CPR

CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is pushing down on a person's chest and breathing into his or her mouth. It is used in emergencies when a person's heart stops beating, or when he or she stops breathing.

CPR works to move blood to the person's brain to help prevent brain damage. CPR can help keep a person alive until a health professional arrives.

The steps of CPR are C-A-B:

  • C for compression
  • A for airway
  • B for breathing

Current as of: March 20, 2017

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine & A. Evan Eyler, MD, MPH - Family Medicine, Psychiatry