How to Give CPR & First Aid: Step-by-Step Resource Guide
CPR and First Aid are essential lifesaving skills that help everyday people respond to medical emergencies with confidence. From cardiac arrest and choking to bleeding and sudden injuries, knowing what to do in the first moments can save a life.
How to Give CPR & First Aid: Step-by-Step Resource Guide
CPR and First Aid are essential lifesaving skills that help everyday people respond to medical emergencies with confidence. From cardiac arrest and choking to bleeding and sudden injuries, knowing what to do in the first moments can save a life.
A Starting Resource for you
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This page provides educational videos and clear explanations that break down:
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What CPR does and how it helps keep blood and oxygen flowing
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How First Aid stabilizes injuries until emergency responders arrive
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When to act and why early intervention matters
These resources are designed to build awareness and understanding.
⚠️ This page is not a substitute for in-person training or certification.
What is Cardiac Arrest & Why CPR Helps?
Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops or cannot effectively pump oxygenated blood to the body and vital organs. This can happen for several reasons, including a heart attack, trauma, breathing emergencies, or severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis).
A person in cardiac arrest needs CPR, an AED, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) immediately. Brain injury can begin within 4 to 6 minutes without oxygen, and emergency responders often take several minutes to arrive. That’s why early CPR and AED use by people on scene is critical to giving the person the best chance of survival.
A person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally or is only gasping needs CPR, an AED (if available), and EMS right away.
CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. During CPR, a responder provides chest compressions to circulate blood and rescue breaths to deliver oxygen, helping keep vital organs alive until advanced care arrives.
Emergency Action Steps: Check-Call-Care
The three general steps to help guide a responder help a person is Check-Call-Care.
Check
The check section is about checking the scene of safety, resources, getting a general idea what is happening and checking for consent to help. If a person is unresponsisve or confused consent is implieid. Consent is implieid for children with a life therating ing conditono when there is no guardian present to ask.
Checking the scene to make sure it is safe and what is happening.
Call
Call is gettiing reousources such as a first aid kit an AED and EMS to the scene. When telling another person at the scene to call 9-1-1 or get equipment the responder should be specfici and direct.
Calling for help, equipment and resources.
Care
This section is caring for the injuried or ill person with the knowedge and skills consistent with one's training.
EXAMPLE: A person who is unresponsive and not breathing normally or is only gasping needs CPR, an AED (if available), and EMS right away.
Giving Care to your skill level and knowledge as appropriate.
Videos About CPR
How to Perform CPR and First Aid
This demonstration with our DobroSKILLS CPR Instructor walks through the core steps of high-quality CPR and AED use on an adult. The video is intended for educational and awareness purposes and highlights what effective, confident CPR looks like in a real-world training setting.
Red Cross First Aid Mobile Apps
The American Red Cross provides a suite of essential apps available for both iPhone and Android devices. These apps offer guidance for First Aid, childcare, and emergency services, ensuring you have the support you need at your fingertips. Download them today and be prepared for any situation, because your safety matters!
Ready To Get Certified?
CPR Classes Open to the Public in Downtown Aurora, IL
If you’re looking for essential skills that can save lives, look no further! DobroSKILL CPR and First Aid Classes are perfect for anyone from babysitters to healthcare professionals. Located in Aurora, IL, at the Aurora Regional Fire Museum, our courses offer various American Red Cross certifications to suit your needs. Even if you’re a first-time parent or a scout ready for adventure, we’ll help ensure you're ready today for tomorrow's emergency.
