Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
betterhealth.vic.gov.au
  • Always call triple zero (000) in an emergency. This fact sheet is not a substitute for proper CPR training by an accredited organisation.
  • Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) combines rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) and chest compressions to temporarily pump enough blood to the brain until specialised treatment is available.
  • Chest compressions are the priority in CPR. If you can't to do rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) chest compressions alone may still be life-saving. Try to minimise interruptions to chest compressions until help arrives.
  • CPR is a life-saving skill that everyone should learn. Courses are available.
  • CPR works on the principle of 30 chest compressions and 2 breaths of rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth) – known as 30:2).
  • Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) can be used by anyone in an emergency and are easy to use. Voice prompts guide you through what to do.
  • The steps involved in CPR are known as DRSABCD (or ‘doctors ABCD’).

Give feedback about this page

More information

Content disclaimer

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 20-10-2021