3 MINUTES WITHOUT AIR
Air & Breathing
When someone stops breathing, you have roughly 3 minutes before brain damage begins. Know the basics. Act fast.
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IMAGE COMING SOON
CPR Basics
Check responsiveness — tap shoulders and shout. If no response, call 911 and begin CPR immediately. Place the heel of your hand on the center of the chest. Give 30 compressions at least 2 inches deep, at a rate of 100–120 per minute. After 30 compressions, tilt the head back, lift the chin, and give 2 rescue breaths. Each breath should last about 1 second and make the chest rise. Continue the cycle of 30 compressions and 2 breaths until help arrives or the person starts breathing.
Airway Obstruction
For a conscious choking victim: stand behind them, wrap your arms around their waist, and deliver upward abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver). Alternate with 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. For an unconscious victim: lower them to the ground, call 911, and begin CPR. Each time you open the airway to give breaths, look for the object and remove it if visible. Never perform a blind finger sweep.
Smoke Avoidance
In a fire or smoke-filled environment, stay as low to the ground as possible — smoke and toxic gases rise. Crawl toward the nearest exit. Before opening any door, feel the handle with the back of your hand. If it is hot, do not open it — find another route. Close doors behind you as you exit to slow the spread of fire. Cover your nose and mouth with a wet cloth if available. Exit the building immediately and never go back inside.
Breathing Emergencies
Signs of a breathing emergency include gasping, wheezing, inability to speak, bluish lips or fingertips, and clutching the throat. Act immediately — every second counts. If the person is conscious but struggling, keep them calm, help them sit upright, and call 911. If they become unconscious, begin CPR. Even if you are untrained, hands-only CPR (compressions without breaths) is far better than doing nothing.