How to Perform CPR

A is airway. Open the airway using the head tilt, chin lift. Pushing down on the head and lifting up on the chin removes the tongue from the back of the throat. The tongue is the most common airway obstruction in an unconscious person. If the person is going to breathe on his own, it should happen as soon as you clear the airway. If you do not hear, see or feel any breathing, you must give two breaths, described in step 2. Look, listen and feel for even a faint indication that your victim is drawing breath.

B is breathing. Give the victim two breaths. Pinch the person’s nose, put your lips over the other person's lips and blow until you see the chest rise. If you have a protective device, use it. Watch out of the corner of your eye to be sure you blow just enough to see the chest rise.

C is circulation. Find the carotid artery to the side of the Adam’s apple area and feel for 5 or 10 seconds. If there is no pulse, begin chest compressions.

Feel around in the chest area. If there is no thumping under your fingers in a 3-second time span, begin chest compressions. Start by finding the proper placement for your hands. Locate the base of the sternum, the spot where all the ribs come together in the center of the chest.

Place two fingers on that point. Put the heel of the other hand beside those two fingers. Interlace your fingers, lock your elbows and compress the victim’s chest, using your body weight, to the necessary depth of 1 1/2 to 2 inches deep. Or remember this: 2 hands, 2 inches.

Count aloud as you compress 15 times and follow by giving the victim two breaths. That's cycle number 1. Repeat for a total of four cycles--about 1 minute in elapsed time.

Check again for a pulse in the neck and watch for signs that the person is breathing.