CPR is something people do when someone’s heart stops working.

Your heart is like a pump.
It pushes blood around your body so your brain and body get air and energy.

If the heart stops, the blood stops moving.
That means the brain does not get the air it needs.

That is very dangerous.

CPR is when someone pushes on the chest to help the heart keep moving blood until doctors or firefighters can help.

Why Do People Push on the Chest?

When you push on someone’s chest, it squeezes the heart inside.
That makes the blood move, just like the heart normally does.

Even though it is not as strong as a real heartbeat, it is strong enough to keep the person alive for a little while.

That gives time for:

• An ambulance to come
• A doctor to help
• A special machine called a defibrillator to fix the heart

When Do You Use CPR?

You use CPR when someone:

• Is not waking up
• Is not breathing
• Has fallen down and looks still

That means their heart might not be working.

Why Is CPR Important?

Your brain needs air all the time.
If it does not get air for a few minutes, it can be hurt forever.

CPR keeps the air and blood moving so the brain stays okay.

It is like keeping a fire going with little puffs of air until someone can fix it.

Who Can Do CPR?

Anyone can learn CPR.

Grown-ups, teachers, parents, and even kids can learn how to help.

Knowing CPR means you can be a hero when someone needs help.

The Big Idea

CPR is how we help someone stay alive when their heart stops.

It gives them time to be saved.

And that is a really powerful thing.