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Each year, more than 1.5 million Americans suffer a heart attack. And roughly one-third of those heart attacks are fatal. That’s a staggering number, and it’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about CPR training.

As someone who teaches CPR regularly, I’ve seen how powerful this simple skill can be. With the right technique, you can keep oxygen flowing to the brain and organs until help arrives. And the best part? It’s something anyone can learn.

Let’s walk through the basics.

Why CPR Matters

When someone collapses and their heart stops beating effectively, time is critical. The brain can only survive for about six minutes without oxygen before permanent damage begins. CPR helps bridge the gap between the emergency and the arrival of trained medical personnel by manually circulating oxygen-rich blood.

It doesn’t matter whether the heart stopped due to a blockage, an electrical misfire like ventricular fibrillation, or something else, CPR can restart circulation and dramatically increase survival odds.

When to Use CPR

CPR isn’t for someone who’s simply feeling faint or having chest pain. It’s for individuals who are unresponsive and not breathing.

You don’t need fancy equipment to assess the situation. Tap or shake the person. Call out loudly. If there’s no reaction, no movement, no sound, it’s time to act.

To check for breathing, hold your phone screen or glasses near their nose and mouth. No fog? No breath.

As soon as you determine they’re unresponsive and not breathing: call 911 and begin CPR.

Where to Press - And Why It Matters

Most people assume the heart sits on the left side of the chest. But in reality, it’s located right in the center, behind the breastbone. That’s exactly where you need to apply pressure.

To perform chest compressions:

• Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest, just above the base of the sternum.

• Place your other hand on top and interlock your fingers.

• Keep your arms straight, lock your elbows, and position your shoulders directly over your hands.

• Use your body weight to press straight down, hard and fast.

Aim for a rhythm of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. A popular trick? Use the beat of the Bee Gees’ Stayin’ Alive as a guide.

Adding Rescue Breaths

While “hands-only” CPR is commonly taught, traditional CPR includes rescue breaths, which help deliver fresh oxygen to the lungs.

Here’s how to do it:

1. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back to open the airway.

2. Pinch the nose shut.

3. Cover their mouth with yours and give two firm breaths, enough to make the chest rise.

Then immediately return to chest compressions.

Hands-Only CPR: When Breaths Aren’t Given

If you're not comfortable providing rescue breaths, or if you're unsure about the person's medical condition, hands-only CPR is still an excellent option. Just keep pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest without pausing for breaths.

Be warned, though: this method is physically demanding, and you’ll tire more quickly. But doing something is always better than doing nothing.

The Tools That Help You Learn

In our CPR trainings at DSP, we use positive feedback mannequins that light up to show if you’re doing it right. Green lights mean your compressions are the correct depth and speed. It’s instant feedback that builds confidence and skill.

Ready to Learn Hands-On?

CPR is one of the most valuable tools you can have in your back pocket. Whether you're on a jobsite, in the office, or just at home, knowing how to respond in a cardiac emergency can save a life.

If your team hasn’t been trained in a while, or ever, we offer on-site, in-person CPR training that’s hands-on, informative, and even a little fun.

We’ve got an upcoming CPR training on Monday, July 28th, from 8 to 11 a.m. at DSP HQ. Click the button below to learn more and save your seat.

You never know when you might need to act. Let’s make sure you’re ready.

Stay alert. Stay safe.
- Safety Steve

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