CPR

The letters CPR stand for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The term embraces all the procedures, from basic first aid to the most advanced medical interventions that can be used to restore the breathing and circulation in someone whose heart and breathing have stopped.

How To Do CPR

STEP 1

Give 30 chest compressions

  • Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the casualty's chest and the heel of the other on top. Interlock your fingers.
  • Press down on the sternum, 5 to 6 cms (2 to 2.5 inches), 30 times. After each compression release the pressure but don't remove your hands.
  • Do this about 100 to 120 times per minute (around 2 per second)

STEP 2

Give 2 rescue breaths (Continue compressions if you can't do rescue breaths.)

  • Open their airway.
  • Pinch their nose closed, breathe in, cover their mouth with yours and breathe steadily into their mouth. 2 rescue breaths should only take 5 seconds.
  • Make sure their chest rises and falls.

STEP 3

Repeat 30 compressions and then 2 rescue breaths until:

  • Professional help takes over
  • They cough, move and breathe normally, or,
  • You become exhausted

In the event an AED (Defibrillator) arrives:

  • If an automated External Defibrillator arrives – continue CPR and follow the AED instructions (stopping and restarting CPR as advised by the AED)

Why do CPR?

Currently only 10% of people survive a community cardiac arrest. This is frequently because early resuscitation is not started. Early CPR will increase the chance of survival to 50%.

Each minute without CPR means that a further 10% of people will die and 10 minutes without heart output or any resuscitation is almost always fatal.

Where to Learn CPR?

There are many courses around to help you learn CPR. Nationally these courses are provided through such organisations as the St Johns Ambulance Service and the British Heart Foundation.

Within Leicestershire (and Rutland) we have created a collaborative group to provide CPR training to all secondary schools, and can provide hands-on training to sports facilities and some businesses.

Further Information

Partners & Supporters

  • Soar Media
    ITV Central
    BBC Radio Leicester
    Leicestershire and Rutland County FA
  • Quorn Football Club
    UHL Trust
    De Lisle
    Demon Media
  • Warriors Basketball Club
    Provident IT Solutions
    Jersey Budd
    Leicester Mercury
  • AFC Andrews
    Loughborough Echo
    Arrhythmia Alliance
    Heartwize
  • Bradgate Park Trust
    Shepshed Lions - Community First Responders
    Willmott Dixon
    Leicestershire County Council
  • Gateley
    YHW
    Sports Cardiology UK
    Cipher Entertainment
  • De Montfort Students Union
    Rothley Park Cricket Club
    Leicester City In the Community
    LRSport
  • Kasabian
    Shepshed Lions Club - Community First Responders
    Inside Land
    Rothley Parish Council
  • Gleeds
    Leicester Unity Boxing Club
    Barwood
    Leicester Tigers
  • Dickinson & Morris
    David Wilson Homes
    Trophy Parlour
    Boden
  • East Midlands Ambulance Service
    Health For Teens
    CKI Martial Arts
    Musical Village
  • UK Paintball
    Gem 106
    Loughborough Town Cricket Club
    British Heart Foundation
  • Agora
    Leicester Coritanian
    Leicester Legends
    Pukaar News
  • Westleigh Developments
    Leicester City FC Community Trust
    Samworth Brothers
    Leicester City Council
  • Jessica Michelle School of Dance
    Longslade Community College
    6PM
    BBC
  • Oak FM
    Sileby Town CC
    Rawlins