As an expert in emergency medical response, I'm here to guide you through the process of performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), a critical life-saving technique used when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It's crucial to act quickly and effectively in such situations, as the chances of survival decrease significantly with every passing minute without intervention.

Step 1: Assess the Situation
The first step in CPR is to ensure the safety of both you and the victim. Check for any immediate dangers, such as traffic, fire, or electrical hazards. Once the scene is safe, approach the person and tap their shoulder, shouting to see if they are responsive.

Step 2: Call for Help
If the person is unresponsive, immediately call your local emergency number. If you're alone, you may need to leave the person to make the call, but if someone else is nearby, instruct them to call for help.

Step 3: Position the Victim
Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface. Kneel beside them, positioning yourself near the victim's chest.

Step 4: Check for Breathing and a Pulse
Place your head close to the person's mouth to listen for breathing, and feel for breath on your cheek. At the same time, check for a pulse by feeling for the carotid artery in the neck with two fingers. You should only spend about 10 seconds on this step.

Step 5: Start Chest Compressions
If there's no pulse or breathing, begin chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the victim's chest, and place the other hand on top, interlocking your fingers. Keep your arms straight and your shoulders aligned with the victim's chest. Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep and at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.

Step 6: Open the Airway
After 30 compressions, open the victim's airway using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver. This involves placing one hand on the victim's forehead and tilting their head back, while using your other hand to lift the chin forward.

Step 7: Give Rescue Breaths
Pinch the victim's nose closed and give two rescue breaths. This involves taking a normal breath, placing your mouth over the victim's mouth to create a seal, and then blowing into their mouth. Each breath should make the victim's chest visibly rise.

Step 8: Continue CPR
Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions followed by two rescue breaths. This ratio is known as the "30:2" ratio.

**Step 9: Check for Response and Continue CPR**
Every two minutes (or after five cycles of CPR), check the victim's pulse and breathing again. If there's still no pulse or breathing, continue CPR.

Step 10: Use an AED if Available
If an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is available, turn it on and follow the voice prompts. An AED can analyze the person's heart rhythm and advise whether a shock is needed.

Step 11: Continue Until Help Arrives
Keep performing CPR until professional medical help arrives, the person starts to breathe normally, or you become too exhausted to continue.

Remember, CPR is a critical skill that can make the difference between life and death. It's important to receive proper training from a certified organization to ensure you're prepared to act in an emergency.

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Breathing: Breathe for the personWith the airway open (using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver), pinch the nostrils shut for mouth-to-mouth breathing and cover the person's mouth with yours, making a seal.Prepare to give two rescue breaths. ... Resume chest compressions to restore circulation.More items...read more >>