🔴 Truth Drop
Every year, over 7 lakh Indians die of sudden cardiac arrest.
Most victims could survive — if bystanders knew CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation).
👉 In India, survival rate after cardiac arrest is less than 5%.
In countries like Japan or the US, it’s above 60% — because people act before the ambulance arrives.
“Your two hands can replace a machine.
Your courage can replace time.”
📖 What is CPR?
CPR (Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating.
It keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional help arrives.
The first 4 minutes after cardiac arrest are the most critical — after that, brain cells begin to die.
⚠️ When to Start CPR
Start immediately if:
✅ The person is unconscious
✅ Not breathing normally (or gasping)
✅ No pulse felt
Even if unsure — start CPR.
The only wrong decision is doing nothing.
🧠 CPR in 3 Steps (Hands-Only Method)
1️⃣ Check for Response and Breathing
– Tap shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?”
– No movement → tilt head, check breathing for 10 seconds.
2️⃣ Call for Help (108 / 112)
– Ask someone to bring an AED (defibrillator) if available.
– If alone, make the call on speaker while starting CPR.
3️⃣ Start Chest Compressions
👉 Place the heel of your hand in the center of the chest (between nipples).
👉 Interlock both hands, elbows straight.
👉 Push hard and fast:
- Depth: 5–6 cm (2 inches)
- Rate: 100–120 compressions per minute
- Rhythm: Like the beat of “Stayin’ Alive” 🎵
👉 Allow full chest recoil each time.
Keep going until:
✅ The person starts breathing or moving, OR
✅ Medical help / AED arrives.
💨 Full CPR (If Trained)
For trained rescuers:
- 30 compressions + 2 rescue breaths
- Mouth-to-mouth:
👉 Tilt head, lift chin, pinch nose, cover mouth, give 2 gentle breaths (1 sec each).
👉 Resume compressions immediately.
If you are not trained or uncomfortable giving breaths, continue hands-only CPR nonstop.
⚡ Using an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
1️⃣ Turn it ON – follow voice instructions.
2️⃣ Expose the chest and attach pads (one below collarbone, one on side).
3️⃣ Clear everyone away when it says “Analyzing” or “Shock advised.”
4️⃣ After shock, resume CPR for 2 minutes until next prompt.
🧩 CPR for Special Situations
| Situation | Steps / Notes |
|---|---|
| Child (1–12 yrs) | One hand for compressions, depth ~5 cm, 30:2 ratio |
| Infant (<1 yr) | Two fingers at chest center, gentle compressions (4 cm depth) |
| Drowning | 5 rescue breaths first, then 30:2 CPR |
| Pregnant Woman | Perform compressions slightly higher on chest |
| Electric Shock | Ensure power is OFF before touching victim |
📦 What Every Building Should Have
✅ At least one AED (Defibrillator) for every 500 people capacity
✅ Trained staff in CPR + first aid
✅ Clear signage for emergency equipment
✅ CPR chart poster near reception / lift lobby
✅ CPR training day every 6 months
🧭 CPR Do’s & Don’ts
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Start compressions immediately | Wait for ambulance to arrive |
| Use firm surface | Perform on bed or sofa |
| Push center of chest | Push stomach or ribs |
| Keep rhythm steady | Panic or rush irregularly |
| Continue till help arrives | Stop because “you’re tired” |
🧠 CPR Myth vs Truth
| Myth | Truth |
|---|---|
| “CPR is only for doctors.” | ❌ Anyone can and should do it. |
| “You’ll hurt the person.” | ✅ Maybe a rib crack — but you save a life. |
| “Only breathing is needed.” | ❌ Chest compressions are priority. |
| “CPR can restart the heart.” | ❌ It maintains blood flow till shock is given. |
| “It’s complicated.” | ❌ It’s simple — push hard, push fast. |
🛡 HowToSurvive Tip
🧩 Train Together:
- Learn CPR as a family, workplace, or school group.
- Practice on a manikin or even a pillow to memorize rhythm.
- Refresh every 6 months — skills fade, lives don’t.
📢 Systemic Lessons
India must:
- Make CPR training mandatory in all schools, colleges, and driving license programs.
- Equip public spaces (malls, airports, metro stations) with visible AEDs.
- Integrate CPR training into CSR and disaster preparedness programs.
- Create “CPR Hero of India” recognition for citizens who save lives.
📣 Call to Action
🚨 Don’t wait for permission — act!
If someone collapses, you are their best chance.
👉 Your two hands, your two minutes — someone’s second life.
📎 References
- AIIMS Cardiac Arrest Registry Report, 2025
- Indian Resuscitation Council Guidelines, 2024
- WHO “Basic Life Support Manual,” 2023
- NDMA “First Responder Manual,” 2024
- VFF India “Public CPR Readiness Study,” 2025
🔚 Closing Line
You don’t need a stethoscope to save a heartbeat.
This is why we built HowToSurvive.in — to make every citizen a heartbeat away from being a lifesaver.