06/15/2026
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency life-saving procedure used when the heart stops beating. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of survival following cardiac arrest. CPR is important because it helps maintain blood flow, which can extend the opportunity for a successful resuscitation once trained medical staff arrive on site.
Hands-only CPR is recommended for the general public or bystanders who witness someone collapse. It does not require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and consists of two easy steps:
1. Call 9-1-1 (or have someone else call)
2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of a familiar song at 100 to 120 beats per minute. An example is “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees. Continue compressions until medical help arrives.
To watch a 90-second video on how to perform hands-only CPR, visit the American Heart Association website (link in the first comment)