CPR and AED Use

Preparation Steps

• Take a certified CPR and AED course — hands-on practice with a mannequin is essential; reading alone is not sufficient preparation.
• Locate AED devices in your workplace, gym, school, and frequently visited community spaces and note their exact locations.
• Save your local emergency number (112 in Europe, 911 in North America) in your phone contacts.
• Share basic CPR knowledge with family members and household members — bystander CPR dramatically increases survival rates.
• Keep a CPR face shield or barrier mask in your first aid kit and carry one in your bag or car.

Immediate Actions

• Verify the scene is safe before approaching the person.
• Check for responsiveness: tap both shoulders firmly and shout "Are you okay?" clearly.
• If unresponsive and not breathing normally (no breathing, or only gasping): shout for help and send someone to call 112/911 immediately while you begin CPR — do not leave the person to call yourself.
• Begin chest compressions immediately: kneel beside the person, place the heel of your dominant hand on the center of the chest (lower half of the sternum), interlock fingers and keep arms straight, press down at least 5 cm (2 inches) at a rate of 100–120 compressions per minute, and allow the chest to fully recoil between each compression.
• If trained, deliver 2 rescue breaths after every 30 compressions (tilt head, lift chin, seal mouth, deliver a breath that makes the chest rise); if untrained or unwilling, perform continuous compression-only CPR — it is still effective.
• When an AED arrives: turn it on and follow all spoken instructions precisely; it will analyze the heart rhythm and instruct you to stand clear before delivering a shock if needed — resume compressions immediately after each shock.

What to Avoid

• Do not pause compressions for more than 10 seconds for any reason — every interruption reduces effectiveness.
• Do not compress too shallowly (less than 5 cm / 2 inches) — ineffective compressions do not circulate blood adequately.
• Do not compress too slowly — maintain 100–120 per minute (the rhythm of the song "Stayin' Alive" is a helpful guide).
• Do not remove AED pads once they are placed on the chest.
• Do not leave the person alone once CPR has begun — maintain continuous care until EMS arrives and takes over.

Supplies Needed

• CPR face shield or barrier mask (pocket-size, fits in a wallet or key chain).
• Knowledge of the nearest AED location in your regular environments.

Recovery Steps

• Continue CPR without stopping until emergency medical services arrive and take over care.
• Follow AED prompts — the device will advise if further shocks are needed after each analysis.
• After handing care over to paramedics, document and report: the time you found the person, when CPR started, how many shocks the AED delivered, and any observed changes in the person's condition.
• Seek emotional support after the event — providing CPR is a physically and emotionally intense experience regardless of the outcome.