According to recent statistics sudden cardiac arrest is rapidly becoming the leading cause of death in America. Once the heart ceases to function, a healthy human brain may survive without oxygen for up to 4 minutes without suffering any permanent damage. Unfortunately, a typical EMS response may take 6, 8 or even 10 minutes.

It is during those critical minutes that CPR can provide oxygenated blood to the victim's brain and the heart, dramatically increasing his chance of survival. And if properly instructed, almost anyone can learn and perform CPR.

Let's begin with CPR basics