Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

When do you start CPR?

You start cardiopulmonary resuscitation when a person is unconscious and not breathing normally. Every minute without CPR reduces the chance of survival by about 10%, so quick action is crucial.

The CPR procedure step by step

Important details about compressions

• Pressure 5-6 cm deep in adults
• Maintain a pace of 100-120 taps per minute
• Let your chest come all the way up between each pressure
• Place your hands in the middle of your sternum, one hand on top of the other

If you are alone

When you are alone, dial 113 first and put your phone on speaker. Then start CPR. The operator can guide you through the entire procedure. Read more about what you say to 113 .

Defibrillator (AED)

If a defibrillator is available, use it as soon as possible. It provides voice instructions and analyzes the heart rhythm. Continue CPR between each thrust the machine gives.

Typical pitfalls on the theory test

• Think you should check your pulse — on the theory test, it is breath that determines whether you start CPR
• Confusing the 30:2 ratio with other numbers
• Forgetting to secure the accident site before starting CPR

When the person starts breathing again

If the person begins to breathe normally, place them in the stable side position and monitor their breathing until the ambulance arrives.

Further reading

• Understand the full sequence of first aid in the event of a traffic accident
• Learn the technique of stable lateral position
• Read about shocks and symptoms you should recognize
• See how to secure the accident site correctly