* Every minute or two, stop for a moment to see if the person has started breathing on their own and if they have a pulse.
* If not, continue CPR until emergency help arrives.

For more information about cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and other life saving techniques, call the American Heart Association at (800) 242-2871.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go