A person may collapse if their heart stops beating. This is called cardiac arrest. People in cardiac arrest need CPR and an ambulance.

CPR saves lives by causing blood to flow to the heart and brain while waiting for an ambulance. You can save lives by knowing CPR.

CPR is needed when there are no signs of life. There are no signs of life if the person is:

• Unconscious and not responding
• Not breathing normally
• Not moving

To perform CPR:

• Lie the person on their back
• Push on the chest hard and fast 30 times at a rate of approximately twice a second. Keep your arms straight and push in the middle of the chest. This is the most important part of CPR.
• Tilt the head back, pinch the nose and blow twice in the mouth.
• Continue to alternate 30 pushes on the chest with two blows in the mouth until an ambulance arrives.

For comprehensive first aid information please refer to the St John Emergency Handbook. You can also ensure you’re ready to help by completing a St John First Aid course. and purchasing eye first aid products at the St John On-line shop.