I was recently forwarded another internet article referring to “cough CPR” and asked if this is something we should be considering.

This topic has been around for years. It shows up in emails, social media posts, and online articles. The message usually says that if you are alone and think you are having a heart attack, you should cough hard and repeatedly until help arrives.

It sounds helpful. It sounds simple. But it can also be misleading.

At In-Pulse CPR, we do not endorse “cough CPR,” and we do not teach it in our CPR classes.

What Is “Cough CPR”?

Cough CPR is usually described as a method of repeated, forceful coughing that a person can do if they think they are having a heart problem while alone.

The idea is that coughing may briefly increase pressure in the chest and help move blood during certain abnormal heart rhythms.

There are a few very specific medical situations where a physician or nurse may instruct a patient to cough. But that is not the same as CPR, and it is not something the general public should rely on during a medical emergency.

Why Isn’t “Cough CPR” Appropriate in CPR Training Courses?

I do not feel that “cough CPR” should be taught to lay rescuers.

It complicates the basic teachings of CPR and may confuse people about what CPR is actually for.

The finding that signals the need for CPR is that the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally. An unresponsive person will not be able to perform “cough CPR.”

That alone should tell us this does not belong in a basic CPR class.

There have been situations where a cough technique has been used under a physician’s direction. These are specific medical situations and always involve direct medical supervision. The patient is usually being monitored, and medical staff are right there.

Used for the wrong reason, or in the wrong way, it could be dangerous. More importantly, it could delay someone from doing what they really need to do: call 911 and get emergency medical help.

My Recommendation

If you think you may be having a heart attack, the first step is not to cough.

The first step is to call 911 immediately.

Do not wait to see if it passes. Do not try to drive yourself unless there is truly no other option. If you are alone, call 911 and put the phone on speaker so the dispatcher can talk with you.

If you are driving, pull safely to the side of the road and call 911. If you cannot call, try to get someone’s attention and get help.

Aspirin may be recommended in some suspected heart attack situations, but it is not right for everyone. Current guidance is to call 911 first and follow the dispatcher’s or medical provider’s instructions. Do not delay emergency care to take aspirin.

If someone else collapses, is unresponsive, and is not breathing normally, call 911, start CPR, and get an AED if one is available.

That is the CPR message we want people to remember.

Are There Any Situations When “Cough CPR” Is Appropriate?

There are times when coughing may be helpful, but those situations are very limited.

One example is during cardiac catheterization. During this procedure, a patient may develop a sudden abnormal heart rhythm. Because the patient is being continuously monitored, the medical team may see the rhythm problem right away. Before the patient loses consciousness, a physician or nurse may instruct the person to cough repeatedly.

This may help maintain blood flow for a short time and may help keep the person conscious until the rhythm is treated or stops on its own.

But again, this is happening in a medical setting. The patient is on a monitor. A physician or nurse is present. Emergency treatment is available immediately.

That is very different from being alone at home, at work, or in a car after reading advice online.

Bottom Line

“Cough CPR” should be limited to specific monitored medical situations where a healthcare professional gives that instruction.

It should not be taught as a public CPR skill.

For the general public, the recommendation remains simple:

Call 911.
Start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
Use an AED as soon as possible.
Follow the dispatcher’s instructions.

At In-Pulse CPR, we will continue to teach the skills that people are most likely to need in a real emergency. Simple steps. Hands-on practice. Clear action.

That is what saves lives.

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Author: Mollie Bowman, Owner and Primary Instructor for In-Pulse CPR
Updated: 2026

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