Man carries young son across a beach.

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CPR

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

CPR can also be done with only compressions. This is sometimes called hands-only CPR.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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