Learn CPR in 60 Seconds

Experts now say the best way to perform CPR is using a “hands-only” technique

Watching a 60-second video on a simple CPR technique could help 
you save a life

These days, our world seems to revolve around gathering quick bits of information while on the go. But how much of it sinks in? One new study has shown it works when it comes to cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Call it CPR training — in one minute.


Each year, more than 300,000 people in North America suffer cardiac arrest while out in the community or at home. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart suddenly stops. Sadly, outside of hospital, survival is extremely low. But research shows that if bystanders can start CPR right away, the chance of survival doubles — and almost triples.


Experts Want More Bystanders to Attempt CPR

Stats suggest that bystanders only attempt CPR 26% of the time, but experts are hoping to make it easier for more people to offer help.

A new study from Arizona, published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, shows that bystanders who view a 60-second “hands-only” CPR video are more likely to attempt and perform better-quality CPR during an emergency than those who do not watch the video. In fact, the willingness to perform CPR after viewing the video was similar to the willingness in those who watched a longer training video or participated in a practice training session with a mannequin.


Forget the Breathing: CPR is Now “Hands-only”

CPR was first developed 50 years ago. Hands-only CPR forgoes the rescue-breathing (or mouth-to-mouth) part of the procedure.

Surveys have shown that bystanders may be worried about disease transmission in mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or they fear they cannot perform conventional CPR properly.

Recent studies have found that chest-compression or “hands-only” CPR is effective, easier to remember and most importantly, better than doing nothing. The brain will die in four to five minutes without oxygen, so chest compressions are critical to keep the blood flowing up to the brain.


The new revised guidelines from the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada support chest compression-only CPR for bystanders who have not received 
formal training in CPR.


How to Perform CPR for a Cardiac Arrest

Remember that cardiac arrest is not a heart attack. It occurs when the heart suddenly stops, causing a person to literally keel over. If this happens in front of you, here’s what to do:


• First, call 911.

• Ask if a defibrillator is available. These portable machines are automatic in function and can talk you through their use.

• While waiting for help, immediately push hard and fast in the centre of the person’s chest, at a rate of 100 compressions a minute. For those of you old enough to remember The Bee Gees song “Stayin’ Alive” — use it as the perfect tempo.


Originally published in TV Week. For daily updates, subscribe to the free TV Week e-newsletter, or purchase a subscription to the weekly magazine.