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The chain of survival: (1) Call 911 immediately — or have someone else call while you start CPR. (2) Start CPR. (3) Use an AED if available. (4) Wait for EMS. Every minute without CPR reduces survival by 7–10%. Bystander CPR can double or triple survival rates from cardiac arrest.
Hands-only CPR: the American Heart Association now recommends compression-only CPR for untrained bystanders responding to witnessed adult cardiac arrest. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum) at 100–120 compressions per minute — the beat of "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is the correct tempo. Push down 2–2.4 inches. Allow full chest recoil between compressions.
Full CPR (30:2 ratio): 30 chest compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. For rescue breaths: tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, seal your mouth over theirs, and give a breath just large enough to see the chest rise — about 1 second. Don't over-inflate. Then resume compressions immediately.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) use: turn it on and follow the voice prompts. It guides you step by step. Attach the pads as shown on the diagram. Stand clear when it analyzes and if it advises a shock. AEDs are designed for untrained bystanders — they will only shock if a shockable rhythm is detected. AEDs are located in airports, malls, schools, and gyms.
This article is for informational purposes only — it is not a substitute for hands-on training. Take a certified CPR course (Red Cross or American Heart Association, about 2 hours) to develop the muscle memory and confidence to actually perform CPR in an emergency. Many workplaces offer free certification. Knowing CPR is one of the highest-value skills you can have.