Most people are familiar with the idea of CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation, or Heart and Lung “revival”) but not everyone is confident in their ability to perform it. This lighthearted video by the Chattanooga Fire Department is designed to make it easy to learn.
If you see someone who is not breathing:
(1) First call 9-1-1 to get help on the way.
(2) If you’re not trained on the breathing techniques, just do strong chest compressions right in the middle of the sternum (breast bone). Do not stop until the person wakes up, or professional help arrives.
Chest compressions should be done to the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees (or, interestingly, “Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen) and they should be firm enough to cause rib fractures (otherwise, you’ won’t be able to give sufficient pressure on the heart). Don’t worry about hurting the person. Better they’re alive with some broken ribs, than the alternative, right?
The American Heart Association’s video is less humorous, but is also worth watching if you want to really learn this life-saving technique.
To take in-person classes on CPR, visits the American Red Cross.