CPR doubles or triples survival rates for cardiac arrest when started immediately. This lesson covers what every caregiver must know — not as a substitute for hands-on CPR certification, but as the foundation that makes that training stick. Every caregiver should hold a current CPR certification. This lesson prepares you to use it.
Cardiac Arrest vs. Heart Attack — Not the Same
These two terms are often confused, but they are different events requiring different responses.
The Chain of Survival
Adult CPR: The Steps
Check for responsiveness
Tap shoulders firmly and shout "Are you okay?" If no response — the person is unresponsive.
Call 911 and get an AED
If someone else is present, direct them specifically: "You — call 911 now." "You — get the AED." If alone, call 911 yourself and put on speakerphone before starting compressions.
Check for breathing — no more than 10 seconds
Look for normal breathing. Gasping is not normal breathing. If no normal breathing — start compressions immediately. Do not waste time checking for a pulse unless you are a trained healthcare professional.
Compressions — hard, fast, and deep
Place heel of one hand on center of chest (lower half of sternum). Place other hand on top, interlace fingers. Push down at least 2 inches — harder than most people expect. Rate: 100–120 per minute (the beat of "Stayin' Alive"). Allow full chest recoil between compressions. Minimize interruptions.
Rescue breaths (if trained and willing)
30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths. Tilt head, lift chin, pinch nose, seal your mouth over theirs, give breath over 1 second — watch for chest rise. If you are not trained in rescue breathing or unwilling, hands-only CPR (compressions only) is still highly effective.
Continue until EMS arrives or AED is ready
CPR is exhausting. If another trained person is available, switch compressors every 2 minutes to maintain quality. Do not stop unless: EMS takes over, the person starts breathing normally, or an AED tells you to.
Using an AED
An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) delivers a controlled electric shock that can restore normal heart rhythm during certain types of cardiac arrest. AEDs are designed to be used by untrained bystanders — the device talks you through every step.
- Turn it on — open the lid or press the power button. It will give audio instructions immediately.
- Apply the pads — one pad on the upper right chest, one on the lower left side. The pads have diagrams showing placement. Remove clothing — pads must contact bare skin.
- Let it analyze — make sure no one is touching the person. Say "Clear!" and stand back while the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
- Deliver shock if advised — press the shock button when prompted. Say "Clear!" again first. Resume CPR immediately after the shock.
- If no shock advised — continue CPR. Not all cardiac arrest rhythms are shockable — CPR is still essential.
DNR Orders in Home Care
A DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order is a legally valid medical order directing caregivers not to perform CPR if the client's heart stops or they stop breathing. It is one of the most important documents in home care.
- Check the care plan for DNR status before every shift
- Know where the DNR document is physically located in the home
- A verbal DNR is not valid — the document must be present and signed
- If a DNR is in place, do not start CPR — call 911 and present the document to EMS
- If you are unsure whether a DNR is valid or present — start CPR. It is better to start and hand over to EMS than to withhold CPR without a valid order