Performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a crucial skill that can save lives in emergency situations. CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygenation when someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to perform CPR:

1. Assess the Situation:

• Ensure your safety and the safety of others at the scene.
• Check for responsiveness by tapping the person and shouting loudly, "Are you okay?" If there is no response, the person is unresponsive.

2. Call for Help:

• If someone is with you, ask them to call emergency services immediately (or call yourself if alone).
• Specify that you need an ambulance and provide your location.

3. Check for Breathing:

• Quickly check if the person is breathing normally.
• Look for chest movement, listen for breath sounds, and feel for breath on your cheek.

4. Begin Chest Compressions:

• If the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally, start chest compressions.
• Place the heel of one hand on the center of the person's chest, just below the nipple line.
• Place the other hand on top of the first hand and interlock the fingers.
• Position yourself with your shoulders directly over your hands, and keep your arms straight.
• Use your body weight to compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep.
• Perform chest compressions at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions.

5. Rescue Breaths (not always recommended):

• After 30 compressions, give two rescue breaths.
• Open the person's airway by tilting their head back and lifting the chin.
• Pinch the person's nose shut, create a seal with your mouth over theirs, and give a breath that makes their chest rise.
• Continue with chest compressions and rescue breaths in a ratio of 30:2.

There are three main reasons for untrained bystanders may decline giving rescue breaths: The first is that the thought of giving rescue breaths makes bystanders less likely to want to perform CPR. The second is that rescue breaths interrupt lifesaving chest compressions. The third is the risk of disease transmission. Hence, only chest compressions should be continued in this case

However some conditions require rescue breathing such as:

• Babies and young children suffering cardiac arrest from a non-cardiac cause.
• Near-drowning victims
• Drug overdose victims
• Asthma attacks, poisoning, choking, and carbon monoxide poisoning,

6. Continue CPR:

• Continue the cycle of 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths until:
  • The person starts breathing on their own.
  • Emergency medical personnel arrive and take over.
  • You are too exhausted to continue.

7. Use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) if Available:

• If an AED is available, use it as soon as possible.
• Follow the instructions provided by the AED, and resume CPR as directed.

Remember these key points:

• Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
• Minimize interruptions in chest compressions.
• Provide effective rescue breaths, ensuring the chest rises with each breath.

It's crucial to attend a certified CPR training course to practice these skills under the guidance of a qualified instructor. Regular training helps maintain proficiency and confidence in performing CPR when needed.