What is CPR?
CPR, is short for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.
It’s a simple technique to help when someone’s heart has stopped. It doesn’t require fancy equipment—just your hands, mouth, knowledge, and the confidence to act.
What does CPR Do?
Many people believe CPR actually restarts the heart, but that’s a common misconception. CPR doesn’t directly make the heart beat again.
Instead, CPR moves pumps blood around the body. This can help the brain and the bodies organs to keep going for long enough so for a defibrillator to restart the heart. Performing CPR can literally mean the difference between life and death.
Deal With Your Nerves
It’s natural to feel nervous at the thought of performing CPR on a stranger, a friend, or even a family member. Some worry about hurting the person or doing it “wrong.” Others wonder if it’s painful. but it’s better to act confidently than to not give CPR and have them miss a chance on life.
CPR isn’t complicated, but it is critical. The steps are straightforward and can be learned quickly in a cpr course.
Guidelines & Rules for CPR in Australia
If you’re going to perform CPR, it’s important to know the official guidelines in Australia. These are set by ANZCOR—the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation—which is the organisation responsible for creating clear, evidence-based recommendations for lifesaving procedures. Following their advice ensures you act safely and effectively in an emergency.
A helpful way to remember the steps is the DRSABCD acronym:
D – Danger: Check the scene for any danger. Make sure it’s safe for you to approach the person. For example, don’t run into traffic, live electrical wires, or a burning area. Your safety is the first priority.
R – Response: Check if the person is responsive. Tap their shoulder and ask loudly, “Are you okay?” If there’s no response, it’s time to move to the next step.
S – Send for Help: Call 000 immediately. Provide your location, explain what happened, and tell them the person is unresponsive. If there’s someone nearby, ask them to make the call so you can focus on starting CPR.
A – Airway: Open the person’s airway by tilting their head back and lifting the chin. This ensures the breaths you give will go into the lungs.
B – Breathing: Check for normal breathing. If the person isn’t breathing normally—or only gasping—start CPR immediately.
C – Compressions: Begin chest compressions if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Push hard and fast in the centre of the chest.
D – Defibrillator: Use an AED as soon as it’s available. Follow the voice instructions; it’s designed for anyone to use, even without medical training.
How to Give CPR: The Two Essential Steps
When it comes to CPR, it can feel overwhelming at first, but the truth is: it really comes down to two important steps. Think of it as a simple “how-to” you can remember in an emergency:
- Chest Compressions – keep the blood moving
- Rescue Breaths – give the body the oxygen it needs
That’s it. If you focus on these two steps and do them correctly, you can make a real difference. Let’s break each one down so it’s easy to follow, just like In our classes.
Step 1: Chest Compressions
Think of chest compressions as the “pump” of the heart—you’re doing the work of the heart until help arrives. Here’s how to do them:
- Place the heel of one hand in the centre of the chest. Lock your other hand over the top. You can interlock your fingers or hold your wrist with your other hand. Comfort is key.
- Push straight down, about 5–6 cm for adults. Basically, push hard. Generally people often don’t push hard enough.
- Let the chest fully come back up after each push—this allows the heart to refill with blood.
- Keep a steady rhythm of 100–120 compressions per minute. A good tip is to think of the beat from the song “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.
- Push hard and fast, but stay relaxed and controlled—don’t worry about hurting the person, saving their life is the goal.
Step 2: Rescue Breaths
After 30 compressions it’s time for rescue breaths. These supply oxygen to the lungs, which helps fresh oxygen to circulate through the body. Here’s how to do them:
- Tilt the head back slightly and lift the chin to open the airway.
- Pinch the nose closed and cover the person’s mouth with yours.
- Give two breaths, each lasting about one second, and watch for the chest to rise.
- Don’t overinflate the lungs—gentle, effective breaths are enough.
When Should You Stop CPR?
Knowing when to stop CPR is just as important as knowing how to do it. As a trainer, I always tell my students: keep going until there’s a good reason to stop. Here’s what you need to know:
You should stop CPR if:
- Professional help arrives – Paramedics or trained first responders will take over, so it’s safe to stop.
- You are physically unable to continue – CPR can be exhausting, and it’s okay to switch with someone else if available.
- The scene becomes unsafe – If something suddenly puts you or the person at risk, stop and move to a safe location.
Get Trained Today.
The best way to really learn CPR is hands-on practice. Reading about it or watching videos is helpful, but nothing replaces the experience of performing compressions and rescue breaths on a training mannequin under the guidance of an experienced trainer. That’s where you build muscle memory and confidence so you can act without hesitation when a real emergency happens.
At Toowoomba Safety Training, our CPR courses are designed to be practical, easy to understand, and relatable. Whether you’re a parent, employee, or simply someone who wants to be prepared, our courses give you the knowledge and hands-on experience you need. We make it simple, approachable, and even a little fun—because learning lifesaving skills shouldn’t be intimidating.
Don’t wait for an emergency to realize how important CPR is. Join a CPR course today, practice your skills, and gain the confidence to save a life. With the right training, you could be the difference between life and death for someone in need.
References
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Evidence-Based Overview – NCBI Bookshelf – Scientific and clinical review of CPR techniques, effectiveness, and guidelines based on current research and evidence.
ANZCOR Guideline 8: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation – Official guideline detailing CPR procedures, including compression-to-ventilation ratios, depth, rate, and overall technique for adults, children, and infants.
When to Stop Performing CPR – CPR Course Brisbane – Practical advice on recognising when to safely cease CPR, including signs of life, arrival of emergency services, and rescuer limitations.