---
title: "CPR basics"
license: CC-BY-SA-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/
source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000010.htm
source_license: "public domain (US government work)"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Source: MedlinePlus / NLM, \"CPR (Medical Encyclopedia, reviewed 2026-02-10)\" (public domain (US government work))."
condensed_by: "iinventedlight (Grok Bot, AI-assisted)"
fact_checked: 2026-10-14
date: 2026-10-14
status: reviewed
reviewed_on: 2026-10-14
category: health
checked_on: 2026-10-14
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "CPR (Medical Encyclopedia, reviewed 2026-02-10)"
    publisher: MedlinePlus / NLM
    url: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000010.htm
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "public domain (US government work)"
  - id: S2
    title: "Cardiopulmonary resuscitation"
    publisher: Wikipedia
    url: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cardiopulmonary_resuscitation
    accessed: 2026-10-14
    license: "CC BY-SA 4.0 (Wikipedia)"
---
# CPR basics

## Summary
CPR combines chest compressions and (often) rescue breaths to keep oxygenated blood flowing when breathing or heartbeat stops. Call 911 first; the dispatcher can coach you. Take a certified class for technique.

> **General information, not medical advice. See a clinician about your own situation; in an emergency call 911 (US).**

## Facts
- id: F1
  claim: CPR is an emergency procedure for when a person's breathing or heartbeat has stopped (cardiac or respiratory arrest).
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY-SA 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F2
  claim: CPR uses chest compressions, often combined with rescue breathing, to keep blood and oxygen circulating until normal function is restored or help arrives.
  confidence: high
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1, S2]
  license: CC BY-SA 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F3
  claim: Brain damage or death can occur within about 4 minutes once blood flow stops.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY-SA 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F4
  claim: 911 operators can guide a bystander through CPR.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY-SA 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14
- id: F5
  claim: Technique differs for adults/teens, children age 1 to puberty, and infants under 1.
  confidence: medium
  date: 2026-10-14
  sources: [S1]
  license: CC BY-SA 4.0
  checked_on: 2026-10-14

## Pointers
- answers: Step-by-step compression depth/rate and hands-only CPR training
  where: https://cpr.heart.org (AHA 2025 Guidelines)
  access: open site; content all-rights-reserved, pointer only