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.
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 cardiac arrest is
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General care guidelines
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What CPR does and how it helps keep blood and oxygen flowing
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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 guide a responder in helping a person are 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 unresponsive or confused consent is implied. Consent is implied for children with a life threatening condition when there is no guardian present to ask.
Checking the scene to make sure it is safe and what is happening.
Call
Call is getting resources 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 specific 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.
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.
How to Perform CPR and First Aid
Videos About CPR
Onset of puberty as seen with underarm hair or breast development
Hand Placement
Two hands interlaced over the sternum
Opening The Airway
Past Neutral
Compression Depth
At least 2"
Differences
What Is The Same?
No matter the age, CPR Compressions are delivered with a ratio of 30 compressions and 2 breaths between a speed of 100 to 120 beats per minute or about half a second each compression. Each breath given should only last one second, just enough to see the chest rise.
30:2
compressions to Breaths
100-120
Beats Per Minute
1 Second
Each Breath, just enough for the chest to rise
Ages & Stages
Even though CPR steps are the same for different age groups, there some differences.
